Jeanneau SO 440 vs. Lagoon 42

SAILING MONOHULL VS. CATAMARAN COMPARISON

In this article, we compare a traditional cruising monohull: Jeanneau SO 440 to a traditional catamaran in the 42 feet range: Lagoon 42

We get these inquiries constantly: Are multihulls truly better than monohulls? In what ways? Does it make a difference to me? What are the critical contrasts among mono- vs multihulls?

The most perceptible thing about cruising a catamaran or trimaran versus a conventional monohull sailing yacht is the absence of healing.

In any event, when the sails are powered up, a multihull will rarely heel more than 5-10 degrees before it’s an ideal opportunity to reef.

If you are planning a sailing vacation or want to find out what is the best option for charter ownership and you aren’t sure whether you want a catamaran or a monohull, you need to weigh the pros and cons of each to see what makes more sense for your purposes. At Yacht-Match, we quite like both … for different reasons!

Let’s dig into to the pros and cons and compare a sailing yacht to a sailing catamaran…

Technical specifications

Key differences

In the table below, you can see the key specifications.

Jeanneau SO 440 Specifications

HULL LENGHT

41'47" / 12,64 m

BEAM

4,29 m / 14’ 0’’

DISPLACEMENT

8.5 t

WATER

330 L

FUEL

200 L

SAIL AREA

90,3 m2 / 972 Sq ft

No. OF BERTHS

4 to 10

POWER

45 HP

Lagoon 42 Specifications

HULL LENGHT

12.80m / 42'

BEAM

7.70m / 25'3'

DISPLACEMENT

12.1 t

WATER

300 L

FUEL

300 L

SAIL AREA

90 m² / 968 sq.ft

No. OF BERTHS

6 to 12

POWER

2 x 45 HP

Exterior

Cosy ergonomical cockpit vs. plentitude of social areas

Jeanneau SO 440 Exterior

The new generation of Sun Odysseys reflects harmony on board, and this well-being flows from a clever ergonomic design.

The new Jeanneau Sun 440 benefits from an entirely new, innovative layout for greater ease of movement about the boat. At once seaworthy and welcoming, cosy and sporty, masculine and feminine, the Jeanneau SO 440 is as attractive on the interior as on the exterior.

Some of the innovative new features include a convertible coamings offering a unique relaxation zone, where you easily can shift the cockpit seating bench into a day bed.

The easy access to the catwalks and the shrouds position further enhance the flow and accessibility to the front of the yacht and as well the boom and mainsail lazybag.

This is all made possible by the re-design of the deck structure where the recline found at both port -and starboard offering direct access level to the helms position and the catwalks.

The exterior breaths more classical yachting and the signature styling of the Jeanneau Yard’s sailing range Sun Odyssey. Reefing and easy access to winches are made possible through the option of a german sheeting system.

Innovative layout for greater ease of movement about the boat
Clever ergonomic design
Spacious open layout
Easy handling

Lagoon 42 Exterior

The Lagoon 42 benefits from a rig set more centrally, a formula with advantages validated by her bigger sisters. The larger foretriangle makes it possible to juggle between the big self-tacking jib and the downwind sails.

Because of the high aspect ratio of the mainsail, the size of the boom is shorter. It provides performance and manoeuvrability, while weight-centering limits pitch. From the helm, the unobstructed view and the access to all sail manoeuvers guarantee perfect control, even when sailing short-handed.

With no exception to any other catamaran in this segment, the Lagoon 42 offers plenty of social areas. Only two little steps separate the bathing platforms from the cockpit, a large terrace on the same level as the saloon. Protected but airy, the cockpit simply invites you to relax.

In the front of the catamaran, you will find yet another social area and added cockpit accessed through both catwalks.

A link between the interior and the ocean, the cockpit of the 42 multiplies the spaces for relaxation and facilitates communication. Well-separated, the helm station remains accessible at all times. The large table that can sit eight to ten guests doesn’t hinder traffic or access to comfort and storage facilities.

Interior

CLASSICAL VS. CONTEMPORARY CRUISING LIFESTYLE

Jeanneau SO 440 Interior

The Jeanneau SO 440 breaths more classical yacht than most other yachts from their competitors in this segment. It offers a dedicated chart table situated facing away from the companion way next to the galley.

Entering the saloon by the smooth descending companion way, you are immediately struck by light, from both the indirect lighting and ventilation hatches and hull and coach roof windows. The galley a L-shaped galley centered at port side, offering a safe and very functional space to cook and work under way.

The are several elegant details that make for the spacious interior, like the extra seating space in the saloon area which converts to a beautiful chaiselong or an extra couch for the dining table.

Some noticeable practical details is the refrigerator’s front access, which is very helpful in both using and cleaning the unit. Compared to the catamaran, there are extra storage space details in the galley and also enough storage under floorboards and seating.

The layout options features three different owners versions set up, with the choice between two bathrooms, two cabin or a combination.

Unique for this segment of yachts is also a wide rectangular owner/ captains bed at the front of the yacht.

Lagoon 42 Interior

Available in three or four cabin versions, the Lagoon 42 can accommodate up to twelve passengers when the saloon table is converted into a double berth and the forepeaks are fitted out.

Whatever option is chosen, the huge saloon remains identical, aligned with Lagoon’s standards: panoramic view of the exterior, exceptional ventilation, easy to move around, durable and select materials.

The mast pole in the middle is somewhat a design feature found in the Lagoons newer version and is something you pay focus to in the beginning but over time is forgotten.

The galley extends out on either side of the large sliding glass window. Practical both at anchor and under way thanks to its U-shaped layout, it favours immediate access to storage, large volumes of cold storage, natural ventilation and generous worktop surfaces

The front cabins has rather high placed asymetrical beds and offer a lot of light and space but not any extra storage. None of the guest will draw the shorter straw when picking their quarters as the Lagoon 42 offers spacious double beds in all four cabins.

Not so common for catamarans in this size is to have separate showers and heads, the Lagoon 42 offers both, with a lot of ventilation.

Key highlights

We’ll summarize with some key highlights

The Pros:

Jeanneau SO 440 Key highlights

Pros and Cons of the Cruising Sailing Yacht (monohull):

The Pros:

A Monohull will tack quickly, is much more manoeuvrable and is faster to respond to the helm than a cruising Catamaran
Monohulls slice through the water effortlessly … and without the slapping that some catamarans (with low bridge decks) often produce. Monohull designs work harmoniously with the elements instead of trying to fight them
Monohulls maneuver better because you’re not dealing with two hulls. They can make sharper turns and navigate much more easily through narrow channels and tight spaces. Plus, their higher hull displacements reduce the adverse effects of cross winds in tight conditions.
As much as some claim sailing “flat”, as you will on a catamaran has major advantages, healing is great fun. Not much can match the exhilaration of sailing a monohull … and that’s a fact!
In an anchorage, a monohull usually swings much less than a cat if placed side by side.
Monohulls of equal sleeping capacity and equipment are generally less expensive purchase, and also to charter than a catamaran.
If berthing in a natural bay or anchor is not an option, then a monohull is offers more choices and is certainly cheaper. In northern European waters, marina berthing is a regular necessity and completely safe open anchorages are few and far between.

The Cons:

All main living spaces (with the exception of the cockpit) are situated below the waterline. After an extended period aboard, one can begin to feel a bit like a mole person. However, that’s something most sailors are used to. For non-sailors, or those who suffer from claustrophobia, it can be quite disconcerting.
Ventilation throughout the boat can present some challenges on still nights if you don’t have air conditioning. However fans are a great alternative.
Monohulls are definitely less stable than catamarans both under sail and at anchor.
Square foot for square foot, each area of a monohull tends to be smaller than its counterpart on a catamaran, simply due to the shape of the boat and the usable space each design permits.

Costs:

Multihulls are definitely increasing in popularity and as a result of strong demand they command higher prices in both new and brokerage markets. Maintenance costs, which are significantly higher than for a monohull, need to be factored in when making a buying decision. The monohull is not half the price of a multihull but certainly a price bracket down or two.

Lagoon 46 Key highlights

Bold design with signature superstructure
L-sofa and U-galley diagonally opposite to one another
Self tacking jib makes single-handed sailing possible
Two of in total four heads with separate showers
Improved look and feel of the interior

Pros and Cons of the Cruising Sailing Catamaran (multihull):

The Pros:

One of the major advantages of a catamaran versus a monohull is their inherent stability.
Stability is a big plus for families with young children or seniors who are not particularly steady on their feet. It is much easier to walk around on deck and within the interior of the yacht while underway.
Anyone who may be prone to seasickness will feel the effects of motion much less aboard a cat than they might on a mono.
The added stability on a cat makes the cook’s job a lot less challenging both while underway and at anchor. Catamarans don’t rock and roll the way monohulls do.
Catamarans generally provide far more living space in the main salon, galley and cockpit, than the space found aboard similarly priced monohulls. Cabins are more spacious too and even the smallest cat in the fleet has stand up headroom in each cabin.
The shallow draft of a cat allows you to anchor in shallower water which means you can be closer to the beach than almost all monohulls.
The galley, main salon and cockpit are all on one level, above the water line … making life aboard as well as your view much more enjoyable.
Cats are usually pretty easy to dock because you have two motors and two rudders. No need for a bow thruster.

The Cons:

Because a wide bridge deck is strapped between two hulls, there can be slapping or pounding while underway in heavier seas. The slapping can become annoying, but is easily resolved by reducing sail. Unfortunately, that means reducing speed as well.
You won’t get the same amount of feedback from the wheel of a cat as from a monohull.
Cats take double the space to dock and often cost double to dock too.
Cats can’t sail as close to the wind as a monohull … but, most sail faster than a monohull on a reach, so if you fall off a few degrees and sail fast, you can usually get to the same place at the same time and sometimes faster, even though you will have to cover more ground.
Tacking a catamaran is not the same as tacking a monohull. You have to have sufficient speed to carry you through a tack without losing too much forward momentum. Square foot for square foot, a catamaran is much lighter than a monohull and for that reason, they slow down much more quickly.
Catamarans with similar sleeping capacity and equipment are usually (but not always) more expensive to charter than monohulls.

Costs:

With a minimum of two of everything, cost can run high. Catamarans have a great resale value and a very low depreciation rate due to their popularity, and they usually sell faster than monohulls. Since most catamarans are built in Europe, there are delivery costs involved when purchasing the boat.