Lagoon 560 Catamaran Review – The Impressively Built Cruiser!

The Lagoon 560 is an immense vessel that is better suited to a large party than to a small, intimate gathering or a vacation consisting of only immediate family, but it could still handle that if you need a lot of extra space.

The 560 is bigger than life, and it glories in the spectacle it creates as it cuts its way through the water.

This Lagoon 560 catamaran review will touch on the enormity of the 560, as well as the most mundane aspects of this boat. The 560 was built to impress and is difficult to ignore.

Accommodation

The massive 560 offers big cabins to spread out in, along with the saloon and galley that put most boat galleys to shame.

A cramped feeling is not possible on a boat of this size, but the opposite feeling of being almost swallowed by the vastness can make itself known before you get used to this enormous boat.

Comfort is a given, and room for adequate room for as many guests as is appropriate makes this an ideal yacht for a charter with a group of friends or a big family.

Exterior

The two-leveled deck gives the 560 a more impressive appearance. The flybridge is divided into the helm and a lounge area for socializing with the skipper.

The deck is wide for ease of movement, and everything is easily accessible from the deck, including the stairs that lead directly into the water for swimming in the water. The flybridge can also double as extra sleeping space for a big group.

Interior

The modern design of the interior gives the 560 an updated feel in comparison to similar catamarans.

Cabins are spacious and have an open feel to them, a feeling that extends throughout the boat.

The saloon and galley are comfortable, easy to move around in, and promote socialization as neither area is enclosed, so conversations can continue uninterrupted.

Under Sail

Like other Lagoon cats, the 560 is controlled with little effort and handles like a dream. The boat sails smoothly, if not lethargically.

The power needed to get this boat going is definitely lacking. This is the 560’s biggest flaw, but perhaps, it’s most expected.

The mass of the boat bogs it down, but it does not feel like it’s plodding along grudgingly. Though at a disadvantage due to its size, the speed the 560 does pick up is consistent and steady.

Lagoon 560 VS 500

The 560 and the 500 are very similar boats, but they do differ when it comes to the style and efficiency of the bridge.

The bridge on the 500 has much less usable space than the 560, so it’s not conducive to lounging. On the other hand, the galley on the 500 is an upper and lower galley, which can be preferable to some sailors in comparison to the 560’s upper galley layout.


Lagoon 560 VS 52

The 52 is considered more spacious than the 560 and is faster than its relatively slow counterpart is. However, more power means controls that are more complicated.

Some sailors complain that the Lagoon52 is difficult to get used to due to having such a complex control panel. This can be especially frustrating for novice sailors or skippers captaining the boat without a professional crew.


Why Sail the Lagoon 560

  • Lots of space on board for big parties of family and/or friends
  • Easy to control and skipper
  • Layout encourages socialization
  • Sails smoothly and is consistently stable
  • Modern interior design
  • The two-level flybridge provides a panoramic view
  • Excellent galley and saloon layouts
  • The size of the boat leaves an impression

Conclusion

The 560 may appear to be more boat than you can handle, but the incredible amount of space on board instantly dissolves any misgivings you could have about chartering a boat of this size.

If you are looking to sail a large group on a catamaran, look no further than the 560. Wedding parties, group vacations, and family reunion trips would all be comfortably accommodated on board the 560. Though the boat is a bit slow, don’t let that deter you!

It’s no less fun, and the slower pace may be helpful to any sailors who have trouble gaining their sea legs. Next time you charter, if you want to make a statement or impress some friends, get a 560. It’ll certainly be a conversation starter!


Specifications

  • Type: Cat
  • Beam: 9,44 Metres
  • Draft: 1,5 Metres
  • YearBuilt 2015
  • Builder: Lagoon
  • cruise speed: 10 MaxSpeed 14
  • Engines: MAIN ENGINES 2 X YANMAR 110 HP ONAN GENSET 17,5 KVA

Have you already chartered the Lagoon 560? If so, you are welcome to share your experience in the comments below.

Neel 45 Trimaran Review – What to Expect?

Neel 45

French sailor Eric Bruneel worked for a catamaran company overseeing the building of sailing vessels for years before starting his own sailboat-building venture. Brunell is the innovative force behind the tri-hulled sailboat dubbed a trimaran.

This Neel 45 Trimaran review, along with others, has discovered that this design is considered too futuristic or bizarre for some sailors, while others embrace the multihulled vessel with open arms and the passionate eagerness of a sailor waiting to set out on a voyage.


Accommodation

The Neel 45 Trimaran was designed to look and feel modern. The furnishings are comfortable but serviceable and made from a lightweight material that won’t bog down the vessel.

Cabins feature double beds and large windows that offer a spectacular view from any angle. The boat is stripped down to bare essentials without compromising comfort. The spare accommodations allow for the boat to reach higher speeds.

One of the highlights below deck is the galley which gives you lots of counter space for cooking and is located in a central area that keeps you part of the action on board.


Safety

The advantage of having a champion sailor design a boat is that he has a deep understanding of what is needed to keep a vessel and her passengers safe.

The three hulls provide the boat with greater stability and balance, making sailing a smoother experience no matter what your destination.

Even down to the choice of furnishings, the Neel 45 has kept one eye on safety. The entire boat was kept to a minimum weight to keep it light, fast, and responsive.


Under Sail

Averaging 10 knots, the Neel 45 reaches speeds that would otherwise require a crew to run about to perform adjustments. This isn’t so on the 45, where controlling and maneuvering the vessel is kept on an even keel.

The power of the 45 is enough to take even experienced sailors aback in surprise. Under sail, the Neel 45 packs a punch that is nearly unmatched by its contemporaries.


Interior

The modernized look of the boat extends into the interior of the boat. Below deck is lined with a laminate that gives the interior a decidedly futuristic look that may or may not appeal to your particular tastes.

Sticklers for a boat to look like a boat inside, or to have the wood and snowy white paneling throughout the interior, will probably dislike the appearance below deck.

On the plus side, the headroom accommodates tall people easily, there is plenty of space for lounging, and there are numerous windows to let in natural light.


Exterior

A three-hulled boat can still garner double-takes by unsuspecting passers-by and can be something the sailor will have to become used to over time.

The boat’s look has been compared to a spaceship and, much like the interior, the appeal is debatable and largely left to individual tastes.


Why Sail the Neel 45

  • The three-hulled design allows for greater control, power, and speed
  • Furnishings are minimalistic and lightweight
  • The three-hull design makes the vessel safer and more stable
  • Easy to control and sail
  • Very fast
  • Modern design makes it stand out
  • Comfortable living spaces

In Conclusion

The Neel 45 Trimaran is a new experience for many sailors devoted to a single or double-hulled sailboat. The difference in designs, however, is worth the learning curve required for sailing this spaceship of the water.

The sheer speed and power are magnificent and exhilarating! If the aesthetics are displeasing to you, just bring a few colorful throws to toss around to add a splash of color. The performance strongly outweighs any offense to your inner decorator!


Specifications

  • Overall length: 44 ft
  • Overall width: 28 ft
  • Draft: 4 ft
  • Air draft: 63 ft
  • Displacement: 8.5 T
  • Furling genoa: 495 sqft
  • Inboard engine: Volvo 55 hp sail drive
  • Freshwater: 160 us gallons
  • Diesel: 80 us gallons
  • Cabins: 4
  • Berths: 8
  • Bathroom: 2