The Lagoon 40 2017 vs Lagoon 500 2005 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Lagoon 500 2005 measures 51,0 feet overall (2005), giving it roughly 12,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the Lagoon 40 2017 at 38,6 feet (2017). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lagoon 500 2005 tips the scales at 37 633 lbs — 26 748 lbs less than the Lagoon 40 2017 at 10 885 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 75 hp, the Lagoon 500 2005 has a 46-hp advantage over the Lagoon 40 2017's 29-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Lagoon 500 2005 carries 127 gallons versus 106 gallons in the Lagoon 40 2017. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Lagoon 500 2005 is rated for 15 passengers, while the Lagoon 40 2017 caps at 11. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Lagoon 500 2005 could be the deciding factor.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Lagoon 500 2005 displaces 37 633 lbs — a 26 748-lb difference over the Lagoon 40 2017 at 10 885 lbs. That gap separates two entirely different categories of sailing: the heavier boat is built for offshore passage-making and load-carrying, while the lighter hull rewards performance sailing and easier handling in lighter air.
Both boats draw a similar depth — 4,5 ft and 4,7 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Lagoon 40 2017 uses fractional_rig_sloop rigging. For auxiliary power the Lagoon 500 2005 carries a 75-hp engine against 29 hp on the Lagoon 40 2017. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.
For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Lagoon 500 2005 carries 254 gallons versus 76 gallons on the Lagoon 40 2017 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Lagoon 500 2005 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 37 633 lbs displacement and 51 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Lagoon 40 2017 at 10 885 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.