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LAGOON 38 review
Catamaran · 38 ft (12 m) · Marbella
expert score
Key specs
- Builder
- Lagoon
- Model
- 38
- Length
- 38 ft (12 m)
- Guests
- 14
- Cabins
- 3
Verdict
The Lagoon 38 (380) is a robust, easy-to-sail entry-level catamaran that delivers exceptional comfort and livability for its size, making it ideal for coastal cruising and charter use. While tankage is modest for extended offshore trips, its manageable handling, spacious owner layout, and strong build quality justify i
Pros
- +Spacious owner layout with full-length master suite in port hull
- +Easy handling with self-tacking jib and raised helm for visibility
- +Comfortable accommodations with 1.8m-wide beds and thick cushions
- +Well-equipped galley with full-size appliances and large fridge
- +Solid build quality and robust design inherited from the 380 legacy
Cons
- −Modest fuel (400L) and water (79 gal) tankage limits extended cruising
- −Lower sail area (836 sq ft) compared to larger competitors like Leopard 40
- −No water maker standard; recommended addition for offshore use
- −Limited storage in technical spaces despite increased overall capacity
- −Three-cabin layout reduces guest capacity compared to four-cabin charter version
The Lagoon 38, also known as the 380, is a 38-foot catamaran introduced in 2009 that serves as a modern successor to the iconic Lagoon 380. Designed by VPLP, it features a 37.89–38 ft length with an impressive 21'10" beam, creating a spacious interior that feels larger than its dimensions. The boat offers flexible layouts: a three-cabin owner version with a full-length master suite in the port hull, or a four-cabin charter configuration maximizing guest capacity up to 12 passengers. Its design prioritizes accessibility and comfort, with 1.8m-wide beds—a market first—and abundant storage throughout.
On the water, the Lagoon 38 is exceptionally easy to handle, making it ideal for skipper-less charters or couples. Twin 29 HP Yanmar diesel engines (total 58 HP) deliver a cruising speed of six knots, sufficient for light to moderate upwind conditions. The sail plan includes a 599 sq ft square-top mainsail and a 237 sq ft self-tacking jib, totaling 836 sq ft—less than larger cats like the Leopard 40 but well-suited for coastal cruising. The raised helm provides excellent visibility, and the boat's lightweight displacement (10.2 tons) enhances responsiveness without sacrificing stability.
Comfort and livability are standout features, with a forward-positioned galley offering panoramic views, full-size appliances, and a 300-litre fridge. The "In & Out" cockpit-saloon design allows seamless integration of indoor and outdoor dining, seating up to eight. Air conditioning, WiFi, a generator, and solar panels (up to 900W) enhance autonomy. However, tankage is modest: 400L fuel and 79 gallons water, making a water maker advisable for extended trips. The three-cabin layout offers privacy but reduces capacity compared to the four-cabin charter version.
Value-wise, the Lagoon 38 balances performance, comfort, and build quality at a competitive base price under €350,000, including the UVOJI water purification system. While not designed for heavy offshore cruising, it excels as a coastal cruiser and charter platform, leveraging the 380's legacy of robustness and boating pleasure. For owners seeking a manageable, comfortable catamaran for weekend trips or seasonal cruising, the Lagoon 38 remains a compelling choice.
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