Lagoon MY40

Motor Catamarans - a desirable market

In the early nineties, Jeantot Marine launched their Euphorie 40 and 44. They met with critical success, but the concept was based too much on the idea of transposing the theory and design of a motorboat onto a catamaran hull, and also the engines that they used limited their range. From the end of the nineties, Fountaine Pajot was the only company to have produced a range, and to have believed in the concept… And we had to wait until 2010 to see any renewed interest on the part of other builders.

Trawler Cat, Multi Yacht or Power Catamaran?

This promising market sector, which had been somewhat overlooked, has suffered from a bit of an identity crisis: despite being referred to as trawlers at the beginning, multihulls have never seen the success of vagabond cruisers such as the Grand Banks, and have only attracted a small number of converts from the traditional motorboat market. Most projects have failed to really define the principle in depth, or to set themselves apart from fast, noisy, thirsty monohulls (with the notable exception of a few heavy duty, basic and steady boats). For sure, the aspects of stability and habitability make them attractive, but the increase in power (often insisted on by customers!) pushes these boats beyond what they were meant for, mixing up both their appearance and their behavior.

Lagoon’s Power Catamarans

The Power 43 designed by Xavier Faÿ and Philippe Subrero was an excellent boat in the twin 180hp version, but the race for power and desire for speed ended up affecting the reliability of the transmissions, and led to the thirstier twin 350hp version. Evolving to become the 44 didn’t give rise to an enduring model, and the world-leading manufacturer withdrew from this area of the multihull market. The appearance of a new power catamaran whose DNA has been totally reworked demonstrates a rethink on their position, and a willingness to develop a more rational program.

An original concept. One which is more ambitious than it appears.

The basis of the MY40 is taken from the Lagoon 39 sailboat, whose geometry gives it the qualities of a large and habitable platform, designed for the open sea. This makes it a boat which is really aimed at cruising, with all the advantages of generous interior volumes, encouraging a gentle, nomadic life. The reasonable size also allows it to sneak in to some of the more rustic ports (always the most interesting!) and to check out some of the more off-piste anchorages. Drying out is an option, on the little skegs which protect the rudders and the drivetrain. The two 75hp motors are well suited to the boat’s specifications, with the proviso that you are swapping instant speed and acceleration for a smooth ride and a promising range.

Pleasant lines

With lengthened sugar scoops, small windshield, rigid bimini over the helm station and the mast in the form a cross, for holding the antennae (as seen on the 44), the 40MY affirms its new identity (keeping the martingale stay on the forward beam appears not to be necessary). For the rest, the comfortable aspects of the sailboat on which it is based seem to suit the vocational nature of wandering the seas, and without recourse to an arrogant and complicated design which you might find with a motor yacht! Below the water, the aft third of the hulls have been redesigned to create a tunnel and the keels have been done away with, to make way for beaching skegs.

An interior layout which is great at sea

On this type of boat, the outdoor spaces play a large part in the living experience: they interact with the essential goals of cruising and are often the determining factor in the enjoyment of it all. The MY40 is a compact multihull whose boat/marine environment interfaces are functional and simple to use. The davits and the boarding area on the sugar scoops clearly highlight the role the dinghy plays in the cruising program (the permanently-rigged bathing ladder, which serves also as a safety handrail and bracket for the liferaft, is cleverly integrated into the line of the tunnel). The foredeck is a big space for friends or relaxation: the trampoline is in two parts, separated by the compression beam, which also serves as the track for the anchor chain. Access to the sunbathing area on the coachroof is easy, but this space is really only usable when it is calm. The wide sidedecks open into the highly adaptable cockpit. Well sheltered from the wind, and with the bimini protecting you from the sun, it really is the boat’s center of activity. When under way, as it is close to the helm station, it can be transformed into a proper living space. Canvas enclosures can be added when boating out of season, or it makes a useful porch area if you are over-wintering on board. The double sliding doors open the salon up wide to the cockpit; the Nauta design is, as always, very effective and the Alpi oak cabinetry helps create a cozy atmosphere. The quality is evident everywhere, even under the closest inspection. The galley, refrigeration, desk, dining area are all functional and enjoyable to use. Privacy in the salon is easily preserved with the blackout curtains. Direct ceiling lighting by LEDs, and indirect by strip lights gives a warm atmosphere and perfect color. The insulation of the hot water pipes could be better. The addition of forced-air heating and a watermaker gives this adventurous little boat a great level of self-sufficiency. The cabins (4 on the version we tested) are perfectly fitted out with the “comfort” pack (insulation, ventilation, curtains, mosquito screens, etc.) Obviously the three cabin version would be even better suited to private owners.

The Engine Installation

The two 75hp Yanmars are 1995cc, 4-cylinder, 16-valve machines. Installed as standard in the First 50, the Sense 55 or Lagoon 420, they develop modest power for multi-valve, turbo-charged motors, but this gives them better longevity. They weigh in at 249kg including the saildrive. The durability of a propshaft is always preferable, but the advantages of a saildrive for their compactness and simplicity of installation are obviously beneficial to the builders. The saildrive is a mechanical unit which, being submerged, requires regular checking and proper maintenance. Access to the engine compartments is via a deck hatch, and then by lifting a false floor which consists of three insulation panels. The installation is clear, the working space is good and all the essentials are visible. A raw water cooling alarm would be a useful addition, as the holes in the strainer are small and could easily be blocked by bits of plastic trash, and the overheating alarm is really only a second-best option here. The insulation is good, but little improvements could be made by using a foam sandwich material combining insulation and absorption.

Electricity and Fuel

The two 300-liter aluminum tanks are high quality and well secured in the hulls. They have inspection hatches for cleaning, and can be removed if necessary. What a great idea! The use of good quality fuel and regular servicing of the filters should prevent any problems. It’s best to fill up using two different pumps, to avoid the possibility of contaminating both tanks. Each motor has its own starter battery, and the house bank, which consists of 4 x 120A batteries, is located below the bunk in the port aft cabin. It is securely fixed to the frame, but doesn’t have covers for the terminals. The battery switch panels are of high quality and are well located.

Seatrial

We undertook our trip in February off La Camargue on the Mediterranean coast of France the day after a Mistral had been blowing at more than 80 knots. The temperature was “fresh” and really made us appreciate the shelter provided by the coachroof, and its excellent visibility. Despite the chill, I was able to stay at the helm station quite comfortably on the double helm seat for several hours. Our first day went well, doing all the essential maneuvering tests in Aigues-Mortes Bay, before setting a course for the small harbor at Saintes Maries de la Mer, some 20 miles away. With a light favorable wind as we set off, the MY40 reached its top speed of 11.8 knots at 3,400 rpm. I settled at 11 knots (which is the maximum cruising speed) for the whole trip (with 15 knots of wind forward of the port beam) aiming to arrive before dusk at the entrance to the Petit Rhône river. The boat was trimmed a little “bows-up” at this speed, and the motors were audible, but it wasn’t particularly unpleasant. There was a long, barely noticeable, swell moving in the opposite direction to the chop, and the MY40 made the most of this, enjoyably accelerating up to 13.5 knots (as measured by my Garmin Quatix) down these waves! This observation shows that good use of the weather forecast could lead to some clever navigation for longer trips with this model. In the evening we enjoyed cooking and staying on board this little home on the water. I found that going down into the hulls when underway showed that the hull-cooling works well, and that the forced-air ventilation is effective. The engine temperatures remained stable and the engine noise was ok. The following day we had a different plan, and we made the most of the MY40 in what I believe to be its true vocation. You’ll be aware that the perception of speed is relative: Jacques-Yves Le Toumelin used to say he was perfectly happy at six knots, and was ecstatic when the Kurun reached seven. Yesterday at 11 knots average we were really going along, but by dropping that to ten, we could still be making 240 miles in 24 hours… enough to make the north coast of Sardinia from here! On this lovely winter morning I wanted to try a cruising rhythm. Over a run of 20 miles I would try the cruising speed that I would have used with the MY40 over a long run. At 8 knots, I almost forgot the motors were running, the trim was perfect and the movements gentle, as the boat felt like it was peacefully swimming across the surface: life on board could carry on as if one were on a sailboat on a nice day! At this pace we were using 0.96 liters per mile and the sea was truly ours! We had dreams of carrying on to the Italian coast, or the fantastic anchorages around Corsica, or even Greece, out of season. The idea of taking a winter’s sabbatical came to mind (which would probably be less attractive in a sailboat!). Heating, wind generators, watermaker and solar panels mean fewer visits to the dock and so on, and my sedate speed would allow us to make up to 600 nautical miles without refueling. Unfortunately time didn't allow this, and back in the real world, I realized that the harbor was ahead of us… shame! A final test going astern to come alongside the dock confirmed the perfect maneuverability of the MY40, and my time on board was (unfortunately!) over.

Conclusion

I really liked the idea of the MY40: it is comfortable and spacious, yet compact for maneuvering in harbor and in an anchorage. Easy to understand, use and maintain, its great sailing aptitude opens the doors wide to offshore and semi-coastal cruising and wandering. Its modest engine power corresponds with what many enthusiasts are looking for in this type of catamaran, favoring a style of nomadic cruising, which is economical and which respects other users of the sea (marine life included), while offering efficient runs and good sea-keeping qualities. This boat is going to be a fore-runner in a transition that I like, and it offers an enviable level of freedom.

Technical Specifications

• Naval Architect: VPLP
• Builder: Lagoon
• Interior Design: Nauta
• Length: 11.99 meters
• Beam: 6.70 meters
• Draft: 0.91 meters
• Motors: 2 x 75 hp Yanmar 4JH4TCE
• Transmission: Saildrives
• Alternators: 12v 125A
• Diesel: 2 x 300 liters or 2 x 400 liters as an option
• Fresh water: 300 liters
• Basic price ex-tax: 3-cabin version €272,000 / 4-cabin version €277,220
• Principal options in € ex-tax: Comfort Pack/ Electronics: 20,250 Cockpit cushions and stainless backrest: 2,329 Mattress for coachroof sunbathing area: 1,841 3x120A solar panels: 4,435 Cockpit enclosure screens: 2,466 12V - 220V/2000W inverter: 3,065 Sea Recovery watermaker 65 liters/h : 9,859 Diesel forced-air heating : 10,700 Antifouling and epoxy primer: 1,919 Delivery and launching at Sables d’Olonne, France: 6,941
• Price ex-tax of the boat we tested: €320,512

Fuel consumption (Manufacturer's figures)

RPM Speed in knots Consumption (both motors) 1,800 7.35 6.18 2,150 8.01 7.60 (giving 0.96 liters/nautical mile) 2,800 9.25 18.93 3,200 10.2 28.72 3,258 11.03 33.56 Weight: 11.2 tonnes Fuel and water 1,280 kg Crew 150 kg Safety and anchoring equipment 220 kg Giving a displacement of approximately 13 tonnes 18x16 LHSD 3-bladed propellers

Plusses

• Cleverly designed boat 
• Enjoyable to use 
• Comfortable on board

Minuses

• Maintenance of the sail drives 
• No protection for the terminals of the service batteries 
• Engine insulation could be improved

Competitors

 

Model	Power	Designer	Price in € ex-tax
Aquila 38	2 x 100hp	Morelli/Melvin	287,000
Leopard 39	2 x 60 or 120hp	Morelli/Melvin	289,000
Fountaine Pajot MY37	2 x 110 or 220hp	Daniel Andrieu	284,000
Fusion 40	2 x 150 or 260hp	Garry Lidgard	455,000

Caption

1. : Generous freeboard is valuable on a power multihull - it gives good height to the platform and minimizes spray. 
2. : The little antenna-carrying mast allows sensible space for the electronics, and fits well into the lines 
3. : The hard-top offers effective protection from the sun, and an enclosure kit can be added 
4. : The lengthened sugar scoops transform the aft third of the hull into a better tunnel-form 
5. : The double sliding doors open up onto a large friendly space, joining the salon and the cockpit 
6. : The fixed bathing ladder also serves as a handrail for getting in and out of the dinghy 
7. : The cockpit makes for a great living space, and the optional screens with which it can be enclosed will prolong your boating season, or even mean you could winter on board 
8. : The wide sidedecks and the trampoline contribute to both the safety and the fun of this kind of multihull 
9. : In addition to its role as a sun shield and wind break, the MY40’s bimini can also be fitted with solar panels and a wind generator to increase your self-sufficiency at anchor 
10. : The person on watch is sheltered behind the windshield and sits comfortably on the double helm-seat, while still being linked with the interior.