450: Maximum size for dinghy / rib on Lagoon 450

[caymancat]

We are just in the process of buying an L450 and am looking for some advice on Ribs. We would like to have the biggest rib that can fit safely and with the best performance possible (within sensible limitations!).

We are not sure:
1) how much weight the davits could/ should cope with?

2) how much space there is between the hulls to fit the rib into?

We are currently thinking in terms of a west marine 350 rib:
WEST MARINE RIB-350 Double Floor Hypalon Inflatable Boat—White | West Marine

With a Suzuki 20hp out board.
This would give us a weight of 16l lbs for the rib and 100 lbs for the outboard.

Would be very interested to hear the opinions and experiences of others.

[Lucky Larry]

3.5 meters fits nicely. If you are buying a new 450 their dinghy package is very nice. It is a Highfield 3.5 meter with a 20HP Honda 4 stroke. We have the Highfield with a console and a 40 hp Yamaha. We a very happy with our choice.

[Nicklaing]

Larry
Can you just confirm you have an OM350 with 40hp? No problem on weight? I thought you might be reaching maximum there?
Nick

[steve450]

Hello caymancat we have a lagoon 450f with a Grand 370 centre consul tender with a yamaha 30hp and all safety equipment,battery,anchor and chain.tender has a dry weight of 110kg,engine 66kg plus fuel tank so i believe we are approx200kg. The davits handle the weight no problems but we fitted a 5to1 pulley system on the engine side to reduce the load on the electric winch.We also fitted a padded engine cover as in rough conditions the engine could hit the hull if not carefull when lifting out the tender it all works really well.I think a 3.8 would be a lot thighter but it could still work.


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[Rickthesailor]

Hi,

We have the Highfield 350 with the open console and 20hp Suzuki... it pretty much just fits... there may be some room for a 380, but it would be tricky getting it down in rough conditions without hitting the hulls....

Regards, Rick

[boom23]

You should also consider how you will use your boat and dinghy. Bigger dinghy is not always better.

I had a 12ft AB with console and 20hp Honda. It was great dinghy until it became a problem because of its weight. We are currently cruising S. Pacific and it is difficult to reach many places with our dinghy because of the shallow water and the tides. Yes, you can plan around it but my wife and I are cruising. The less problems the better.

I chose to replace it with a 11ft AB aluminum with a 15hp 2-stroke. It is much lighter and with the wheels, I can carry it almost everywhere.

Also, aluminum is lighter and stronger. That's another thing to consider if you plan to cruise.

[JK7]

Would some info dingy sizes and your opinions ,a 450 lagoon versus a 500 lagoon.? We are close to purchasing and can't make up our minds.

Older couple, experienced. Sailors, first cat. Be in Carib. What opinions outthere.

[Nicklaing]

I have had the 450 for 5 years. Bought new, hull 48. Also my first cat. First and foremost it is totally manageable with 2 people. In fact you can happily sail it with one although I find Mediterranean docking a problem when you come in stern too. By the by. It is essentially very easy to sail once you have mastered cat techniques.
Also worth mentioning that if you have the owners configuration, there is more than enough room.
Last year I had in my mind to go bigger (despite no funds!) and looked at the 52. It is a whole different ball game. You are suddenly into a substantially bigger boat. More comfortable, bigger cabins etc. but it becomes a handful for 2 people, particularly when things start to go wrong.
Much as I like the idea of a bigger one, the 450 is really a wonderful size and unless you have plans to put more than 6 on for longer periods I would stick with it.
We cruise for 8-9 weeks each year in Croatia with a full load of parents and children. Usually 7 sometimes 8 or 9. It is plenty big enough during the day.
Hope that helps.
Nick