Lagoon 43 Review: A Versatile Cruiser for Comfortable Onboard Living
Launched at the Cannes Yachting Festival, 2024, the Lagoon 43 has earned widespread praise since the moment it entered the market. Redefining what’s possible in a mid-size sailing catamaran, the Lagoon 43 raises the industry standard in its size range for cruising comfort, space, and adaptability. With clever design features, practical innovation, quiet performance, and seamless indoor-outdoor connection, it’s no wonder the Lagoon 43 is already earning attention as a top contender for both European Yacht of the Year 2025 and Boat of the Year 2025.
Whether you're considering yacht ownership or looking for the perfect vessel for your next unforgettable charter adventure, the Lagoon 43 is a model worth taking a closer look at.
About the Lagoon Brand
Founded in 1984 and built in France, Lagoon Catamarans has become a world leader in cruising multihulls, with nearly 4,000 boats produced to date. Backed by the Beneteau Group and designed by renowned naval architects VPLP, each model reflects decades of innovation, engineering expertise, and direct feedback from owners.
Lagoon pioneered the concept of adaptable layouts for both private ownership and charter use—prioritizing comfort, space, and sailing performance. Supported by the largest global dealer network in the industry, Lagoon delivers not just exceptional boats, but a full-service experience designed to support owners from first sail and every journey thereafter.
Lagoon 43: A Game-Changer in Mid-Size Cruising Cats
Designed by VPLP and styled by Nauta Design, the Lagoon 43 was created with a clear mission: to maximize onboard space and ensure seamless flow and connection between indoor and outdoor living areas.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the aft cockpit, which opens directly into the bright, spacious salon to form a unified living space that encourages effortless social connection. Storage has also been brilliantly addressed; the sheer volume integrated throughout the yacht is impressive, reflecting a deep commitment to functional design and the intelligent use of every inch onboard.
Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living
At the heart of the Lagoon 43’s appeal is its commitment to open, flowing spaces. The expansive cockpit offers a seamless connection to the interior through fully customizable sliding glass doors that span the entire width of the salon. Owners can choose to have all doors stack on one side or split the configuration, tailoring the flow between indoors and out.
In the cockpit, you’ll find ample lounge space with storage under the seating, an optional 144 L fridge for entertaining, and plenty of headroom despite the semi-flybridge located directly above. For added versatility in varying weather or while underway, the cockpit can even be fully enclosed. Another highlight at the stern of the Lagoon 43 is the revolutionary side gate, providing easy access to the dock when the boat is parked alongside it, which typically poses a challenge when embarking and disembarking.
A Well-Designed Helm Station
The port-side helm station mirrors the intuitive setup found on the Lagoon 42, offering excellent visibility forward and aft. Almost everything needed to operate the boat is within reach, including the throttles, twin winches (one electric standard, the second optional), and a Raymarine Axiom 12-inch plotter, autopilot remote, anchor chain counter, wireless VHF, and more.
This helm station is designed for both control and sociability, with a direct connection to the semi-flybridge above and the cockpit below, ensuring the captain is never isolated from the action onboard.
Elevated Social Space: The Semi-Flybridge
A standout feature of the Lagoon 43 is the semi-raised flybridge, a highly social place that also offers ample visibility, thanks to the elevation. Seating up to six people, it’s a great gathering spot with Bluetooth speakers and options for solar panels aft. It connects directly to the helm, keeping the skipper part of the conversation while underway.
Refined Interior, Built for Comfort
Inside, the Lagoon 43 showcases thoughtful, flexible living. Choose between a smaller coffee table or a full-sized dining table in the salon. You may even remove the seating bench to create a continuous indoor-outdoor dining setup with just a foot of space between the two tables, perfect for hosting larger gatherings.
The galley has been relocated to the port-forward corner of the salon, offering forward-facing windows for maximum ventilation, light, and views while underway. It’s equipped with double sinks, a gas oven and cooktop, ample storage, and even a pop-up TV that disappears into the countertop when not in use.
Throughout the interior, smart design features and plenty of natural light create a welcoming and versatile living space. In the four-cabin layout, which is ideal for charter, each cabin features large hull windows, skylights, and generous closet space, ensuring a comfortable experience for up to 8 guests.
Spacious Bow & Deck Features
The bow boasts extra-wide side decks, flush hatches, and several rail handles along the coach roof for added security while underway. A centralized bow seating area adds another social zone, with easy access to the chain locker and forward storage. The forward-opening salon window improves ventilation and communication between the salon and the foredeck.
Optional trampoline cushions and a silent energy package (as an alternative to the bow-mounted generator) add to the customizability of the vessel.
The sail setup also offers flexibility: you can choose between the standard high-roach mainsail, square-top mainsail, or even a Lagoon furling boom. Unlike the Lagoon 42, the genoa is not self-tacking on the 43, and the mast is positioned further forward, enhancing sail balance and handling.
A Strong Contender for Charter Ownership
If you’re considering entering the world of yacht ownership through a charter management program, the Lagoon 43 is a top-tier candidate. Its mix of guest capacity, excellent performance, entertainment space, and charter-friendly features makes it a compelling option for those looking to enjoy personal use while generating charter income.
Navigare Yachting’s flexible ownership programs allow you to do just that—with full-service support, maintenance, and global access to 12 sailing destinations.
Lagoon 43 Quick Specs
Manufacturer: Lagoon
Naval Architect: VPLP Design
Interior Design: Nauta Design
Exterior Design: Patrick le Quément
Length Overall (LOA): 13.85 m (45’5”)
Hull Length: 12.82 m (42’1”)
Beam: 7.69 m (25’3”)
Draft: 1.31 m (4’4”)
Air Draft: 19.94 m (65’5”)
Light Displacement: 13.9 t (30,848 lbs)
Sail Area (Upwind): 105 m² (1,130 sq. ft.)
Main Sail (Standard): 60 m² (646 sq. ft.)
Main Sail (Square Top Option): 68 m² (732 sq. ft.)
Furling Genoa: 37 m² (398 sq. ft.)
Engines: 2 x 57 HP
Fuel Capacity: 570 L (151 US gal)
Freshwater Capacity: 300 L (79 US gal)
CE Certification: A:12; B:14; C:20; D:30
Cabins: 4
Berths: 8–13
Heads: 4
Final Thoughts
With seamless flow, high adaptability, and thoughtful design, the Lagoon 43 isn’t just another pretty catamaran, it’s a forward-thinking cruiser designed for today’s sailors. Whether you're looking to explore the world with family, entertain guests in paradise, or place the yacht in a charter program, the Lagoon 43 delivers on all fronts.
If you are interested in smart yacht ownership that can offset your costs, but without the full responsibility, you have come to the right place. Navigare Yachting offers flexible charter management programs that make it easier than ever to step aboard. The Lagoon 43 may just be your perfect next move! Contact us to learn more.
Navigare Yachting is a five-time 2024 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award winner, trusted by over 400,000 charter guests since 2001. With over two decades of expertise and a global presence in 12 sought-after destinations, Navigare offers more than just unforgettable sailing experiences—we offer a smarter way to own a yacht. Whether you're looking to offset costs through charter income or enjoy hassle-free ownership with full-service management, Navigare Yachting makes yacht ownership seamless, rewarding, and global.