Lagoon vs Fountaine Pajot Catamarans: Build, Performance, and Resale Compared
Lagoon vs Fountaine Pajot Catamarans
Sailors comparing Lagoon vs Fountaine Pajot catamarans are often weighing comfort against cruising efficiency. Lagoon attracts social cruisers who value interior space, light, and lifestyle comfort. Fountaine Pajot appeals to sailors seeking balanced performance, range, and ease of handling.
Both brands dominate the cruising catamaran market and deliver strong resale potential. The key difference lies in how you plan to cruise, charter, or live aboard.
At a Glance
Category |
Lagoon |
Fountaine Pajot |
| Founded | 1984 – Bordeaux, France | 1976 – La Rochelle, France |
| Range | 40-77ft | 40-80ft |
| Construction | Vacuum-infused fiberglass | Composite sandwich construction |
| Design Focus | Volume, stability, comfort | Efficiency, sail performance, balance |
| Performance | Slower under sail; strong motoring ability | Faster, lighter, optimized hulls |
| Ownership Cost | ~7-9% of yacht value per year | ~6-8% of yacht value per year |
| Known For | Chater-friendly layouts and luxury interiors | Ocean-ready cruising and fuel efficiency |
| Best Fit | Liveaboards and family cruisers | Long-range voyages and owner-operators |
Build and Layout Notes
Lagoon: Known for wide beam designs, panoramic salons, and comfort-forward layouts. The shipyard emphasizes luxury and livability, making Lagoon the favorite among charter fleets and family cruisers. Interiors feel residential, with generous headroom and social spaces ideal for entertaining.
Fountaine Pajot: Focuses on performance and efficiency. Their catamarans are lighter, with sleeker hulls and more responsive handling under sail. Interiors balance comfort and practicality with eco-friendly systems and weight-conscious design.
Both brands offer semi-custom options, but Lagoon tends to lean toward volume and comfort, while Fountaine Pajot prioritizes balance and handling.
Performance and Range
Lagoon
+ Prioritizes comfort over speed, with larger interior volume and heavier displacement.
+ Ideal for coastal cruising or charter programs where motoring range matters more than racing performance.
+ Typically achieves 6–8 knots under sail in moderate conditions.
Fountaine Pajot
+ Designed for bluewater efficiency, often sailing 1–2 knots faster than Lagoon equivalents.
+ Narrower hulls and lighter construction translate to better fuel economy and sailing angles.
+ Favored among long-distance sailors and liveaboards seeking a true sailing feel.
Ownership and Maintenance
Lagoon:
Expect ~7–9% of yacht value annually in ownership costs. The global Lagoon network ensures parts availability and straightforward servicing, especially in major charter hubs.
Fountaine Pajot:
Typically, 6–8% annual ownership cost, thanks to lighter systems and simpler layouts. The builder’s eco-focused design also reduces long-term fuel and maintenance expenses.
Both brands have strong dealer support and community groups that make upgrades, troubleshooting, and refit guidance accessible worldwide.
Resale and Liquidity
+ Lagoon: High resale visibility, especially for popular models like the 42, 46, and 50. Charter-friendly reputation keeps brokerage demand strong.
+ Fountaine Pajot: Slightly smaller production volumes but higher demand among private cruisers. Retains value well due to its sailing performance and owner loyalty following.
In resale, Lagoon often sells faster, while Fountaine Pajot tends to hold a higher percentage of its original value.
Specs and Quick Facts
Brand |
Build Type |
Typical Speed |
Hull Design |
Maintenance Estimate |
| Lagoon | Fiberglass/GRP | 6-8 knots | Wide-beam catamaran | 7-9% of yacht value |
| Fountaine Pajot | Composite sandwich | 7-9 knots | Optimized hull form | 6-8% of yacht value |
Decision Factors and Tradeoffs
Lagoon Pros:
+ Spacious, luxurious layouts ideal for social cruising or charter.
+ Extensive dealer support and easier resale through large networks.
+ Stable, forgiving handling for new multihull owners.
Lagoon Cons:
+ Heavier hulls reduce sailing efficiency.
+ May require more fuel for motoring passages.
Fountaine Pajot Pros:
+ Stronger sailing performance and range efficiency.
+ Balanced comfort with eco-friendly technology.
+ Retains value among private owners and offshore sailors.
Fountaine Pajot Cons:
+ Slightly smaller interior volume than Lagoon equivalents.
+ Fewer models are available on the used market due to owner retention.
Costs and Timelines
+ Brokerage Purchase: Typically closes in 30–90 days, depending on survey and logistics.
+ New Build Delivery: Lagoon averages 12–18 months; Fountaine Pajot 14–20 months, depending on series.
+ Ownership Costs: Expect 6-9% of yacht value annually for maintenance, insurance, and docking.
What to do Next
1. Browse current catamaran listings to compare Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot models side by side.
2. Connect with a professional yacht broker for personalized valuation and resale insights.
3. Schedule viewings and sea trials to evaluate comfort, speed, and onboard flow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this take?
Most brokerage catamaran sales close within 30–90 days, depending on survey and financing.
What does it cost?
Annual ownership averages 6–9% of the yacht’s value, including berthing, insurance, and routine maintenance.
What are common mistakes?
Choosing based on interior volume alone considers hull efficiency, weight, and intended cruising range.
How do I compare options?
Use Yachtr’s compare tool or consult a broker to evaluate layout, sailing performance, and resale value across models.