450: The New Lagoon 450

[PaulinOz]

Received this via email from Lagoon re new Sport Top 450 and 52.

"However, some sailors of large catamarans do not find a flybridge to be ideal, especially when sailing with a small crew, and so, with them in mind, we have developed the new Lagoon 450 and Lagoon 52 Sport Top range.
With a more conventional and safe helm station, the 450 S and 52 S afford direct communication with the crew in the cockpit, as well as a lowered rig, which reduces pitching and makes access to the boom easier, while keeping the same sail surface."

So what are Lagoon saying is unsafe about the existing setup. I think this wording needed to be looked at. Although it is out there in Cyber Space now and once let lose it is very difficult to retract anything these days.

The only advantage I see is the access to the Boom. This could easily be fixed on the Fly Bridge models if they had a fixed Hardtop giving not only access to the boom via steps but also a place to Park the boom when not in use, to release the pressure on the topping lift.

Not only could this be an Option when purchasing, with over 400+ units in the field already I would see a demand for retro fitting to existing models as well.

As to calling the Sport Top a more conventional setup may have been true back in 2004 but with the release of the L440 (423 units sold) but this has been followed by the L450 ( must be approaching 500 units sold by now) not to mention the L500,L52,L560,L620. Now other manufacturers have also added a Fly Bridge Cats to their range.

What was unconventional and ground braking 11 years ago is fast becoming the norm. An interesting figure to see would be out of all New 40 foot Plus cats sold in the world in last 10 years how many have a fly bridges?

[TOT]

Gaining access to the boom is a true benefit.


SV TOT
Wayne 😃

[DavefromNZ]

Those of us with flybridges love them, those without seem ambivalent. I just hope that those who buy the L450S do their due diligence and spend some time sitting in a bay on a flybridge model first. I am still not convinced that for 3 weeks on the ocean all the crew need to be in constant contact. We can do that, of course on the L440, L450 in the saloon or flybridge, but we can also have some personal space alone on the flybridge. L450S safer? No.

Sales will tell.




Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[TOT]

Dave l would add that they spend time sailing from the fly bridge not just sitting in it as we love it as well.


SV TOT
Wayne 😃

[GGT]

Originally Posted by StarryHorizons

It looks like the helm is on different sides of the boat in each rendering. Perhaps you can choose which side you want it on??

The picture is of the 52 (right) and the 450 (left). Its doubtful you can swap the side steering is on.

[mjuneau]

cant wait to see some real videos of the sportop model

[Darksyde]

I was at the Cannes Boatshow over the weekend.
I saw the first 52 Sportop.
No way for me. The Flybridge gives you more space and comfort.

M

[mjuneau]

Originally Posted by Darksyde

I was at the Cannes Boatshow over the weekend.
I saw the first 52 Sportop.
No way for me. The Flybridge gives you more space and comfort.

M

I agree for the 52 as this is a large boat maybe for charter or a must have crew to use,

but for the 450 I think it is just the limit in size one could be alone, or for a couple to sail, I like the idea of the sportop better for this keeping things close.

plus on the 450 there is the front seating area to have your drinks if you want to just sit way from everyone

Mike

[windtoys]

Hey everyone,
We are off to the United States boat show in MD. in a couple of weeks...we understand that the new 450 along with a older one will be at the show.
This should be our last time shopping before we write a check...
We would still like to hear from anyone that has had a cat in charter with Dream Yachts... my personal email is john@windtoys.net or call 1-800-499-SAIL (7245)
Thanks in advance
John

[mjuneau]

[boom23]

While cruising in S. Pacific, we have found the L450 bridge invaluable. That's the place to be to spot reefs or other things that go BANG if you hit them... The visibility is amazing.

When the weather is really bad, I either drop down the side curtains of the flybridge enclosure to stay dry, or go below in the salon. We've never had a problem. Our boat has treated us extremely well.

There will be no end to the 450 flybridge argument.

Lagoon is not worried... They cannot build the 450 fast enough. I believe they are at number 500+ this year and there is a waiting list. Now, with the 450S, they will be even busier...

[Emerald Sea]

👍👍


Steve
L450
SV Emerald Sea

[ol1970]

With the new Lagoon 42 coming out that is very close to the 450 Sport Top at a significantly higher price, I'm wondering what would be the deciding factor for somebody to go with the 450? I mean at ~$50,000 a foot more expensive it just seems like a negligible ROI. A tick faster and hair more room is about all I can come up with. I like both, just curious on the experts opinions.

[Darksyde]

Originally Posted by ol1970

With the new Lagoon 42 coming out that is very close to the 450 Sport Top at a significantly higher price, I'm wondering what would be the deciding factor for somebody to go with the 450? I mean at ~$50,000 a foot more expensive it just seems like a negligible ROI. A tick faster and hair more room is about all I can come up with. I like both, just curious on the experts opinions.

??

aha

[John Casey]

For the L440/450 f-bridge owners, what do you think about the lower boom and shorter mast Lagoon is advertising as a plus with new sport top?

A consideration at all if you could do it over again?

Easier access to the boom/sail?