The designers at VPLP have given the new 14-metre boat a fairly radical hull shape with significantly more volume, especially in the foredeck area. This allows the shipyard to install double cabins with berths at the front that are just as large as those aft. This means that the level of comfort is the same aft and forward. This is new in the world of catamarans in the mid-length segment and is particularly interesting for use in yacht charters, where all cabins are usually occupied anyway.
In the full-length owner's version in the starboard hull, the bed is therefore positioned in the foredeck, while the huge wet room with separate shower area is installed aft in the boat. This is also a novelty on the market for cruising catamarans of this size. The advantage of this special layout is that the cabin in the foredeck is further away from the cockpit and engine rooms, offering more undisturbed living comfort. For charter use, the Lagoon is also available with four cabins, plus four heads with shower option.
The mast is further forward again
The saloon and the exterior cockpit are spatially and functionally connected by a wide-opening sliding door. An exciting feature is that the two seating areas inside and outside are directly connected. In combination, this makes it possible to set up a large table with space for up to twelve people. On deck, the shipyard has cut out the freeboard aft to allow easy access to the side of the boat from the jetty. A good and also new idea. The helm position is raised on the port side. From there, another staircase leads to the spacious flybridge lounge on the upper deck.
The Lagoon 43 is the successor to the brand's previous bestseller, the Lagoon 42 from 2016. In addition to the completely rebuilt hull design, the designers have also revised the sail plan. On the predecessor model 42, the mast was still positioned far back on the boat, roughly in the centre of the ship. On the new boat, the Lagoon 43, the rig is once again positioned further forward above the forward cabin bulkhead. This also means that the mast support in the centre of the saloon is no longer required. The self-tacking jib is also no longer an issue; instead, an overlapping genoa with hole points on the roof is standard. The sail area is therefore significantly larger than on the previous model.
The first photos from the test are available in the photo gallery above. In the owner's version with three cabins, the new 43 from Lagoon costs 593,810 euros gross, including 19% VAT. The price for the version with four cabins and four heads is 601,545 euros gross. The comprehensive test will be published in a forthcoming issue of YACHT.
Technical data Lagoon 43
- Designer: VPLP Design
- Exterior design: Patrick le Quément
- Interior design: Nauta Design
- Hull length: 12.82 m
- Width: 7.69 m
- Draught: 1.40 m
- Weight: 13.3 tonnes
- Mast height above waterline: 19.94 m
- Mainsail: 68.0 m²
- Genoa: 37.0 m²
- Motorisation: 2x 57 hp built-in diesel
- Fuel capacity: 570 litres
- Fresh water capacity: 300 litres
