General Info: L42 vs 420

[crayiii]

I've been searching for a cat for full-time livaboard and cruising and have mainly been focusing on a late model (2017-18) L42 owner version. I'm having a hard time finding one that doesn't burn up my $475k (or so) total budget.

I have recently been onboard an 2008 420 and really liked the layout. I've also seen a few of these listed in the $300k range. My broker seems to be pushing back a tiny bit on these because of age. I look at them and think that if they survey solid and I put $75,000 towards a refit I would still have $100,000 for my savings account.

Is my broker correct that a 2008 is an old boat and I should be looking more at late model boats for full-time living/cruising?

What am I giving up if I buy and refit a 2008 420 vs. buying and adding options to a 2018 L42? I'm seeing 420's that already have new solar, wind, watermaker, genset, etc.

[AB808]

Older boats can hold their own in resale (considering you may want to sell in 3-5 yrs) if well maintained. You have already cited the obvious, the older one likely has many of the add ones you want; solar, RO water maker, etc. If you do your homework & with a surveyor worth their salt, you will be sailing in a capable comfortable cat with considerable funds left in your cruising kitty. I use the same logic with other depreciating buys; motorized toys and automobiles- I just can’t justify the cost for a brand new model.

[Jim Woodall]

I believe you're looking at this the correct way. A well-maintained 420 can be properly outfitted for far less money than a new 42. One other thing to think about perhaps is resale. The 420 and to a lesser extent the 421 have not held their respective values as well as other Lagoons.

The Lagoon 420 series (420, 421) are both very good liveaboard cruising catamarans. The early issues with the hybrid engines and negative opinions about the 420's sailing abilities affected, and continues to affect, the way the 420 is viewed by many sailors. We looked seriously at a couple of 4 - 5 year old 420's before deciding to purchase a new Lagoon 42. Potential resale value was important to us. The Lagoon 420 and 421 are essentially the same boat and although a few improvements were made in the 421 it is little more than a re-branded 420. The 420 was re-branded the 421 because of the issues that hounded the 420 primarily because of the failure of the hybrid engines to function properly.

The Lagoon 42 is a completely redesigned boat and is, in fact, quite different than either of her predecessors. Thus far it is a far more popular boat than the 420 and 421 combined. Hull #'s of Lagoon 42's being ordered now are approaching or in the 600's. The Lagoon 42 should hold its value (fingers crossed) much better than the 420 or 421 have.

[Bean Counter]

A 2008 Lagoon, depending on how well it has been maintained, the only structural issue to be concerned about would be the wire rigging at 11 years old, most other things would be fairly easily repaired and or replaced over time. Obviously a survey should be carried out and you may find a lot of stuff has already been replaced such as Electronics, plotter etc, new sails, windlass motor, various water pump motors, bimini and so on, none of which are real show stoppers to get cruising. The issue with a new boat is if there is a warranty claim it is a hassle to hang around waiting for the procedures, the dock time, if there is no dealer in the port you are in, that is a hassle too and so on.

[crayiii]

Okay, those is pretty much what I was thinking. Now to find a solid 420 owners version in the US.