Lagoon 380 - Post-Charter Review

[sigmasailor]

Just returned from a great sailing trip (Antigua to SVG) on a Lagoon 380. This was our first experience with a cat (Purrrfect) having sailed on Monohulls exclusively.

Some time ago I promised my feedback, well here it is:

Pro:
Room is enormous (much roomier than a 473 or even a 50 ft monohull);
Cockpit and saloon are pleasantly connected;
Fun about monohulls when anchored at rolly anchorages;
Maneuvering is a piece of cake, drives like a tank without even using the rudder;
Speed: 8-9 knots with 21 knots at 90 degree true (and with somewhat foul bottom);
Safe feeling in cockpit and saloon (even too safe to my liking, sailing with 35 knots in 8 ft waves seems not spectacular at all (you get used to the bumping noise), that is until you stick your head above the cabin roof);
Much less engine noise when motoring.

Cons:
Bumpy ride with lots of noise of waves slapping saloon bottom between the two hulls (and you still get whet);
Feeling in wheel is poor (feels like driving a truck);
Sail is very heavy; always needed winch to get it up (no problems with main on a 473 mono)
Overall sailing experience not as nice as in a monohull.

Conclusion: hard to say. For the sailing experience a mono without a doubt, overall comfort when at anchor the cat is the clear winner. Maybe a lighter cat is the solution?

[Sailmonkey]

You've just summed up my feelings exactally. I have never had the pleasure to sail on a more performance oriented cruising cat though (outremer or the like). None of them come close to my little beach cat though.

[Hydra]

IMO, length isn't the right parameter for comparing mono and cats. Price would be more relevant.

My own experience with a Lagoon 380 is similar: comfortable in harbor or at anchor, boring under sail.

Alain

[44'cruisingcat]

Originally Posted by sigmasailor

Maybe a lighter cat is the solution?

It is.

[44'cruisingcat]

Originally Posted by Hydra

IMO, length isn't the right parameter for comparing mono and cats. Price would be more relevant.

The OP was comparing a 38 foot cat with 47 and 50 foot mono's. Which would be more expensive?

[sigmasailor]

Originally Posted by 44'cruisingcat

The OP was comparing a 38 foot cat with 47 and 50 foot mono's. Which would be more expensive?

I compared those since I think they are about similar in price; the cat may be 10% more expensive than the 50 ft mono? To the advantage of the cat it must be said room feels 50% more than a 50 ft mono.
On the down side the amount of storage (for food) of the cat in the cabin is somewhat disappointing (and no reel deep freeze, just a cooling section, in the version we chartered).

[scook1]

Very informative posts, for someone who has not had the pleasure of being on a large cat. Thanks,
Spencer

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by sigmasailor

On the down side the amount of storage (for food) of the cat in the cabin is somewhat disappointing (and no reel deep freeze, just a cooling section, in the version we chartered).

Not really any fault of the boat's, just set up for charter work rather than more long term.........

[nautical62]

I also appreciate that straight up honest opinion as opposed to just making an argument for one over the other. - Thanks for your thoughts.

[YOGAO]

Also you might want to look at a cat with better bridgedeck clearance. This will help reduce the noise and give a bit of a performance boost.

The sail is likely heavier due to the full battens and the greater amount of roach. Comes with the territory.

As for the "sailing experience", I guess it depends on what you are looking for. If you want the feeling of speed and you're "on vacation", I agree with you. If you are cruising full-time, the miles you can cover each day without feeling fatigued because you were on the level are a pretty nice "experience" (man, that was a convoluted thought - sorry).

Fair Winds,
Mike

[hummingway]

"The Annapolis Book of Seamanship" talks about "the angle of vanishing stability" with cats. Everything I've heard about cats makes them sound very attractive but this and the lack of righting moment makes me wonder. It would seem these would make them more then a little spooky in heavy seas. I realize that generally they are less likely to heel but when they do you can quickly get in trouble.

[barnakiel]

Get both. Sell the one that disappoints first.

b.

[oscar]

I realize that generally they are less likely to heel but when they do you can quickly get in trouble.

Uh oh, here we go. Pass the popcorn.

[rallyman1122]

Originally Posted by hummingway

"The Annapolis Book of Seamanship" talks about "the angle of vanishing stability" with cats. Everything I've heard about cats makes them sound very attractive but this and the lack of righting moment makes me wonder. It would seem these would make them more then a little spooky in heavy seas. I realize that generally they are less likely to heel but when they do you can quickly get in trouble.

Here we go again, part 2. You want butter on that popcorn?

[hummingway]

Well, popcorn is nice but I'd prefer to hear from anyone who actually has been in difficult circumstances with a cat and can give some real input. I've heard lots of stories of monos being knocked down but have never heard from a cat owner telling of there experiences. Maybe it just doesn't happen which would be valuable to know. Maybe it happens and your sailing day is over. That would be useful too but thanks the popcorn.