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peterp · 16-02-2008, 18:01

Hi everyone, first post. Recently took a long hard look at the latest Lagoon 380 at the Melbourne boat show here in Australia, very impressed with the layout, I really quite liked it, however weight seems high at 16000 lbs, the Lightwave 38 The Ultimate Catamarans by Lightwave Yachts weights 11023 lbs, have any members have any input on the sailing ability of the Lagoon 380 good or bad particularly in light winds? on a recent test sail the Lightwave proved very responsive in under 10 kts. Is the lagoon 380 mainly designed for the charter maket where performance is a low prioraty they say they have sold 500 of the 380's world wide. I am a first time new cat buyer, after gaining some experience at the weekends cruising will be our main use, but dont really want a heavy thing that every one else goes past. Thanks in advance for any input and advice. Regards Peter

Silverback · 17-02-2008, 01:46

Check out the Spirited 380 at Stallion marine

ireaney · 17-02-2008, 02:11

The Lagoon 380 is a nice roomy and comfortable cat but if you are looking for a bit of performance and good accomodations as well speak to silverback about the Spirited 380.
I have been on a Lagoon 380 and as I say very nice, great for the charter market and great as a personal cruiser but not performance orientated.

44'cruisingcat · 17-02-2008, 02:54

Agree with all above. The Lagoon is a charter boat - it will have excellent room, but not as good performance. The Spirited 380 will be much faster with less room, and the lightwave will be somewhere in the middle.

Factor · 17-02-2008, 05:48

The lightwave 38 is a very good boat, not as quick as the Stallion/Spirited but way better sailing boat than the lagoon. Its customisable as well i.e. galley up or down, nav station up, dagger board etc. Put it this way - keep em both reasonably light and the Lightwave will do Sydney to NZ in a couple days better than the lagoon - all things being equal.

2Hulls · 17-02-2008, 15:39

I do not know the Lightwave 38, but I have direct experience with the Lagoon 380 and I think it's a good boat. It's not a speedster, but it's very comfortable and seaworthy and many folks cruise 380s long range. Worth consideration if you can find an owners version. Check out Indigo Moon

Dave

redtwin · 17-02-2008, 15:55

Performance is relative, and if the boat is fast, it will have taller rig and lighter hulls, which results in more interactive sailing.
For long term offshore cruising I would prefer a design that is safe, forgiving and can be sailed by crew of 2 if not 1, And in a boat one can sail without being on edge.
Sydney to NZ in a few days? That is racing!!

DtM · 17-02-2008, 17:53

He said a couple of days quicker not a couple of days for the trip.

Two days would be more in the IDEC category !!!!!!

redtwin · 17-02-2008, 19:50

A few days quicker than 380...sorry yes. It would still be a very quick boat and could be a handful in our Southern Ocean's normal storms, without experienced crew. With a conservative rig it would be a very nice cruiser.
Someone I spoke to in Auckland wanted to order the spirited380 kit, dont know what sort of saving there is in buying a kit but a very good offering for a keen DIY builder.

nils · 17-02-2008, 21:33

Hi PerterP
to start with I am biased as I own a Lightwave 38. I have sailed this boat now for close to a year - had a Crowther 33 before. I have not sailed the Lagoon 38 but have outsailed a few French production cats since owning the Lightwave. This is not because I am a particulary good or ambitous racer but because of the performance of the boat. I think LWs are a great boat for owners as you can customise them and be part of the building process. They have excellent bridgedeck clearance.
I am so impressed with the boat and the Company that we have ordered a Lightwave 45- building starts next Monday. We considered a Privilege 44,5 as an alternative (Volvo wagon versus Audi Sedan) but decided to go with Lightwave again. If I was after a charter boat I would buy French for ourselves it will be LW.