WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY...
NICK VASS, Marine Surveyor B,SC B,ED HND FRINA MCMS Dipmarsur YS www.omega-yachtservices.co.uk
Lagoon began as a subsidiary of Jeanneau but is now owned by Beneteau, which is also used to building high-volume vessels down to a budget.
The Lagoon 420 was introduced as a spacious but fast cruising yacht so there are plenty around for sale. They are ideal for charter as the huge saloon with its signature vertical windows and large portlights set into the hulls make them light and airy for a big family. The accommodation is further enhanced by the wide superstructure moulding. They also benefit from good engine access and, like other French boats, all the systems are easy to access and maintain.
Catamarans require light, narrow hulls with a low wetted area, sharp bows and minimal resistance below the waterline. The freeboard is generally high to keep you dry, as they tend to power through waves rather than ride over them.
I have noticed cracking on the bows of Lagoon 38s around the bobstay chainplates. However, the Lagoon 420s don’t have this problem as they don’t need bobstays. Instead, they have a central nacelle moulded into the hull, which is a bit like a trimaran, but the nacelle doesn’t actually reach the water.
I have seen some discolouration on the bows above the waterline. This is caused by patches of gelcoat being left behind when the hull was removed from the tight mould during build, which was subsequently touched up.
When buying any Lagoon catamaran, ask the vendor for previous bills of sale to check if she has been used as a charter yacht. Charter life adds engine hours, wear to the interior, cracking and flexing of the deck due to heavier footfall and potentially repaired accident damage on the topsides.
BEN SUTCLIFFE-DAVIES, Marine Surveyor and full member of the Yacht Brokers Designers & Surveyors Association (YDSA)
www.bensutcliffemarine.co.uk Over the last 10 years I’ve surveyed a number of Lagoon 420s. Check the boat’s past carefully – many have been used for charter which can be seen in the high wear in cockpit returns and sidedecks, along with typical wear to cabin furniture and cabin soles, most of which is cosmetic. The price of an ex-charter vessel will normally reflect the use and amount of hours clocked up on the engines. Seeing a service history is vital, as sometimes the amount of hours clocked can be changed.
Look carefully at the condition of the hull and investigate any previous damage by paying for a full out-of-water survey. Usually the general structure is solid, although sometimes a little tired. There are very different types of loadings exerted between a monohull and a catamaran, and this needs to be examined carefully during a survey. For me, the location of the rudders forward of the drives does cause some issues with close-quarter handling, but this should improve once you get used to handling. Knowing the configuration of the rudders is important. I’ve only surveyed one craft where it had substantial topside damage. When we removed the internal linings, I was impressed with the use of clear laminates that were well consolidated. Others were built using balsa core to hull and deck mouldings for additional stiffening, and it’s essential the deck fittings on these boats are maintained and kept well sealed.