LAGOON 400 CATAMARAN

Lagoon 400 Catamaran – 2012 Model Overview.

The Lagoon 400 catamaran, designed by the renowned naval architects Marc Van Peteghem and Vincent Lauriot Prévost (VPLP), represents a pivotal evolution in cruising catamaran design. Introduced in the late 2000s, the Lagoon 400 was conceived to offer a harmonious blend of performance, comfort, and ease of handling—making it a favorite among private owners and charter fleets alike. While the first production hulls officially launched around 2009, the design and engineering were finalized in the preceding years, making the 2007 specifications a solid reference point for understanding its core attributes.

Dimensions and Hull Design

The Lagoon 400 measures approximately 11.97 meters (39 feet 4 inches) in overall length, with a generous beam of 7.25 meters (23 feet 10 inches). This wide stance provides exceptional stability and interior volume, a hallmark of Lagoon’s design philosophy. The draft is a modest 1.21 meters (4 feet), allowing access to shallow anchorages and coastal cruising grounds. The hulls are constructed using GRP (glass-reinforced polyester) in a sandwich configuration, offering strength, durability, and thermal insulation.

The catamaran features twin skeg keels and twin spade rudders, ensuring responsive handling and directional stability. The helm station is typically located on the port side of the cockpit, offering good visibility and ergonomic control.

Rigging and Sail Plan

The Lagoon 400 is rigged as a fractional sloop with a deck-stepped mast and swept-back spreaders. The mast height from the waterline is approximately 20.3 meters (66 feet 7 inches), supporting a sail plan optimized for cruising. The upwind sail area totals around 84 square meters (904 square feet), comprising a mainsail of 56 square meters (603 square feet) and a genoa of 28 square meters (301 square feet). For downwind sailing, a gennaker or spinnaker can be deployed, increasing the sail area to approximately 132 square meters (1,421 square feet).

This sail configuration provides a balanced performance profile—adequate for light wind conditions while remaining manageable for short-handed crews. The sail area-to-displacement ratio of around 17.8 indicates a cruising-oriented vessel with moderate performance.

Interior Layout and Accommodation

One of the Lagoon 400’s standout features is its voluminous interior, made possible by the wide beam and clever layout. The saloon is bright and airy, with large panoramic windows offering 360-degree views. The galley is typically positioned aft in the saloon, adjacent to the cockpit, facilitating easy service and social interaction.

The standard layout includes four double cabins—two in each hull—with en-suite heads and showers. The cabins are spacious, well-ventilated, and finished in light-colored woodwork, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Additional berths can be configured in the forepeaks or saloon for larger groups.

Systems and Capacities

The Lagoon 400 is equipped with twin diesel engines, commonly Yanmar 29 HP units, providing reliable propulsion and maneuverability. Fuel capacity is approximately 400 liters, while the freshwater tank holds around 300 liters—sufficient for extended cruising. Electrical systems include shore power connectivity, battery banks, and optional solar panels or generator setups.

Performance and Handling

While not designed as a racing catamaran, the Lagoon 400 offers respectable cruising speeds and excellent comfort underway. The displacement of around 10.2 metric tons (22,531 lbs) and a displacement-length ratio of approximately 180–200 place it firmly in the category of moderate-weight cruising multihulls. The wide beam and low center of gravity contribute to a smooth ride, even in choppy conditions.

Conclusion

The Lagoon 400 (2012 design) embodies the essence of modern cruising catamarans: spacious, safe, and easy to sail. Its thoughtful layout, robust construction, and balanced performance make it an ideal platform for coastal exploration, island hopping, or extended liveaboard adventures. Whether operated privately or in charter service, the Lagoon 400 catamaran continues to be a benchmark in its class.