The Lagoon 50 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Lagoon 50 2017 at 48,5 ft versus Lagoon 500 2005 at 51,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lagoon 50 2017 tips the scales at 63 934 lbs — 26 301 lbs more than the Lagoon 500 2005 at 37 633 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 80 hp for the Lagoon 50 2017 and 75 hp for the Lagoon 500 2005. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Lagoon 50 2017 carries 275 gallons versus 127 gallons in the Lagoon 500 2005. 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 50 2017 caps at 14. 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 50 2017 displaces 63 934 lbs — a 26 301-lb difference over the Lagoon 500 2005 at 37 633 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 — 4,7 ft and 4,7 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Lagoon 50 2017 uses fractional_rig_sloop rigging.
For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Lagoon 500 2005 carries 254 gallons versus 127 gallons on the Lagoon 50 2017 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Lagoon 50 2017 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 63 934 lbs displacement and 49 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Lagoon 500 2005 at 37 633 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.