We are currently under
contract on a L450 Fly. We have been looking at all the same
Lagoon models that you are considering... 420, 421, 440 and the 450. Basically, we liked all of them for different reasons. So, why did we offer on the 450? because it was loaded.. in beautiful shape...impeccably maintained.. ticks off all of our "Needs"... and was well priced. So, don't get too attached to any
single model. What we have done (over years of good
research and climbing on a ton of Cats) is compile a list of boats that
work, and you like... add to it a list of "must haves". (this includes both needs and wants).. then watch the market. Having a good
broker is a plus. Our
broker gave us a head's up about this
boat before it got listed.. so we offered before it came available.
As for 3 vs 4 cabins.. you didn't mention what your situation is regarding you being married, or
children, or if you expect lots of guests. For us, it's just my husband and I. We want to have friends come.. but never more than a couple or 2. If you haven't been on a 3 cabin or 4 cabin, you really need to go on one.
Boat shows are great for that. Yes... you won't be able to afford any of those boats.. but, you get a really good feel for the use of space.. etc. there is a HUGE difference between the space in a master
hull vs a guest
hull. if it's just you and your wife/husband/partner and a child.. or handful of guests.. no question.. go with a 3 cabin. Otherwise you end up wasting so much space.
I have not had a chance to go on all of the models above.. but I can tell you there are very few cats in that size range that can match the outdoor space to a 450. The newer cats.. (i.e. leopards... fps, etc.. ) have just started adding the front
cockpit.. but the
Lagoon 450's go back to 2011, ad are one of the first cats that I've found that have that feature. Can't beat that. compare that to a cat without a fly.. without a front cockpit, and you have 3 times the outdoor space. And, as far as the Fly vs sport, and
safety being a factor.. I don't actually understand the safety comparison. I feel very safe in the fly... you are at least 15 feet above the
water, in the dead center of the boat... And if the
weather is rough, you can always sail from inside the cabin. Plus, nothing beats the visibility from the fly. I'm only 5'1" and with the sport models, I can only partially see 2 out of 4 corners.. from a fly bridge I can see the entire boat.. all 4 corners.
There is one potential downside of the fly... it requires a tall boom, which makes it difficult to reach if you need to..
Anyway.. happy to talk further if you have more questions.. but basically... make your list, and keep your options open... wait for the right boat off your list to come available.