Lagoon 380 or 420

[fbchristo]

We are looking for a boat to live aboard and sail at first in the Caribbean but eventually to the South Pacific (via the canal). We have mostly narrowed it to the Lagoon 380 or the 420. Which would you choose (if you were to choose Lagoon) and why. I am needing to keep the price no more than 400k less is better.

Thanks for all views.

Fred

[Ti' Punch]

Okay, opinions are worth what you paid for them, so here is mine. I would say go with the 380 for the following reasons:

First, you can get a 380 for about half what you would pay for a 420 of the same vintage. That's a lot of money that you could use to extend your time out cruising.

Second, the vertical or bridge clearance on the 420 is 68 feet. Many of the bridges on the ICW are 65 feet. The 380 is a much more reasonable 57 feet. This may not impact your plans too much, but it may have an impact on your ability to resell when your journey is done.

There's not much difference in draft between the 380 and the 420, so that is a wash.

Lastly, if you can be comfortable in the smaller boat, that's the one you should go with. You'll save money at marinas and it's just that much less boat to maintain.

Full disclosure, I have a 37 foot boat and I'm constantly on yachtworld drooling over 44 footers. However, in the end I always come around to the realization that my boat is perfect for me. Hopefully you will be happy with whatever decision you make.

[fbchristo]

Originally Posted by Ti' Punch

Okay, opinions are worth what you paid for them, so here is mine. I would say go with the 380 for the following reasons:


Lastly, if you can be comfortable in the smaller boat, .

Now there’s the rub. I am 6'6" and the areas of the 380 in which I can stand up without leaving a piece of me (well the top of my head) are fewer than the 420. But the 380 is doable and as you point out, at about half the price of a same year 420. I guess it's all a compromise; well that's what the Admiral tells me-

Thanks

Fred

[Sand crab]

When I saw your height I decided to give you another option. The Maine Cat's hulls have 6'9" headroom, "the highest in their class". They get great reviews and are fast, light and very well equipped. Tabbycat on the forum here has one and is sailing across the pacific. Check them out Maine Cat 41 Specifications Here's one for sale: 2003 Maine Cat US Coast Guard Approved Passenger Vessel Power Boat For. Aircon, genset, low engine hours, folding props, everything Good Luck BOB

[fbchristo]

Bob-

I have sailed, trained on, and helped deliver several Main Cat 41’s and like the boat a lot. I see where hull #2 is available and if I was just going to stay costal or even in the Caribbean it would be a real contender (even though the Admiral is not fond of the galley down) but I am not convinced that I want roll-up windows if I find myself caught in a gale with no place to run to. All that said, I have yet to sail a cruising Cat with as much speed. Not quite like my old Nacra but the first time I hit 15+ knots it felt like it.

Fred

[Sand crab]

Fred I agree about the dubious protection from the windows. I was just wondering (to myself) if acrylic windows could be retrofitted. Something that could be removed quickly for the open bridgedeck feature but enclosed just as quickly for the bad stuff. Just wondering, you know. Sorry for the thread drift. BOB

[fbchristo]

I agree. I have too wondered if I could retrofit solid windows, at least along the front.

[ausaviator]

I recently compared the 380 and 400 next to each other. Massive difference internally. I kept looking at the 400 wondering where the extra 2 feet had gone, it seemed like an extra 6 feet. There was 2 feet in the bathroom, 2 feet in the saloon and 2 extra in the rear entertaining area alone, or so it seemed... it's like it was 6 ft longer. I'd imagine a far bigger difference between the 380 and 420. I would be far more comfortable on a 400 or 420, depeneds on how long you are looking to spend living on it.

If you're talking about South Pacific cruising, maybe look at the Hynes Honeymoon youtube and website blog. You'll find that over 38 will remove any hobby-horsing and give a much more enjoyable extended voyage in trade winds.

I have a few photos of both I can send through if you need them.

[fbchristo]

Originally Posted by ausaviator

I have a few photos of both I can send through if you need them.

Thanks Ausaviator, photos would be nice and i will check out the you tube.

[Burls]

We were deciding between used Lagoon 380's and 410's, and ultimately it came down to budget. We made a list of exactly what equipment we wanted on board, and when we compared both of these boat types loaded with the desired equipment, we could get a stellar 380 or a very tired 410. We went with the 380 and have been very happy with the decision.