Fountaine Pajot vs Lagoon 55: Which Catamaran Is Right for You?

When choosing a premium sailing catamaran, the right model depends on how you want to spend your time on the water. Space, layout, sailing systems, guest accommodation and your plans for ownership all play a part. Both Fountaine Pajot and Lagoon are established names in cruising catamarans, with designs that bring together comfort and practical living aboard.

The Fountaine Pajot FP55 and Lagoon 55 sit in a similar size category, but each approaches life on board in its own way. The FP55 introduces Fountaine Pajot’s first flybridge in its sailing-catamaran range, with generous outdoor living areas, dedicated crew accommodation and a choice of layouts. The Lagoon 55 is known for its open, light-filled interior, multiple cabin configurations and social spaces designed around relaxed cruising.

So, which catamaran best matches your cruising plans and ownership ambitions? Let’s compare the key considerations.

At a Glance Comparison

Feature	Lagoon 55	Fountaine Pajot 55
Hull Length	16.56 m (54’4″)	16.98 m (55’7″)
Beam	9.00 m	8.80 m
Cabins	4–6	4–6
Guest Capacity	Up to 12	Up to 12
Cruising Style	Luxury cruising & charter	Long-range luxury cruising

Design and Deck Layout

The Lagoon 55 is known for its roomy outdoor living areas with a seamless flow from bow to stern and expansive lounging spaces, perfect for taking in the scenery. Designed with both comfort and safety in mind, the 55 features wide walkways and a flush deck free of tripping hazards creating a sleek, practical space that is ideal for life onboard. 

The Fountaine Pajot 55 is the first flybridge catamaran in Fountaine Pajot’s sailing range. Its outdoor spaces are arranged to give owners and guests different ways to enjoy time on board, from the aft cockpit to the forward cockpit and the elevated flybridge. The flybridge brings together a panoramic outlook and a dedicated social area, while the layout is designed to keep relaxation and sailing functions working together.

Fountaine Pajot also highlights dedicated crew quarters in a separate area, an important consideration for owners who expect to cruise with professional crew or operate the yacht in a crewed charter setting. Layout options include configurations aimed at owner use as well as versions designed to accommodate more guests.

Performance and Sailing

Both models are cruising catamarans designed to make time under sail comfortable and accessible. The right choice should not be based on dimensions alone: sail plan, engine specification, equipment, loading and the way the yacht will be used all affect the experience underway. A sea trial and a detailed review of the specification are the best ways to understand the differences for your own cruising style.

The Lagoon 55 is responsive and easier to handle due to its shorter length making it an excellent option for couples or smaller crews. While still having plenty of space for a family. Sail controls all being run to the cockpit allows the captain to sail solo and with confidence in a variety of conditions. 

The Fountaine Pajot 55 has a published hull length of 16.98 metres and standard twin 80 hp engines, with higher-powered engine options. Fountaine Pajot also offers the FP55 with its ODSea+ hybrid solution, which may appeal to owners interested in an alternative approach to onboard energy and propulsion. Ask the dealer to explain the available configuration, operating profile and charging requirements for the specific yacht.

Interior and Living Spaces

Found aboard both yachts is Lagoon’s signature style, thoughtful layouts, and an abundance of natural light. Elegant finishes, airy galleys, and walk-around beds combine to create bright, comfortable interiors that feel more like a luxury waterfront home than a sailing catamaran.

The Lagoon 55 comes equipped with a dedicated owner’s suite, depending on the choice of layouts, as well as welcoming guest accommodations. Large panoramic windows create an airy atmosphere perfect for taking in Navigare’s incredible destinations. The L shaped galley is the focal point of the interior featuring a 4-burner stove, oven, microwave, and large fridge. Perfect for entertaining guests and being a part of the party while preparing meals. 

Inside, the FP55 is designed around bright communal areas and a choice of accommodation layouts. One of its distinctive features is the option of two full suites, one in each hull, depending on the configuration selected. This can be attractive for couples sharing ownership or travelling with guests who value privacy. Other layouts can prioritise guest numbers, making it important to compare the actual floor plan rather than just the advertised cabin count.

For buyers comparing the two, the most useful questions are practical: which layout gives you the owner’s space you want, how many guest cabins and bathrooms are needed, how much storage is available, and how easily can guests move between the salon and outdoor areas? A side-by-side review of the plans will make these differences clearer than broad claims about which yacht is roomier.

Charter Management Considerations

Both the FP55 and Lagoon 55 may be worth considering as part of a charter management strategy, but the suitability of an individual yacht depends on more than the brand or model. The chosen layout, purchase price, equipment, location, expected demand, running costs and programme terms all affect the ownership case.

The FP55’s multiple outdoor social areas, flexible cabin arrangements and dedicated crew quarters may suit owners considering a crew-supported charter proposition. Its optional ODSea+ version is another point to explore with the dealer, including how the chosen specification aligns with the intended operating pattern.

The Lagoon 55’s flexible layouts and light-filled living spaces may appeal to a broad range of private and charter guests. Its cabin configurations give owners scope to consider different guest mixes, though the most suitable arrangement will depend on the target market and how the yacht is expected to be operated.

Larger catamarans in charter management are often operated with professional crew, depending on the destination, programme and yacht configuration. Ownership and usage arrangements differ, so ask the Navigare Yachting Sales team to explain the available programmes, owner-use terms, operating responsibilities and costs before deciding.

Pros and Cons

Lagoon 55

Pros

• Easy to maneuver
• Panoramic glazing and a bright, open salon
• Mass appeal in charter
• Flybridge and connected indoor-outdoor social spaces

Cons

• The precise equipment and performance profile vary by specification
• Compare the actual cabin plan, owner’s accommodation and storage against your needs
• Purchase and operating costs should be evaluated for the specific yacht and intended use

Fountaine Pajot 55

Pros 

• Flybridge and several distinct outdoor living areas
• A choice of layouts, including options with two full suites
• Dedicated crew quarters

Cons

• Its published draft is deeper than the Lagoon 55’s, which may matter in some cruising grounds
• The best layout and propulsion option will depend on intended use and budget
• Purchase and operating costs should be assessed against the chosen specification and ownership programme

Ownership Considerations: Which Catamaran Is Right for You?

The Fountaine Pajot 55 may be the better fit if you are drawn to its flybridge concept, multiple outdoor living areas, dedicated crew space or the option of a hybrid configuration. Buyers who value privacy between owner suites should look closely at the available FP55 layouts.

The Lagoon 55 may suit buyers who prioritise a light-filled salon, a choice of cabin configurations and a flexible layout for family cruising or guest accommodation. Its dimensions and equipment options should be assessed alongside the exact version you are considering.

There is no universal winner: the right catamaran is the one that best fits your cruising plans, preferred onboard layout and ownership objectives. If charter management is part of the plan, compare the financial and operational details of the programme as carefully as you compare the yachts themselves.

Navigare Yachting Sales can help you compare the FP55 and Lagoon 55, explore available configurations and understand which ownership solution may fit your goals. Contact our team to discuss the models and arrange the next step.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the Fountaine Pajot 55 and Lagoon 55?

The FP55 stands out for being Fountaine Pajot’s first sailing catamaran with a flybridge, its multiple outdoor living areas and dedicated crew quarters. The Lagoon 55 is known for its panoramic, light-filled salon and a range of cabin and salon layouts. The best comparison depends on the exact specifications and layouts being considered.

Can these catamarans be sailed without professional crew?

Whether owner-operated use is appropriate depends on the owner’s experience, the yacht’s specification, local regulations and the conditions. Ask the dealer for guidance on the specific yacht and the requirements of the intended cruising area.

What should I consider when choosing between the FP55 and Lagoon 55?

Think about privacy, outdoor living spaces, draft, propulsion, sailing plans, typical guest numbers and budget. If charter management is part of your plan, also compare the programme terms, expected operating costs and the demand for your chosen configuration.