This page will attempt to explain why we purchased a Lagoon catamaran over a comparable monohull. Comparing these two can be like comparing a PC to a Mac, both have their own benefits and cult like following. Hopefully this explains why I switched (ironically from both). Here goes...
Catamaran vs. Monohull:
There is no perfect boat. This was my conclusion after months and months of searching for the best cruising boat in the world. Some boats look beautiful and sleek, but have less interior space. Some boats have more features, but are more likely to break. Some boats are cheaper because they were chartered, but are not in as good condition. Ultimately a sailor needs to compromise somewhere regardless of cost, wether that be size, material, design or performance. What is the perfect boat for you?
For us, we wanted a boat that would fit the below criteria:
1) It must be safe
2) It must be fairly new and affordable (good resale value)
3) It must not have been used as a charter boat
4) It must sail well but still be comfortable to live on
1) IT MUST BE SAFE:
The first criteria was the most important one to us. If we were to sail around the world and expose ourselves to situations where we would be outside of coast guard rescue range, we would need to be in a boat that we were confident was safe. Initially, this lead me to look at monohulls as tradition dictates that a monohull is the safest boat. They have a long history of crossing oceans and weathering bad storms. However, the more I looked into it the more I realized they also have a long history of sinking, losing a keel or running aground on a reef.
I am sure this is going to upset many monohull readers, but I truly believe a modern catamaran is far safer than a monohull in anything but the worst weather imaginable. This is mostly due to the fact that it will not sink and the inherent redundancies of a catamaran design.
As cruising catamarans came of age, their design moved away from speed and became much beamier (wider) with heavier hulls, nearly eliminating the early problems with flipping. Additionally, fiberglass and wood floats, and without the ballast of a keel, a catamaran will continue to float for weeks after wrecking. By comparison, a monohull will head to the bottom within minutes if the hull is breached. After learning this, I decided that I would rather be inside a flipped over catamaran with everything onboard still available to me than in an inflatable life-raft from the deck of a monohull.
Lastly, a catamaran has so many back-ups I find it hard to believe that all sailors don’t look into cats more seriously. By having two engines instead of one you are far less concerned about engine problems (a huge relief when cruising). There are also two rudders, so if one breaks you can still steer your boat. Two props, so if one falls off, you have a back up. Two hulls, so if one springs a leak, the other stays floating. It also goes without saying that a catamaran has a much shallower draft, thus reducing the chances of running aground. In fact, the shallow draft opens up significant portions of new cruising ground, including the most protected anchorage sites that a monohull typically cannot reach. It’s no wonder insurance companies gave us coverage for our Lagoon (despite our lack of boat owner history, official certifications and arguably crazy itinerary).
2) IT MUST BE NEW AND AFFORDABLE:
Our second criteria was not a personal choice but a reality. We are not dot.com millionaires and if we wanted a fairly new boat (10 years or newer) we would be looking at more affordable boat manufactures. The Hallberg Rassys and Moodys that our friends were sailing on were out of our reach. We would more likely end up in a Beneteau, Catalina, Hunter or Lagoon; which are more affordable due to their mass construction for use as charter boats around the world. But this was not necessarily a bad thing...
For starters, we would get a lot of boat for the money. These manufactures can offer reduced selling prices due to the quantity being sold. And since there are many on the market a firm resale value is set, which was perfect for us as we only expected to own the boat for a year or two. Additionally, manufacturer assistance, parts availability and boat yard knowledge around the world would be readily available (anywhere charter base was located). If we wanted a newer boat, my conclusion was that buying one with a history of success was the way to go.
3) IT MUST NOT HAVE BEEN USED AS A CHARTER BOAT:
While we were happy to own a boat model that is liked by charter companies, we quickly learned that a Lagoon used in charter was worth $50,000 USD less than an owner’s version (something they avoid telling you on YachtWorld.com). This makes sense as a charter boat is typically used by mostly inexperienced sailors (week after week after week). Comparatively, a personally owned boat is more likely to be cared for, have better equipment, less engine hours and have fewer repair concerns. Additionally, non-charter boats retain their higher value, so while it is more expensive up-front, it would be worth the “investment.”
4) IT MUST SAIL WELL BUT BE COMFORTABLE TO LIVE ON:
This is where a catamaran really takes off. When it comes to sailing performance, a catamaran performs like a much larger monohull. We regularly stay up with 50 foot boats, particularly down-wind. And since most of our cruising routes around the world would be with the wind behind the mast we immediately felt happier sailing a catamaran. Particularly when you consider a quicker passage a safer passage. (And going 10 knots in a 38 foot boat is pretty darn fun.)
Second, we found that there are many undocumented advantages to cruising on a catamaran. For example, it is wonderful being able to sit inside during a squall and still be able to steer the boat with 180 degree visibility. Or being able to sleep with an engine on by running the opposite hull engine in order to keep the noise down. Docking is a breeze with tank-like maneuverability. Even flying a spinnaker becomes easier without the need to mess with a spinnaker pole. Hoisting the dingy on the rear davits is so easy we found ourselves pulling it out every night, and still having access to the back steps. It’s also a great fishing boat, staying level while you bring a fish onto the perfect fillet table of the transom steps (complete with wash down shower!). The Lagoon’s vertical windows allow us to keep them open even when it’s raining - and in the sun they don’t need sun-shades or curtains because of the overhang. And the seats on the bow are a smart addition when dolphins decide to visit. These are all small differences, but they add up to a nicer experience on a cat.
And finally, the living space is outrageous! The Lagoon 380 has the comparable living and storage space of a 55 foot monohull. When we considered the price we were paying, that was an amazing comparison. We love being nominated as the “social gathering spot” in an anchorage as we can seat a combined 12 adults for dinner. Elizabeth has enough flat surface on the bow to do yoga and I have enough space for two surf boards in the front crash locker. The boat has two queen sized beds and the salon has standing room over 6’7”. These options simply cannot be found in any comparably priced monohull.
So while it was very hard for me to abandon two decades of sailing experience on monohulls, we decided on our owner’s version Lagoon 380 based on safety, resale value, condition and comfort. And we still feel we purchased the perfect boat.