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The immensely successful Lagoon 42 was first built in 2016, and over the next nine years, more than 1,100 boats were launched. I thoroughly enjoyed sailing one of the first hulls of this design that replaced the previous Lagoon 420/421 (270 hulls) and served as a workhouse for nearly a decade in both charter and private ownership.
The Lagoon 42 fit perfectly in the line between her contemporaries, the L400 and L450, where she bridged the gap for sailors who were uncomfortable with a larger platform or were unwilling to stretch to a higher price. She proved incredibly appealing over her nearly decade-long reign, and only in 2024 was she replaced with the Lagoon 43. She was the only model to date to surpass the Lagoon 380 in popularity and the high number initially built translates to more of these fun boats being available on the pre-owned market today.
Lagoon 42 under sail, all lines and controls run to the helm station. Lagoon 42 image.
Lagoon 42 Key Features
The model is the work of VPLP naval architects and designer Patrick Le Quement. The gullwing bridge deck visible here has been a popular solution to minimize pounding in a seaway by funneling water up and back rather than having waves slam into a straight, box-like undercarriage. The composite Bimini is angled up at the back to give the impression of suspension and speed even at rest. Compound curves abound in the shape of the cabin house and even the furniture. She’s all about soft lines that flow rather than hard angles that jar.
The skipper enjoys good sightlines both forward and aft from the raised helm that’s to port. There’s enough room for two people to work side-by-side with one steering and one working the two Harken winches that manage most of the lines. There’s even room behind the helm seat for a third person to stand or move through and down to the cockpit.
Single-handing (with the help of an autopilot) is possible since everything, from the B&G MFD to the Spinlock rope clutches, is within reach of the wheel. Steps lead up to the coachroof for access to the boom and the sunbed. Early models had a two-foot edge of smooth fiberglass on the curved cabinhouse that was slippery when standing up top, especially with wet feet so that’s something to check. On the bright side, there are lots of handholds around the helm pod to steady yourself and a fixed port is cut into the composite hardtop over the wheel so you can check on the main.
In the cockpit, eight can gather for a meal around the large table to starboard while another two can cozy up on the lounge to port. For happy hour, more guests can be accommodated on the small transom seat ahead of the davits.
A three-panel glass door leads from the cockpit to the saloon and both are on the same level without any elevation changes. The U-shaped galley has a three-burner Eno stove and a single sink to starboard and refrigeration to port. Even in rough seas where the boat may be pitching fore and aft, the chef will be secure in this galley that runs athwarships and provides good bracing points. You’ll notice that the top-loading fridge, however, is at the edge of the stairs, and it’s awkward to reach into its depths while balancing on the second step.
The saloon is roomy with an L-shaped settee that also forms the seat for the outboard-facing nav station where you’ll find a second set of B&G instruments for quick position checks when autopilot or crew is manning the helm. Tall windows bring in lots of natural light and because they’re vertical, they tend to cut down on interior heat better than angled windows that are more perpendicular to the sun’s rays.
The Lagoon 42 is available with three or four cabins. Our test boat had the owner’s layout with the entire starboard hull dedicated to the private master stateroom. Aft, the island bed is low with easy access and the cabin has large hull windows that let you check your position in an anchorage even from our bunk. Forward is the head with a huge shower, and amidships is a small but workable desk. Two cabins with two heads are to port.
Lagoon 42 owner layout contains a spacious master suite. Lagoon 42 photo.
Lagoon 42 Performance
The VMG Soromap rig was moved aft, opening the foretriangle and centering the weight to reduce pitching. This resulted in a shorter boom but that’s offset by a taller mast supporting a higher aspect ratio sail plan. The square-top mainsail adds another 40 square feet of sail area over the standard, and the self-tacking jib on a track forward of the mast makes shorthanded sailing easy.
On our test sail of an early model, we had 8-10 knots of true wind on Biscayne Bay south of Miami. Although the wind was light, we reached 6.1 knots in 11.6 knots of breeze at 50 degrees apparent wind angle, which isn’t bad for a multihull sailing upwind. Despite the light conditions, the tacks were light and smooth with a responsive helm and no hesitation.
Popping the 732-square-foot Code 0, we accelerated to 10 knots at 75 degrees apparent wind angle. When we cracked off to 110 degrees, we still held on to 5.3 knots of boat speed. Per reports, with 10 more knots of wind, she’ll reach 15 knots on a beam reach.
The upgraded twin 57-hp Yanmar diesels (standard is 45 hp) with Saildrives and Flexofold folding propellers, delivered a fast cruise of 8.1 knots at 2400 rpm and 8.7 knots at 3200 rpm at the top. She’s definitely not underpowered.
Lagoon 42 under sail. Lagoon 42 photo.
Lagoon 42 Pros & Cons
Although perspectives differ and tastes run the gamut, there are some clear pros and cons of this design. First, the Lagoon 42 sails well and points higher than many multihulls with fixed keels rather than daggerboards. The three-cabin owner’s version offers a sumptuous master suite that stretches along the entire starboard hull so extended stays aboard will never feel like camping. The raised helm is protected by the forward bulkhead and offers good sightlines forward and decent ones aft to the transoms if you duck under the Bimini. A well-equipped new Lagoon 42 sold for $460,000 ($342,000 base) in 2016, which was a reasonable price (compared to $700,000 for a comparable model today). Prices of used versions of these models now should be within reach for many (check Rightboat listings.)
Some drawbacks include a lack of handholds along the cabinhouse on the early models. Tankage is light with 79 gallons of both water and fuel, which will make distance cruising challenging. And with an air draft of nearly 68 feet, this model isn’t ICW-friendly so U.S. East Coast sailors will need to stay “on the outside” when passagemaking.
Lagoon 42 saloon and galley. Lagoon 42 photo.
Why Buy a Lagoon 42 Used
Just like an automobile, buying a pre-owned boat can provide a lot of value since the first owner(s) already took the initial depreciation. That said, there are a few more reasons that a used Lagoon 42 may make sense.
- Lagoon is a company with a long legacy and a solid reputation. It also has a bright, well-funded future ahead so you’re not buying a one-off model from a company that is no longer in business.
- There are more Lagoons sailing the world than just about any other multihull brand and that creates a large owners’ community with many points of reference and lots of advice.
- Over 1,000 hulls of this model were sold so these boats are more visible and available on the pre-owned market.
- Budget buyers can reach back to 2016 models, but anyone seeking a newer build can find a version just one or two years old.
- Some pre-owned boats may have been upgraded with practical cruising gear and systems that are often huge (but nearly free) benefits for second owners.
Conclusion
The Lagoon 42 is a good blend of liveaboard comfort and compelling sailing characteristics so she’s great at anchor or cruising to distant horizons. The model occupied the sweet spot for cruisers and charterers for an unusually long time and anyone looking for a steady and spacious platform for passagemaking or living aboard, should put this evergreen model on their shortlist.
Technical Specifications
Naval Architect Van Peteghem-Lauriot Prevost (VPLP)
LOA 42’ 0”
LWL 41’ 0”
Beam 25’ 3”
Draft (shoal/deep) 4’ 1”
Sail Area 968 sq. ft.
Air Draft 67’ 9”
Displacement 26,460 lbs.
Water 79 gallons
Fuel 79 gallons
Engines 2x45 hp Yanmar 4JH45 with Saildrive
