Hi Rolf,
We have also purchased an L450, our dealer is Apaca in Hyeres,
France. I don't know the
hull number but
delivery will also be end of March, so we will most probably meet at
delivery. This is my first
boat, so I have limited experience.
Lagoon will let me make changes until the 5th of December so I will tag along to your chat to benefit from your and the forum insights.
One thing I realized is that it is cheaper to select the options that
Lagoon offers versus hiring a contractor such as Pochon to do the
work, as the contractor will charge you separately for the
installation. For example I was thinking to install
Garmin electronics instead of
Raymarine as I had received some negative feeback on
Raymarine. I received an estimate from Pochon (
marine electronic contractor in la Rochelle), the cost of
electronics (
Radar,
VHF,
AIS, Plotter) was almost the same as Raymarine, but I would cost 3K Euro extra for
installation. So in the end I am sticking to Raymarine and let Lagoon install it.
Genaker: I will order the one from Lagoon. Apaca and a delivery
skipper I working with suggested the sail provided by lagoon is fine for cruising. After doing some
research I will also buy a Parasailor for downwind. You can find some threads on this forum and on the Yahoo lagoon forum. I highly suggest you to take a look at the Yahoo lagoon forum as well, lots of information on Lagoon
catamaran.
Generator: APACA insisted that I get the 11KWA if I plan to use A/C, the 5KWA was too small. I was planning to stick the one provided by Lagoon Onan, but I am looking forward to read what responses you get from the forum regarding your option.
Electric toilets: Apaca did recommend them. I will challenge them again. It would be great if you could provide any feedback why your dealer does not recommend it.
Watermaker: Apaca will install a Dessalator 220 v 100 L/h, they claim it works well, is a simple system with no electronics hence it is easier to fix. It seems that when lagoon installs it you lose one
water tank but Apaca have found an alternative installation that lets you keep the
water tank.
A/C: I have not made my mind yet, my wife really wants to get it as we have two toddlers and she feels it is necessary to make them sleep inside when is hot and/or they get seasick. I am still doing
research to understand if it is a “must” to
cruise with
kids in the Caribbeans and the pacific islands. Initially I wanted to install instead
diesel heater, as we might need it in the
Med initially and after our trip. I am not sure the heat from the reversible A/C will be enough taking into account water needs to be +10c to
work. Though one thing Apaca told me is that I need to choose one or the other, so I cannot install both. Moreover, they claim it is much easier and cleaner to have lagoon install them as it is done at an early stage of the
boat construction.
Solar panels: I am installing 3x135W. I was under the impression you could only fit 3 max on the
davits. I will check with Apaca and revert back. I will take a look at the semi-flexible ones.
Gaz Stove: Apaca has proposed me to change the standard 3 gas
stove with a custom made solution 4 gas stove. I am waiting for an estimate and some pics I will share them when I get them.
110V-220V: Apaca does not recommend that I set up both 110v and 220v, they claim that they have not found a reliable and safe solution. This summer I spent some time on a Salina, that had both 110v and 220v, Pochon made the installation but they kept having recurrent problems when using 110v. I have done some research on this forum as there are many threads on this topic, but my knowledge in electricity is very limited so I have to rely on what Apace tells me for now. Have you done any work on this issue?
As you can see I am relying a lot on Apaca on my decisions and so far I am very happy with them, but it is always great to be able to contrast opinions.
Regards,
Gonzalo