Designed by Patrick le Quément (good record in automotive production) and VPLP design, who gave new birth to harmony on the sea. The new look, following the designs of Lagoon 52, and then Lagoon 39 and 42, is obvious, but, less raw, and more smooth and sophisticated than previous models. Altogether, the new Lagoon 46 gives a more gentle and even more elegant feeling and sums up the good solutions of Lagoon 450, it's predecessor.
Why would Lagoon go and create a new model after Lagoon 450 which was the most wanted catamaran on the planet (746 Flybridge and more than 100 S models sold)? Probably because they want to keep the interest high and they want to keep their image o fan innovative company.
The general input of Lagoon, for the new design, was probably that, in which they want to make the boundaries between the life on land and the life on sea – invisible. The comfort they are trying to achieve is simply outstanding, and the fresh and gentle lines of the design are astonishing.
Outside
New design enabled the feeling of generous space, and this feeling of space becomes the feeling of luxury. It is created by open spaces, and windows all around the saloon area, including the big sliding door between the saloon and the cockpit.
It is also created by spending a lot of effort into design. Fly-bridge is less bulky than on previous models (L 440/450) and simply more harmonious in overall design, and the height of pillars supporting the coachroof is aligned with saloon windows, so the design gives more flow.
The new thing is the option to put a rather big sliding sash window on the head of the saloon towards the bow. We can see that Lagoon wanted to make boundaries between different living spaces onboard smoother and less visible, thus creating more harmony. Modular bow cockpit, kitchen more to the back, smoother entrance to the sea, and fewer levels between the stern and the cockpit, all influence that harmony.
As with the old Lagoon 450, the flybridge is accessible from both sides, but the helm station is centered. Also, the sunbathing cushions are positioned behind the helm station, so the whole fly-bridge compared to Lagoon 450 looks bigger and more luxurious.
There are a few options for the bimini, either the standard folding textile cabriolet or a rigid hard top bimini, with various surround options. Folding bimini is a good new idea, which enables you to put it on when you need it, and the rest of the time you can simply enjoy the sails and sailing even more.
There are three options for the dinghy system. Classic stainless steel fixed davits and electric winch davits, but there is also an option for a hydraulic platform that enables easier access to the sea and is really not a standard on catamarans of this size.
Rigging
There are a few novelties compared to the old Lagoon 450. The must is pushed a bit aft, more towards the stern. This move comes from VPLP's research and 30 years of experience in sailing catamarans. This way the weight of the must is more centered and it gives smoothness to the movement of the boat, but it also enables a bigger jib sail. A jib is self-tacking, so it's easier to handle the tacks. The boom is then reduced, but easier to handle.
Also, with this new, sailing design move, Lagoon enables and in fact, suggests the use of other sails for downwind sailing. It suggests taking another downwind sail, and they offer few options like code zero, etc..
Inside
Already as a standard, Nauta Design had made a great job on the inside, which is even more spacious than on its predecessors. It's elegant and spacious with smooth and soft continuous lines.
The size of the front cabins is new. The beds in bow cabins are now the same size as in the aft cabins. All beds are, therefore, 1,60 x 2,00 meters of queen-size beds. That was the charterer's demand, so this way the hussle about who gets which cabin will be gone. That change in design might seem easy from the outside, but in design and construction was really hard to achieve. Widening the hull creates a big problem in design above the waterline, it's increasing volumes are a problem, which comes with more weight. (Lagoon 46 is one ton heavier than 450, for only a few centimeters of size). Although they tried all kinds of techniques, (excessive counter-molds, lost stiffening elements of layout modules), the fact about more weight remains, but it’s balanced with moving the must aft.
In case one would decide for a 3 cabin owner version, the owner's suite is really spacious and hip, with an island bed for optimal comfort. There are 40 square meters of living space in the hulls.
Technical Installations
Engine compartments are set in the back, carefully made watertight. Connected through holes for engine controls, hot water, and electricity.
The only possible flaw is the position of the service battery, which is located at the bottom of the starboard engine compartment. The danger is there if some water comes in so that it could have been positioned a bit higher.
Windlass for an anchor is planned 1700W for 12mm chain. This is good and it anticipates the efforts that will be needed for such a huge boat.
Generator as an option is planned for forward lockers, as well as water tanks. Blackwater tanks are located in the center of the hulls, under the floor. Fuel tanks are under the beds in stern cabins.
PERFORMANCE UNDER SAIL:
Despite being undeniably overweight and having an impressive living area, the 46 is agile and picks up well in light airs, remaining manageable on all points of sail and behaves like a lighter catamaran as the breeze varies. Close-hauled and on freer points of sail, the efficiency of the sail plan maintains the enjoyment of helming, and careful observation of the instruments confirms the good performance. The numbers have only a relative value, but in less than 10 knots of wind, on a flat sea, the boat speed and the true wind are often not very different. 8.8 knots of speed in 12 knots true at 90° off the wind or even more impressive, 7 knots at 120° with 8 knots true. These are interesting numbers. Of course, this progression will not be linear, and we’ll have to wait for the breeze to significantly increase to exceed 10 knots of boat speed, but subject to sensible loading (the last ton is the worst!), it is likely that the proven agility on the 40, in 30 knots downwind and a formed sea, will be similar. The tolerance of the sail plan (and especially of the mainsail which when sailing downwind won’t need reefing for a long time), combined with a self-tacking jib at any event should allow for playful runs and comfortable average speeds in good conditions.
Engines
Under engine, the hourly consumption with 2x45hp Yanmars is 9.6l / hr per motor at 2400rpm with fixed propellers (speed: 7.85 knots) while it is 8l at 7.50 knots with three-bladed folding propellers. Equipped with the 57hp Yanmars, the consumption is 9.4l / h / engine at 7.90 knots (fixed propellers) and 8.1 knots for 9.9l / h with folding three-bladed, showing a very slight advantage to folding propellers, but a huge plus under sail (often 1 knot of the difference!). The maximum speed is about 8.85 knots.
Hulls
Vertical bows with fine entries for performance.
Gullwing bridge deck for a smooth ride through the waves.
Optimized form and volume, to carry a large payload without loss of performance.
Deck
Easy movement: wide sidedecks, flush deck hatches.
Transform Kits
Single davit system or Tenderlift platform.
Wide transom skirts for ease of boarding (even in the event of alongside berthing) and optimum stability when moored or at anchor.
2 wide and low cantilevered steps enable easy access to the cockpit.
A folding bathing ladder with 2 ergonomic integral handrails.
Cockpit
The cockpit and saloon are on one level.
“Lazy boy” for relaxing to starboard and a dining area to port.
The cockpit table: large for dining (12 people), with a sliding bench.
Plentiful storage and the option of adding modern conveniences.
Exterior galley with storage space and refrigerated storage in option.
Aft crossbeam with seats.
Picture window divided into several parts enabling a wide opening.
Forward cockpit
Large forward cockpit with seating convertible into sun pads and integral low table protecting the windlass. 3 large storage lockers.
Helming Station
Dual access: on the starboard side from the deck, on the port side from the deck and the cockpit.
The wide and welcoming helm station is on the centreline for perfect protection and all-round visibility.
900 mm wheel for the precision of operation.
All handling facilities are grouped together.
Mainsail traveler on electric block ‘‘flat winder’’ for ease of use.
Flybridge
Modular: sunpads or seats.
Various bimini options (flexible or rigid).
Galley
The galley is equipped with all amenities same as home: hob, oven and stainless steel sink with ample storage.
Techical
Propellers aft of the rudder blades: no cavitation and efficient maneuvering.
Generator located on the centreline (balancing masses).
Chain path on the composite beam: ease of use and of movement on the trampoline.
Mooring davit on the forward crossbeam: no chafing of the chain on the hulls