Yacht Vs Cruise – What to Choose?

Sunseeker on the water

A vacation out on the water is a common desire for many people. The preparations usually begin with a choice between a cruise and a chartered vessel.There are many reasons why someone would choose to board a cruise ship, and most consist of misinformation regarding either a

Lagoon 500 Catamaran Review – Is it a Smart Choice?

The Lagoon 500 Catamaran is an updated and improved version of the earlier Lagoon 440 model. The 500 was designed with a special emphasis on luxury without compromising efficiency, ease, or aesthetics.

The following Lagoon 500 Catamaran Review will touch on the most important aspects of the vessel that will help you determine if the Lagoon 500 is the right boat for your charter experience.


Accommodations

The Lagoon 500 is only 51 feet in length, which may seem small to the novice catamaran sailor, but, in reality, is the ideal size for its purposes. The boat may be deceptively small, but Lagoon does not skimp on the luxuriousness of the living spaces.

Decks are wide, below-deck cabins have plenty of room to move, the galley is convenient, and the wood and accents used for decoration are tasteful. Storage space is ample, another significant improvement over the 440 models. The stateroom spares no expense in layout and design.

From its furnishings to the indulgent shower stall, the stateroom is reminiscent of a pricey hotel suite instead of a living space aboard a ship.


Under Sail

Under sail, the Lagoon 500 handles with ease and transitions smoothly at different speeds and conditions. The catamaran handles wind well but can lose some speed in stiff wind. This loss of speed does not detract from the thrill of the sailing experience.

In fact, the 500’s design allows for ease of control even in poor weather circumstances and choppy water. These undemanding controls make the 500 a vessel perfect for even a novice sailor to operate without anxiety or difficulty.


Lagoon 500 Compare to Other Catamaran Models

Lagoon manufactures a variety of catamaran models for cruising. Here’s how the 500 measures up to some of the other models available.


Lagoon 500 vs. 52

The main difference between the 500 and the 52 is the setup of the aft mast. This sail has been raised on the Lagoon 52 to make the vessel faster and easier to steer, but it is common for sailors who have driven both vessels to comment that there is no real significant difference in the sailing.


Lagoon 500 vs. 420

The Lagoon 420 is an older vessel with an outdated design and a motor that has long since been changed in designs that are more modern. Compared to the 500, the 420 is old-fashioned and has the feeling of being too heavy or bogged down.

 


Lagoon 500 vs. 440

The 500 tends to handle bad weather a bit better than the Lagoon 440, but the 440 offers a spectacular view due to its layout. Both are very similar at first glance, but small details may appeal to or repel prospective sailors depending on personal preference.


Why Sail the Lagoon 560

  • The flying bridge design raises the helm, making the vessel easier to navigate and steer
  • Comfortable, spacious living areas
  • Lots of room on the deck to spread out
  • Quiet engine
  • Window designs provide more shade, and less direct sunlight, keeping the interior cooler.

In Conclusion

The Lagoon 500 is a conscientiously designed vessel that employs the sailing techniques of larger Lagoon models into a more compact vessel. The 500 is ideal for cruising but is not built for excessive speeds.

A novice sailor would find this boat easy to operate and a joy to sail. The vastness of space on board will accommodate a family or group of friends without everyone feeling they are squeezed together. The Lagoon 500 is a smart choice for a long or short family charter trip.


Specifications

  • Manufacturer: Lagoon
  • Length Overall:15.54 m
  • Beam:8.53 m
  • Draft Min: 1.40 m
  • Water Capacity: 960 L
  • Fuel Capacity: 960 L
  • Number of engines: 2
  • Power: 55 – 75 Hp
  • Cabins:2 to 5
  • Berths: 4 to 10

Did you sail the Lagoon 500? If so, feel free to share your experience in the comment below

Lagoon 450 Catamaran Review – Lagoon 450 Key Features!

This Lagoon 450 catamaran review introduces a boat based on designs few cruising catamaran enthusiasts thought needed changing.

The changes made produced a comfortable cruising catamaran. This boat is stable when anchored and offers wonderful visibility, space, and great comfort. The features incorporated make the Lagoon 450 a near-perfect cruising boat at an affordable price.


The  Flybridge 

One of the best key features of this cat 450 is the raised flybridge, located 15 feet above the waterline, over the interior cabin.

This gives the 450 great visibility and acts as the main cockpit except during inclement weather. The flybridge provides access to all power and sail systems, increasing passenger space for relaxation.


Stairway for a Safe Operation!

The 450 incorporates changes that increase safe operation for crew and visitors. The inclusion of a stairway leading from the aft saloon to the flybridge allows the crew to stay within cockpit protection.

No movement to the outboard hulls occurs to access the flybridge area. Transom modification allows safer boarding from a dinghy placed between the two hulls.

Fittings and equipment for subsystems use major brands, reducing maintenance and repair time.


 The Key Features of the Lagoon 450

The Lagoon 450 is a large, comfortable boat, making it an excellent choice for charter. The boat is well constructed and fits out.

Everything needed to ensure the safe, efficient operation is in place at an excellent price. The 450 is available in three or four cabin designs.

There is room for a family or group of friends. The two cabin options make the Lagoon 450 available to a wide of charter customers.

There are more distinct and separate living areas on this cruising catamaran than in any other design.


Accommodation 

  • forward deck
  • flybridge and cushions
  • forward deck-benches
  • foredeck netting and bow
  • aft cockpit
  • separate galley and interior navigation station
  • private hull accommodations

Wuy Sail the Lagoon 450

  •  A special bridge deck undercarriage mitigates a problem most catamaran vessels have in swells.
  • The designers have provided natural lighting and ventilation flow to all areas.
  • The choice of creature comforts, important for boats offered for charter, is well done and in line with the modern design of the Lagoon 450.
  • A well-thought-out addition was the interior placement of the remote navigation station. This allows complete operation of the boat while protected from inclement weather.
  • The technical sailing aspects of the 450 please sailing catamaran purists. This boat moves well, even in light air but is at home in 20-knot trade wind-type breezes as well.
  • Despite boat size, the power and maneuverability offered by twin screws make handling easier than expected. Top that off with a sales price that should allow for more affordable charter rates.
  • A factor appreciated by charter customers is the living space on this boat, comparable to boats of a larger size.


In Conclusion

The Lagoon 450 is a catamaran of the highest quality for the price asked. It has space and fits well enough to allow distance cruising or handling family-sized crews. The Lagoon 450 is a good balance of cost, comfort, and performance, making it an excellent choice for chartered operation.


Specifications
  • Type: Cat
  • Beam: 25.10
  • Feet Draft: 4.3
  • YearBuilt: 2019
  • Builder: Lagoon

Have you chartered the Lagoon 450? If so, you are welcome to share your experience in the comments below.