440: Does buying a 440 still make sense?

[xhogpilot]

Hi all,
First Post:

My wife and I have decided to buy and cruise/live-aboard, as far and as wide as possible, a Lagoon 440 or a 450 sometime this fall if a suitable vessel becomes available. Having read every post in the Lagoon section of this Forum, I'm well aware of the very high opinions and first rate experiences those of you living on 440s have of your boats.

We would prefer a 440 for its size/weight and perceived fit for us, however, the last 440 was built in 2010...7 years ago. Few 2010's are on the market, but there are many 2006,7 and the occasional 2008...meaning 9,10,11 years old. Many of these are asking 380k-425k USD with original standing rigging, sails, genset, motors, etc. and usually with some recent upgrades of certain things.

I'm soliciting opinions and advice regarding the choice of say a 2007 440 that is in good condition for a 2007 as opposed to a 2012 450, also in good condition for a 2012. The question we have is would it make more sense to buy the 450 in this example because if we end up cruising and properly maintaining the boat for 3 years and decide to sell, would the depreciation hit be less than if we were selling the 2007 440 which would then be 14 years old?

I'm stumped by this dilema because we want the 440, but not if its age at our possible sell date will really hurt the resale value.

(we're very aware that any boat we buy will depreciate a lot, but I think I'm asking if buying a newer boat as in my example would depreciate a lot less.)

Thoughts?

Regards,

David

[SV Bacchus]

I get it that losing money is not something you want to do. Do you get it that boat depreciate and you're gonna lose money? Not being a SA, just making sure you know you're gonna lose.

OK, now that we have that out of the way let me say I think you should buy the boat you want that will make you happy. If you are so hung up on the depreciation of one over the other then money is what makes you happy so go with the one that will depreciate less.

If the actual boat itself is what will make you happy, buy the boat you want and forget how much it will depreciate!

Ya gotta make urself happy, buy the boat that will accomplish that and don't settle for one you don't want!

FWIW..

[Cotemar]

I will 2nd what "SV Bacchus" said..........Lagoon 440

[downunder]

Welcome

Lagoon 440's certainly hold their value as do most production cats vs non production.

I would expect any 440 in good condition has already had much of it depreciating done and will hold its value if properly maintained.

[rom]

If you are thinking about selling the boat in 3 years it won't make much difference whether it's 11 or 15 years old. Depreciation is at its max already. The value of the boat will be directly related to its condition. If you are lucky enough you might find an "old" 440 in much better condition than the latest ones, for a good price. I would expect very light depreciation 3 years latter if you respect her. IMO, the same goes for any other "best seller" or highly respected brand.

[sailnow2011]

You can find 440's in the low 200's. The prices you see listed are inflated. Make a offer for $220K for the one you want. Someone will bite. They were about 400K new.

[coldar1]

Hi David. Not sure how old your post regarding wanting to buy a Lagoon 440 might be, but if you are still in the market, and unfortunately having recently been diagnosed with a terminal illness, my 2006 Lagoon 440 is reluctantly for sale. She is an owners version, very well fitted out for long term live-aboard cruising. Extras include an electric Bauer dive compressor, a 140 lph water maker, large solar array. She is however 220V powered and not 110V. Her genset is an Onan 11.5kVa. Colin

[Dulcesuenos]

I know many people that bought a large cat they thought was a good deal, slightly below market value etc,,, Only to decide to replace sails, rigging, electronics, maybe an engine or two and suddenly they have spent 100k+ more then they could get out back of the boat. If your concerned with resell, buy an older, refitted, completely depreciated boat that doesn't need much.

[coldar1]

Dulcesuenos makes an excellent point. If you buy a "cheap" Lagoon you may initially be happy that you got a bargain. Its more likely however that after adding good sails, renewing rigging, and attending to all the things that made it "cheap" in the first instance will mean you may indeed pay MORE than you had first planned just to get a reliable, seaworthy boat. After cruising in the Med for nearly 2 years, in the Carib for about 18 months, and actually starting off with a well fitted out boat from the outset, I know where my money would go. Many a boat sitting out there, the owners regretting not seeing the value in the what you need to spend to get the right boat, and missing out on so much fun. Now as I go to sell - unfortunately due to ill health, I will get my reward in Spades.

[Hoodsail]

Cant address the 440 vs 450 as I am a monohuller, but regarding the question of buying older vs newer, would add that if you go into buying an older boat for less $ you have the opportunity to use some of that $ not spent to replace important components (standing rigging, sails, lifelines, instruments - wind, speed, & depth, diesel water pump, etc.) with the knowledge and confidence in their newness. Would also echo the previous opinion to buy the boat that you feel "best" about, as buying any boat is financially unsound, altho I understand your intention to minimize your losses.
thnks
dave

[Scaramanga F25]

Speak to an expert, Caroline, who truly knows the ins and outs of all Lagoons new and old.9543289149

[KetoNomad]

Pfffft, these people don't know what they are talking about, it's clear to me you guys should get a mcgregor 26 they are, by far, the best boat on the market, you're welcome.

lol

[Garethk]

Originally Posted by coldar1

Hi David. Not sure how old your post regarding wanting to buy a Lagoon 440 might be, but if you are still in the market, and unfortunately having recently been diagnosed with a terminal illness, my 2006 Lagoon 440 is reluctantly for sale. She is an owners version, very well fitted out for long term live-aboard cruising. Extras include an electric Bauer dive compressor, a 140 lph water maker, large solar array. She is however 220V powered and not 110V. Her genset is an Onan 11.5kVa. Colin

What is the location of your boat?

[SV Bacchus]

Originally Posted by coldar1

Now as I go to sell - unfortunately due to ill health, I will get my reward in Spades.

PM sent.

[caymancat]

We went through the same conundrum.
In the end, the thought that every screw, wire and fitting is 5 years older and closer to the end of its serviceable life, persuaded us to go for the 450.
If you add up the cost of everything on the boat $100k doesn't go far. There is also the time and effort of the extra maintenance to consider. Would you rather spend that time out on the water?
Also, 3 years down. The line it's easier to sell a newer more 'fashionable' boat.

Both excellent boats that you would enjoy.