Tobago 35 or Lagoon 37, which would you choose?

[ThisRatSailed]

My wife and I are looking for a sub 40' catamaran to live-aboard and cruise (coastal Americas and Caribbean island hopping). We think we've narrowed our options down to the Lagoon 37 and the Fountaine Pajot Tobago 35. Each has its pros and cons and we are having a difficult time making up our minds. Since we are somewhat novice boat buyers, I'd like to throw the question out to the group. If you had to choose between these two, which one would it be and why? And if you've owned one, I'd really like to hear your pros and cons on the boat.

[ausaviator]

I believe the Tobago is fibreglass construction below the waterline, however the TPI Lagoon 37 is balsa cored. We've had many discussions on here about that and each to their own, but I'd be going for the fibreglass construction on the bottom half. The Tobago still has balsa up top as many cats do.

Lagoon TPI would be galley down whereas the FP galley up which is a big consideration.

[Cotemar]

In that price range I do not think you could go wrong with either cat.

Tobago 35 Boats For Sale

TPI Lagoon 37 Boats For Sale

[FLLCatsailor]

Can't go wrong either way. I would personally probably go for the Tobago.

[ausaviator]

Based on most of those prices on the link posted above for Tobago's you could pick up a pretty good FP Athena 38 for less !

[ThisRatSailed]

Ausaviator, thanks or the reply. Yes, I've seen the core discussions. It seemed like there was a little debate if the Lagoon is cored below the waterline, but I think one owner on this forum confirmed that his was. The galley up versus down is a debate we continue to have at home. Galley up allows the cook to be more a part of things, but at the sacrifice of some galley space and storage. Do you have a preference (have you spent much time on both)? Most of my time has been spent galley down.

[Mystic38]

both nice boats...

choice of hull coring should not be any type of factor..unless you are planning on sailing in the cooler waters of the chesapeake/NE during apr/may or nov..in which case the Lagoon would help prevent hull condensation.

[ThisRatSailed]

FLLCatsailor, if you don't mind me asking, why would you think you would prefer the Tobago?

Ausaviator, yes, the Tobago's currently on the market are priced high. We have looked at the Athena as well but think we prefer the Tobago's layout a bit more.

[Cotemar]

Can't beat the viz with galley up. Lets everyone be on watch and see all the action

[Factor]

TPI Lagoon, much better sailing boat. But each is fine for what you are doing. I would be buying the one that represents the best value and best opportunity. And yes I have sailed them both.

[colemj]

On the other hand, you can't beat the working space and appointment of a galley down...

Compare:
View Boat Photos - YachtWorld.com

View Boat Photos - YachtWorld.com

Note the full-size fridge/freezer, full size oven, 3 burner stove and storage on galley down allows vs. the dorm fridge, two burner, toy oven and no storage on galley up.

I've spent quite a bit of time on both boats. The FP will be a bit faster and closer to the wind if you manage to keep it light. The Lagoon will be a better all-around live aboard - more comfort and space. Both will need surveys, as they are older boats and have unique potential issues.

Assuming no structural problems, either boat will be a good choice.

Mark

[colemj]

Originally Posted by Factor

TPI Lagoon, much better sailing boat. But each is fine for what you are doing. I would be buying the one that represents the best value and best opportunity. And yes I have sailed them both.

My impression was the opposite of yours. Perhaps there isn't as much difference as we both think?

Mark

[ThisRatSailed]

Cotemar, that is definitely an advantage to the galley up. Nice looking Mahe btw...unfortunately outside my budget.

Colemj, those are the advantages of the galley down...at least in this case. I will say that the Tobago's fridge is larger than it looks...more space than the typical dorm fridge...but there is no freezer. The stove/oven are actually fairly comparable from what I can remember (been a couple months or more in between looking at one model and then the other).

Colemj and Factor, interesting that you have opposite impressions about the performance...I was under the impression that the Tobago had the edge there.

[Cotemar]

Originally Posted by ThisRatSailed

Cotemar, that is definitely an advantage to the galley up. Nice looking Mahe btw...unfortunately outside my budget.

They maybe not so far out of your budget.

They have a few 2006 Mahes 36's in the $160,000 usd range.

mahe 36 Boats For Sale

[ThisRatSailed]

Originally Posted by Cotemar

They maybe not so far out of your budget.
They have a few 2006 Mahes 36's in the $160,000 usd range.
mahe 36 Boats For Sale

A Mahe at $160k...is that more boat or more project? While I expect some refit and projects...not sure if I'm up for a $100k one.

Does seem to point out how overpriced the Tobago's currently on the market seem to be though.