Lagoon 46 Review: Croatia"s Premium Charter Catamaran

The Lagoon 46 sits at the sweet spot of the Croatian catamaran charter market — large enough to feel genuinely luxurious, yet manageable enough for experienced bareboat sailors. Launched in 2019 as the successor to the Lagoon 450, this 13.9-metre catamaran from VPLP Design represents Lagoon"s current thinking on what a charter catamaran should be: spacious, modern, and built around the flybridge lifestyle.

With 38 boats available across Croatian charter bases, the Lagoon 46 has quickly established itself as the premium mid-range catamaran in the Adriatic fleet. This Lagoon 46 review examines whether the higher charter rates compared to smaller models like the Lagoon 42 translate into a meaningfully better experience. The short answer: for groups of 8–10, the extra space justifies the cost. For smaller groups, the math changes.

Key Takeaways

• Flagship interior volume: The Lagoon 46"s saloon and cockpit combined create an open-plan living area that rivals a small apartment. Four or five cabin layouts accommodate 8–12 guests with genuine comfort.
• Improved sailing performance over predecessors: VPLP"s hull design and increased sail area produce noticeably better upwind performance than the Lagoon 450. Expect 7–9 knots in 12–18 knots of true wind.
• The flybridge defines the experience: A full-sized outdoor living area with helm, dining for eight, sunbeds, and wet bar. Guests spend 80% of their time up here — it"s the boat"s defining feature.
• Premium charter rates reflect premium space: Weekly rates run 15–25% above the Lagoon 42. For larger groups splitting costs, the per-person premium is modest for significantly more space.
• Strong availability across Croatian bases: 38 boats in the fleet mean you"ll find options from Split and Trogir to Dubrovnik and Zadar.

Overview & First Impressions

The Lagoon 46 is the result of a complete platform redesign, not simply a stretched Lagoon 42. VPLP Design created new hull forms with sharper waterlines and reduced wetted surface, while Nauta Design handled the interiors with an emphasis on natural light and material quality. The result feels distinctly more refined than previous Lagoon models.

What strikes you immediately is the sheer volume of the cockpit. The hard-top bimini extends seamlessly from the coachroof, creating a protected outdoor living room that spans nearly the full beam. Add the fold-down transom platforms on each hull, and you have direct water access from multiple points — a genuine improvement for swimming, snorkelling, and dinghy operations.

Guests consistently comment on how the Lagoon 46 feels like a 50-footer inside. The raised saloon sole provides standing headroom throughout, and the panoramic windows flood the interior with natural light. This isn"t just marketing — the 46 delivers a noticeably different living experience compared to the 42.

Layout & Living Space

The standard charter version runs four cabins with four heads — the owner"s version substitutes a larger master suite in the port hull for one of the guest cabins. Most Croatian charter boats use the four-cabin layout, maximising guest capacity.

Each cabin has a proper island double berth, dedicated en-suite with separate shower compartment, and enough storage for a week"s clothing. Headroom ranges from 1.95 m to 2.05 m depending on cabin position — tall guests won"t stoop. The aft cabins in each hull are slightly larger than the forward cabins, with better natural ventilation from hull windows.

The saloon galley sits forward to port, with a three-burner stove, oven, top-loading refrigerator, and generous counter space. The navigation station occupies the forward starboard position with a chart table and electronics panel. Between them, a full-width settee and dining table seat eight for meals. The real innovation is how the cockpit integrates: massive sliding doors dissolve the boundary between inside and outside, creating a continuous entertaining space that feels limitless in calm weather.

The flybridge is where this boat separates itself. A hardtop with integrated solar panels provides shade and power. Forward sunbeds, an aft dining area for eight, and the helm station with forward-facing bench seat create a self-contained upper deck. Based on feedback from last season, charter guests spend the majority of their time on the flybridge, descending to the saloon mainly for cooking and sleeping.

Sailing Performance

The Lagoon 46 marks a genuine step forward in Lagoon"s sailing credentials. The VPLP hull forms are sharper and more efficient than the 450"s, and the increased sail area — 105 m² upwind — gives the boat better response in moderate conditions. In 12–18 knots of true wind, expect 7–9 knots of boat speed on a beam reach.

Windward performance, historically a weak point for Lagoon catamarans, has improved. The 46 points higher than the 450 and maintains speed better through tacks. That said, it"s still a charter catamaran — serious windward work against the bura (the cold northeast wind common in winter and spring) will require patience or motor assistance.

Twin 57 HP Yanmar diesel engines (up from the 42"s 30 HP units) provide confident auxiliary power. The additional horsepower is noticeable when manoeuvring in tight marina spaces or punching into headwinds. Differential thrust remains the primary docking technique, and the extra power makes it more decisive.

Draft sits at 1.30 metres — marginally deeper than the 42 but still impressively shallow. You"ll access the same anchorages and coves, with the added confidence that the heavier, more powerful boat provides in swell and current.

Lagoon 46 Specifications

Specification	Details	What it Means for You
Length Overall	13.99 m (45 ft 11 in)	Nearly four feet longer than the 42 — meaningful extra interior volume without berth width issues.
Beam	7.73 m (25 ft 4 in)	Similar beam to the 42 but longer waterline improves motion comfort and interior proportions.
Draft	1.30 m (4 ft 3 in)	Shallow enough for most Croatian anchorages while providing better directional stability than the 42.
Displacement	16,200 kg (35,714 lbs)	Heavier than the 42, producing a more comfortable motion in chop and a more planted feel underway.
Engines	2× Yanmar 57 HP diesel	Nearly double the power of the 42 — confident manoeuvring, better motor-sailing capability.
Fuel Capacity	2× 300 L (158 gal total)	600 litres total provides extended range for mixed sailing and motoring itineraries.
Water Capacity	2× 300 L (158 gal total)	600 litres supports a full crew for 5–6 days between marina top-ups.
Sail Area (Upwind)	105 m² (1,130 sq ft)	20% more sail area than the 42, translating to noticeably better performance in moderate winds.
Cabins / Heads	4–5 cabins / 4–5 heads	Four-cabin charter standard; five-cabin option suits larger groups or flotilla charter companies.
CE Category	A (Ocean)	Full offshore certification; designed for open-ocean passages.
Designer / Builder	VPLP Design / Lagoon (Groupe Beneteau)	Same design pedigree as the 42, with refinements from real-world fleet feedback.

Strengths

• Interior volume that redefines the category: The Lagoon 46 feels like a genuine step up from 42-foot catamarans — not just slightly bigger, but qualitatively different in how spacious the living areas feel. The raised saloon sole, panoramic glazing, and integrated cockpit create a sense of openness that smaller catamarans can"t replicate.
• Flybridge as primary living space: This isn"t an afterthought or a cramped perch. The Lagoon 46"s flybridge is a fully realized upper deck with dining, sunbathing, and helm functions. Guests report it"s where they spend most of their waking hours, with the saloon becoming a secondary space.
• Meaningful sailing improvement over the 450: Returning Lagoon charterers notice the difference immediately. Better pointing ability, improved speed in moderate winds, and a more responsive helm make the 46 more engaging to sail than its predecessor.
• Powerful twin engines for confident manoeuvrability: The 57 HP Yanmar diesels handle marina approaches, tight anchorages, and headwind motoring with authority. The step up from 30 HP (on the 42) is substantial and appreciated during docking.
• Build quality and finish: Nauta Design"s interior treatment — real wood veneers, integrated lighting, and thoughtful hardware — gives the 46 a fit and finish that justifies the premium positioning. Charter boats generally hold up well over multiple seasons.

Considerations

• Higher charter rates require larger groups to justify: The 15–25% premium over the Lagoon 42 makes sense for 8–10 guests splitting costs. For groups of 4–6, the per-person value proposition weakens — you"re paying for space you may not fully use.
• Marina fees scale with beam: At 7.73 metres wide, marina charges remain the catamaran premium — typically 50–80% above a comparable monohull berth. Factor this into your budget, especially for itineraries that include multiple marina nights.
• Heavier displacement affects light-air sailing: At 16,200 kg, the Lagoon 46 needs more wind to get moving than the lighter 42. In very light conditions (under 8 knots true), the extra weight works against you. The more powerful engines compensate, but purists will notice.
• Size demands respect in tight spaces: At nearly 14 metres long and almost 8 metres wide, the Lagoon 46 requires more forethought in congested anchorages and smaller marinas. Skippers new to larger catamarans should budget extra time for mooring approaches.

Who Should Charter the Lagoon 46?

Ideal for:

• Groups of 8–10 adults seeking maximum comfort: Four en-suite cabins, a flybridge for socialising, and a cockpit for dining — the Lagoon 46 handles group dynamics with grace. Each couple gets genuine privacy; the shared spaces accommodate everyone simultaneously.
• Multi-family charters with children: Two families sharing a boat need separation and common areas in equal measure. The Lagoon 46"s hull-by-hull layout provides both. The trampoline nets, swim platforms, and flybridge keep children entertained while parents maintain oversight.
• Experienced charterers upgrading from smaller catamarans: If you"ve chartered a Lagoon 40 or 42 and want more space without the complexity of a 50-footer, the 46 is the logical next step. The sailing systems are familiar; the living areas are significantly enhanced.

Not ideal for:

• Small groups of 2–4: A couple or small group will find the Lagoon 46 unnecessarily large. The Lagoon 42 delivers the catamaran experience at lower cost and easier handling for smaller crews.
• Budget-conscious charterers: If charter cost is the primary decision factor, the Lagoon 42 or a Bavaria monohull will deliver better value. The Lagoon 46 is a comfort upgrade, not a budget option.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Lagoon 46 compare to the older Lagoon 450?

The Lagoon 46 is a full redesign, not a facelift. Key improvements include better windward performance from VPLP"s new hull forms, a more refined interior by Nauta Design, more powerful 57 HP engines (up from 40–45 HP), and an improved flybridge layout. If you"ve chartered a 450 before, the 46 feels noticeably more modern and capable.

Is the Lagoon 46 suitable for bareboat charter?

Yes, for experienced sailors with catamaran familiarity. The boat is manageable for two competent crew, but its size demands confidence in marina manoeuvrability. If it"s your first large catamaran, a skipper for the first day is a worthwhile investment. Most charter companies in Croatia offer skipper packages starting from around €200 per day.

What"s the weekly charter cost for a Lagoon 46 in Croatia?

Weekly rates vary by season and charter company. As a general guide, expect €4,000–€7,000 per week in shoulder season (May/June, September/October) and €6,000–€10,000+ in peak season (July/August). These rates are typically 15–25% above comparable Lagoon 42 rates. Check current pricing on Yachtaris for real-time availability.

Can I charter the Lagoon 46 with a skipper?

Absolutely. Skippered charters are popular on the Lagoon 46, particularly for groups who want to relax rather than manage the boat. The skipper typically occupies a dedicated crew cabin (often the smallest forward cabin) or sleeps in the saloon on boats without a crew cabin. Skipper rates in Croatia run €150–€250 per day depending on season and experience level.

How does the Lagoon 46 handle the bura wind?

The bura (cold northeast wind) can gust 30–40+ knots, particularly in the Velebit Channel and around Split. The Lagoon 46"s stability and powerful engines handle moderate bura conditions capably, but strong bura events warrant harbour stays. The boat"s weight actually helps — it feels more planted than lighter catamarans in gusting conditions. Monitor weather forecasts and follow your charter company"s guidance.

The Verdict

The Lagoon 46 earns its position as Croatia"s premium mid-range charter catamaran. It delivers meaningfully more space, better sailing performance, and a more refined living experience compared to the Lagoon 42 — and the redesign over the older 450 is substantial, not cosmetic. The flybridge alone transforms the charter experience from "boat holiday" to "floating villa."

For groups of 8–10 who want the best catamaran experience without stepping into the 50-foot-plus bracket, the Lagoon 46 is the clear recommendation. Split the weekly rate across four cabins, and the per-person premium over smaller catamarans becomes modest for a significant upgrade in comfort and capability.

Browse Lagoon 46 Charters in Croatia

Compare availability and current charter rates for the Lagoon 46 across all Croatian bases. Browse Lagoon 46 catamarans for charter in Croatia and filter by your preferred dates and departure port.