All About Sailingvideo
History of Lagoon Catamarans: The Good, The Bad, and What's Next
5 August 2026 · 15 min
What this video covers
Lagoon, a division of the Beneteau Group, has produced over 7,000 catamarans since its 1984 inception, establishing an 18% global market share.0:15 Originally a high-tech racing programme under Jeanneau, the brand shifted to luxury cruising with the 1987 launch of its first 55-foot model.0:44 The 1999 introduction of the Lagoon 380, which sold approximately 1,000 units over two decades, transitioned the company into a mainstream manufacturer.3:07 Subsequent models like the 420 Hybrid and the 450 achieved high sales volumes but faced significant scrutiny.4:11 The 420 Hybrid struggled with reliability and undersized wiring, leading to a programme cancellation.8:07 The 450 faced a structural controversy after 63 owners reported cracked or delaminated main bulkheads, which critics and Practical Sailor attributed to inadequate tabbing and gluing methods.9:44 Lagoon responded with a reinforcement repair kit and a dedicated support page, though debates regarding design versus operator error persist.10:48 Despite these issues, the brand maintains a vast service network and remains a dominant force in the global charter fleet.13:22
More from All About Sailing
From All About Sailing — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.
The Sailing Directory Newsletter
One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.