Lagoon 46 vs Lagoon 450: Which Catamaran for Your Croatia Charter?

The Lagoon 46 and Lagoon 450 share a builder and a size bracket, but they"re fundamentally different catamarans. The 450, produced from 2011 to 2018, was one of the best-selling charter catamarans ever made. The 46, launched in 2019, is its direct replacement — a complete redesign from hull shape to interior layout. With 70 combined boats available in Croatian charter fleets, you"ll encounter both models when searching for a 45–46 foot Lagoon catamaran.

This Lagoon 46 vs Lagoon 450 comparison helps you decide whether the newer model"s improvements justify its typically higher charter rates, or whether the proven 450 delivers better value for your particular crew and itinerary. Both are capable charter catamarans — the difference lies in refinement, sailing performance, and living space design.

Key Takeaways

• The Lagoon 46 is a complete redesign, not an update: New hull forms by VPLP Design, Nauta Design interiors, more powerful engines, and a reimagined flybridge make the 46 a different boat from the 450.
• The 450 offers proven reliability at lower rates: Seven to twelve years of charter service mean the 450"s quirks are well-documented. Charter rates are typically 10–20% lower than the 46.
• Sailing performance favours the 46: Better windward ability, improved hull efficiency, and more powerful engines give the 46 a meaningful edge underway.
• Living space favours the 46: The redesigned saloon, integrated cockpit, and larger flybridge create a more open, light-filled interior. The 450 feels more traditional and compartmentalised.
• Choose based on budget and crew size: The 46 rewards larger groups who"ll use every inch of the expanded living areas. The 450 suits budget-conscious crews who prioritise value over the latest design.

Lagoon 46 Overview

The Lagoon 46 represents Lagoon"s current design philosophy: maximise flybridge living, flood the interior with light, and improve sailing performance without sacrificing comfort. VPLP Design created new hull forms with sharper entries and reduced wetted surface, while Nauta Design reworked the entire interior with contemporary materials and better ergonomics.

The most obvious change from the 450 is the hard-top bimini that integrates with the coachroof, creating a seamless transition from saloon to cockpit to flybridge. Twin 57 HP Yanmar engines provide notably more power than the 450"s standard 40–45 HP units. The result is a catamaran that feels more modern, more capable, and more resolved than its predecessor.

Strengths: Superior sailing performance, more refined interior, larger and better-designed flybridge, more powerful engines, improved build quality and material finish.

Considerations: Higher charter rates, newer fleet means some boats still in early charter life with potential teething issues, heavier displacement affects light-air performance.

Lagoon 450 Overview

The Lagoon 450 (and its 450 S and 450 F variants) was a decade-long production success that established the template for modern charter catamarans. Marc Van Peteghem and Vincent Lauriot-Prévost (VPLP) designed the original hull forms, and Nauta Design created the interior — the same design houses, earlier execution.

The 450"s layout follows a more traditional approach: distinct saloon and cockpit areas, a functional flybridge, and proven systems that charter companies have maintained for years. Fleet boats range from 2013 to 2018 builds, meaning condition varies significantly depending on the charter company"s maintenance standards.

Strengths: Lower charter rates, extensively proven in charter service, well-documented maintenance history, familiar to charter company technicians, widely available across Croatian bases.

Considerations: Older design language, less powerful standard engines (40–45 HP), more traditional (compartmentalised) interior layout, fleet age means condition varies widely between charter companies.

Lagoon 46 vs Lagoon 450: Specifications Compared

Specification	Lagoon 46	Lagoon 450	What it Means
Length Overall	13.99 m (45 ft 11 in)	13.96 m (45 ft 10 in)	Virtually identical length; the 46 uses the extra centimetres in the bow profile for better buoyancy.
Beam	7.73 m (25 ft 4 in)	7.84 m (25 ft 9 in)	The 450 is marginally wider — negligible difference in practice for marina berths and living space.
Draft	1.30 m (4 ft 3 in)	1.30 m (4 ft 3 in)	Identical draft; both access the same shallow anchorages throughout Croatia.
Displacement	16,200 kg	14,500 kg	The 46 is 1,700 kg heavier — more structure, more equipment, but also more stability and comfort in chop.
Engines	2× Yanmar 57 HP	2× Yanmar 40–45 HP	Significantly more power on the 46; noticeable improvement in marina handling and motor-sailing.
Fuel Capacity	600 L (2× 300 L)	520 L (2× 260 L)	The 46 carries 15% more fuel despite higher consumption — net range is similar.
Water Capacity	600 L (2× 300 L)	600 L (2× 300 L)	Identical water capacity; both support a full crew for 5–6 days between top-ups.
Sail Area (Upwind)	105 m²	98 m²	7% more canvas on the 46 — combined with better hull forms, this translates to meaningful performance gains.
Cabins / Heads	4 / 4 (standard)	4 / 4 (standard)	Both offer four en-suite cabins in standard charter configuration.
CE Category	A (Ocean)	A (Ocean)	Both fully certified for offshore passages.

What the specs tell you: The Lagoon 46 is slightly heavier but better powered, with marginally more sail area and fuel capacity. On paper, the differences are modest. In practice, the 46"s redesigned hull forms and more powerful engines create a noticeably different sailing and handling experience.

Decision Guide: Choose the Lagoon 46 or Lagoon 450

Choose the Lagoon 46 if:

• You prioritise sailing performance: The improved hull forms, larger sail plan, and more powerful engines make the 46 genuinely better to sail. If you plan to spend significant time under canvas rather than at anchor, the 46 rewards that preference.
• The flybridge lifestyle matters to you: The 46"s redesigned flybridge is a proper upper living area. If your crew gravitates to outdoor dining, sundeck lounging, and helm-side socialising, this is the boat.
• You"re chartering with 8–10 guests and splitting costs: The per-person premium over the 450 becomes modest when divided across four or five cabins. The additional comfort and modern systems justify the difference for larger groups.
• Interior refinement matters: Better materials, more natural light, and improved ergonomics make daily life aboard noticeably more pleasant. Returning Lagoon charterers consistently prefer the 46"s interior treatment.

Choose the Lagoon 450 if:

• Budget is your primary consideration: The 10–20% savings on weekly charter rates adds up, especially in peak season. If the money saved goes toward a better itinerary, more marina nights, or a skipper, the 450 delivers better overall value.
• You want a proven, familiar platform: The 450 has been chartered thousands of times across the Mediterranean. Its systems are well-understood by every charter company technician. If reliability and predictability matter more than the latest design, the 450 delivers.
• Your crew is 6 or fewer: Smaller groups won"t fully utilise the 46"s expanded living areas. The 450"s layout is more than adequate for six adults, and the cost savings make more financial sense.
• You"ve chartered a 450 before and were satisfied: If the 450 met your needs on a previous trip, the 46"s improvements — while real — may not justify the premium for your particular use case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Lagoon 46 worth the extra cost over the 450?

For groups of 8–10 splitting costs, yes. The improved sailing, modern interior, and superior flybridge represent a genuine upgrade. For smaller groups or budget-focused charters, the 450 delivers 90% of the experience at 80% of the cost. The decision depends on your priorities and group size.

How does fleet age affect the Lagoon 450?

This is the most important practical consideration. Lagoon 450s in Croatian fleets range from 2013 to 2018 builds. A well-maintained 2017 build can be excellent; a poorly maintained 2013 build will show its age. Always ask your charter company about the specific boat"s build year and recent maintenance history. Reputable companies maintain older boats to high standards — the brand matters as much as the model.

Can a first-time catamaran charterer handle either boat?

Both are manageable for experienced sailors new to catamarans. The 46"s more powerful engines make marina manoeuvring slightly easier. The 450"s lighter weight makes it marginally more responsive under sail. Either way, consider a skipper for the first day to learn catamaran-specific handling, particularly differential thrust docking techniques.

Are spare parts and service equally available for both models?

The 450 has a slight advantage here — longer production run means more parts in circulation and more technician familiarity. The 46 uses current-production Yanmar engines and standard Lagoon components, so service availability is good but the 450"s ecosystem is more mature. For a week-long charter, this difference is unlikely to matter.

Which model holds up better in rough Adriatic conditions?

The Lagoon 46"s heavier displacement and improved hull forms provide a more comfortable motion in chop. The 450 is lighter and can feel more lively in steep seas. Both handle typical Adriatic conditions — including the afternoon maestral — with confidence. In strong bura conditions, the 46"s extra weight and power are appreciable advantages.

The Bottom Line

The Lagoon 46 is objectively the better catamaran — improved sailing, better interior, more powerful systems. But the Lagoon 450 remains a thoroughly capable charter boat that delivers excellent value, especially for budget-conscious crews or those chartering in shoulder season when rate differences narrow. The 46 is worth the premium for larger groups who"ll use the extra space and appreciate the modern refinements. The 450 is worth considering when the savings fund a better overall holiday experience.

Both models are available across Croatian charter bases. Browse Lagoon 46 catamarans and Lagoon 450 catamarans on Yachtaris to compare availability and current rates for your preferred dates.