lagoon catamaran bulkhead problems

Yachting Monthly

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Lagoon 450 forward bulkhead deformation: owners encouraged to seek an inspection

• Katy Stickland
• October 18, 2021

Catamaran builder Lagoon has stressed that no navigation or safety issues have been connected to reports of forward bulkhead deformation on the Lagoon 450

Since 2011, 1,011 Lagoon 450s have been produced. Credit: Lagoon/Nicolas Claris Credit: Lagoon/Nicolas Claris

Catamaran builder Lagoon is seeking to reassure owners of the Lagoon 450 following reports of forward bulkhead deformation.

Lagoon, which is part of Groupe Beneteau, has stressed that no navigation or safety issues have been reported as a result of the fault.

Since 2011, 1,011 Lagoon 450s have been produced.

The boat builder said it had thoroughly examined the cases reported to it ‘to understand causes and potential impacts of deformed or broken forward bulkhead’ on the Lagoon 450.

The French naval architectural firm, VPLP Design, which designed Alex Thomson’s latest HUGO BOSS and the new Maxi Banque Populaire XI , was also bought in to review the findings, and concluded that: ‘there is no safety issue when navigating with a broken or deformed bulkhead. Potential damages on forward bulkhead could not lead to neither dismasting nor any risk for the crew.’

Lagoon Brand Director, Thomas Gailly told Yachting Monthly that less than 20% of owners had ‘proactively’ contacted them about the issue, and that 80% of the boats inspected had no deformation or ‘were very lightly impacted’.

Lagoon is encouraging boat owners to contact their nearest Lagoon dealer or official service centre for a full inspection of their forward bulkhead, which will be paid for by Lagoon.

Owners will need the following information: hull number; current and past names of the vessel; full name and contact information of the owner; current and past passage plans of the boat; current and past mooring locations; usage history of the vessel (private, professional or charter ); any sales history of the vessel; any available professional surveys; vessel survey at the purchase date (for secondhand boat only); any incidents of note for the vessel; any copies of logbooks for the vessel.

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For 450s under warranty, Lagoon will fully cover the costs of labour and parts.

It will provide customised bulkhead reinforcement and dedicated parts kits to all owners whose boats are out of warranty. Labour costs will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

All repairs by a Lagoon dealer or service centre will be certified by Lagoon and have a one year warranty.

Lagoon said it will support each Lagoon 450 owner whose boat was subject to ‘normal use’.

Examples of abnormal use include: sailing out of the Owner’s Manual sailing advice; sailing with more sail area than allowed on the Owner’s Manual sailing advice; powering against sea and wind for a long time at 30° off the true wind; sailing in very shallow waters to a point where waves could end up in occasional groundings ; anchoring in very shallow waters to a point where waves could end up in occasional groundings ; grounding; tightening the rig out of the mast manufacturer specification and improper haul out and storage .

More information at: https://www.cata-lagoon.com/en/lagoon-450-support?fbclid=IwAR3wjZemcAkYwKezGBSj3jCWEJU8_V4lc-uu5O1OV0WCKR2_EpMn2yN10Ms

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Lagoon 45 bulkhead issues

By Addem , June 10, 2021 in MarineTalk

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not sure if anyone been keeping up with this issue:

Facebook page for owners really needs to be checked if you own one or know some one who does.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/902269000568556/

There are three you tube channels with the problem. they’re hurricane damaged ones so won’t get help from the Company but it looks like a build/design issue.

Link to post

Share on other sites.

https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f139/broken-bulkheads-248854.html

Not sure it is fair to blame on build/design issues. For instance, the first Cat that lad bought was one of three out of several thousand, that still had the rigs standing. That was one of the reasons they chose the boat. The Hull was swiss cheese and that should have been the glaring obvious for Not choosing that boat. It had been hammered hard up against other Hulls or jetty or something. These Boats have absolutely enourmous loads on the stays. This is not exact, but I am not far from the correct numbers when I say a 45ft'r has some 80 tonnes of loading on the main stays, which are trying to pull the two Hulls up into two. You cannot just glue the cracks back together. The Resin is not the strength. It is the glass in the resin that gives it the strength. Therefore, the crack needs to be cut out, glued really well and majorly built up with glass. Infact I think if it were me, I would be using Carbon.

Bad Kitty 281

Lagoons & more commonly Fontaine Pajot cats have a lot of issues around global structure, or lack of.

Looking from the aft cabin to the bow with only a couple of poorly designed & constructed bulkheads gives lovely flow, aesthetics etc, but is not conducive to holding a cat together.

Hull deck joins are another issue, very common in FP cats.

Have to agree there BK.  This vid just released to show comparison to a Leopard speaks volumes about low build and design quality of the Lagoon. 

thinking about 80Tonne of load (if that’s the right number) primarily supported by a single sheet of ply is  astonishing. The beam structure of the Leopard seems more appropriate.   

Those Lagoon issues are totally unrelated to the hurricane damage. Everyone knows that including Lagoon. Which is why they are sh!t scared about the publicity from Parlay Revival’s channel and offering to help him.

marinheiro 359

On 11/06/2021 at 8:05 AM, wheels said: Not sure it is fair to blame on build/design issues. For instance, the first Cat that lad bought was one of three out of several thousand, that still had the rigs standing. That was one of the reasons they chose the boat. The Hull was swiss cheese and that should have been the glaring obvious for Not choosing that boat. It had been hammered hard up against other Hulls or jetty or something. These Boats have absolutely enourmous loads on the stays. This is not exact, but I am not far from the correct numbers when I say a 45ft'r has some 80 tonnes of loading on the main stays, which are trying to pull the two Hulls up into two. You cannot just glue the cracks back together. The Resin is not the strength. It is the glass in the resin that gives it the strength. Therefore, the crack needs to be cut out, glued really well and majorly built up with glass. Infact I think if it were me, I would be using Carbon.

I think the 80t load is perhaps a little high, as a bench mark 16mm 316 1/19 rigging wire, which is what these would use has a breaking load of ~25t.

For sure there are big loads to handle. The bulkhead is just one part of the structure, it is (well should be with proper bonding) acting as a web with the wing deck and top decks acting as the flanges. In the old days (before Mrs BK and friends got loose with high density foams, carbon etc) the typical main bulkhead detail from say Ron Given was a built up bulkhead with 12mm plywood each side of about a 40 x 40 frames with pvc foam filling in the gaps, all vacuum bagged together. 

What I am meaning is that the combined load of all stays around the hull trying to pull the boat into a Banana is 80T. For instance, the Americas cup mono's have some 70t of load trying to Banana the Hull. All that force pushing down on the mast and onto the Keel. The 80T figure is what I remember the lad saying when he was first tensioning the rig up. I must say I was shocked at first and also shocked at the diameter of the wire used.

I think he might have had his numbers wrong. I made a quick calc using the approach found here  https://smalltridesign.com/masts/Rigging-Mast-Loads.html  and came up with a shroud load circa 10,000kg

Viewing the series of videos by Parlay and another guy fixing the same problem is reinforcing that these boats are just slapped together. Apart from lots of silicon, the European boat builders seem to love that brown bog  you see. Anyone thinking of taking a Bendy Boat offshore should watch these videos first.

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Lagoon 410 with broken bulkheads

• Thread starter geem
• Start date 19 Jul 2022
• 19 Jul 2022

Well-known member

Active member

Great family, but I did not see any broken bulkheads or delamination. What we need is the surveyors report and actual pictures etc. It's normal for some designs of mono or multi hull yachts to flex, and I remember a copy of a real good American cutter that was made in Taiwan that went too far North during a crossing of the pond from Bermuda to the Azores. The interior had fallen apart, although the actual hull and rig were OK. About half of the internal glass used to attach the furniture to the hull had split. Serious warranty claim.  

Rhylsailer99

I watched that yesterday, it will be interesting to see how it happened.  

Rustyknight

There was a thread in the Liveaboard section not too long ago about this.... Another Broken Lagoon  

Rhylsailer99 said: I watched that yesterday, it will be interesting to see how it happened. Click to expand...

Just_sayin'

that looks like rather poor plywood is used. Assuming it is around 15-18mm 7 thick layers breaking like that doesn't look good. Pretty sure 18mm marine ply has more (and thinner) layers. all imho  

vas said: that looks like rather poor plywood is used. Assuming it is around 15-18mm 7 thick layers breaking like that doesn't look good. Pretty sure 18mm marine ply has more (and thinner) layers. all imho Click to expand...

This is the list of activities they are going to use to dodge paying for the repair: * Examples of abnormal use (all examples are common sense and most can be found in the Owner’s Manual ) : • Sailing out of the Owner’s Manual sailing advice: ◦ Sailing with more sail area than allowed on the Owner’s Manual sailing advice ◦ Powering against sea and wind for a long time @30° off the true wind ◦ Sailing in very shallow waters to a point where waves could end up in occasional groundings ◦ Anchoring in very shallow waters to a point where waves could end up in occasional groundings ◦ Grounding ◦ Tightening the rig out of the mast manufacturer specification. Check the Dock Tune ◦ Improper haul out and storage ( Owner’s Manual ) Umm, I seem to have done at least half of those points!  

RivalRedwing

the discussion in the liveaboard section referred to above is worth a look  

AngusMcDoon

I can't believe how weedy the bulkheads are in Lagoon cats. The 450 weighs 15 tonnes and seems to have some low quality 1/2" plywood for bulkheads. The main bulkhead on my former Dragonfly trimaran, a boat that weighs 2 tonnes, was 50mm thick.  

TNLI said: This is the list of activities they are going to use to dodge paying for the repair: • Sailing out of the Owner’s Manual sailing advice: ◦ Sailing with more sail area than allowed on the Owner’s Manual sailing advice ◦ Powering against sea and wind for a long time @30° off the true wind ◦ Sailing in very shallow waters to a point where waves could end up in occasional groundings ◦ Anchoring in very shallow waters to a point where waves could end up in occasional groundings ◦ Grounding ◦ Tightening the rig out of the mast manufacturer specification. Check the Dock Tune ◦ Improper haul out and storage ( Owner’s Manual ) Click to expand...

AngusMcDoon said: This is just Lagoon squealing 'not our fault' as a presage to the inevitable class action lawsuit that's coming. Not ' Powering against sea and wind for a long time @30° off the true wind'. Really? Are they selling ocean going sailing boats, or canal houseboats? Has there ever been that restriction applied to any other kind of boat (it didn't seem to do my Dragonfly any harm)? Do they seriously expect that usage restriction to stand up in court? The cost of proper recompense or repairs (not their half baked fix for boats where the bulkheads haven't broken yet) for the failed 450's is enough to put the future of the company in doubt, let alone the sales hit from a complete loss of confidence in the brand. If it's other models as well, they are done for. I hope they are set up as financially independent of their parent company Beneteau. There's going to be trouble ahead. Click to expand...

TNLI said: Wild guess, but the type of repair involved would cost around 10K. Click to expand...

My friend Bob who was the technical man at Leros Marina told me of countless construction problems with Lagoon cats. They seem to be very lightly built.  

• 20 Jul 2022

vyv_cox said: My friend Bob who was the technical man at Leros Marina told me of countless construction problems with Lagoon cats. They seem to be very lightly built. Click to expand...

AngusMcDoon said: Lagoon seem to have mastered the combination of a lightly built boat that at the same time is grossly overweight. A 45' cat that is pushing 16 tonnes dry weight - strewth, no surprise that they sail like a salad dodging Catalac. The Outremer 45 weighs 8.7 tonnes, Fontaine Pajot Elba 45 10.8 tonnes, Broadblue Rapier 550 9.5 tonnes, Dragonfly 40 4.8 tonnes. Click to expand...

Chiara’s slave

Boathook said: Leave Catalacs out of it. Mine likes salad and is always trying to loose weight ! Click to expand...

Chiara’s slave said: Catalacs aren‘t badly built nor have pretensions to grandeur, or performance. Their owners know what they bought. The onboard space/cost ratio cannot be beaten. And the bulkheads don’t fall to bits. Click to expand...

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Lagoon 450 support

Welcome to the lagoon 450 owner’s section.

Dear Lagoon 450’s owners, At Lagoon, quality and safety are at the heart of the design and manufacture of all our catamarans. We constantly listen to the feedbacks brought by you and through our dealers and service centers. To accompany the use of your Lagoon 450 throughout its life, you will find in this section useful information, answers to your questions and guidelines to maintain your boat’s seaworthiness and its resale value. In a nutshell, to get the best out of your Lagoon 450. Be sure our teams are fully dedicated to support you as they have always done. Best regards, The Lagoon Team

INFORMATION ABOUT LAGOON FORWARD BULKHEAD

First of all, we want to reassure every owner of a Lagoon 450: we do guarantee you that safety and navigability of your boat are preserved whatever the state of your forward bulkhead be. This guarantee is based on the results of the study we undertook in March 2021, after we realized that there were several Lagoon 450 affected by a forward bulkhead issue. We actually started analyzing the cases reported to us, with some new calculations based on latest available tools, to understand causes and potential impacts of deformed or broken forward bulkhead. To ensure the reliability of this Finite Element Analysis, we asked VPLP, one of the most renowned international team of naval architects and designers, to review our calculations and results, which they did. They reached the same conclusions as us: there is no safety issue when navigating with a broken or deformed bulkhead. Potential damages on forward bulkhead could not lead to neither dismasting nor any risk for the crew. How did we come to this conclusion? The forward bulkhead is located in front of the saloon area and is divided into two main areas with different roles: • The most important one is the central area which withstands 100% of mast compression. This area is stiff and solid. Only this part of the bulkhead has these functions. It cannot be affected by a bulkhead deformation. • The side parts of the front bulkhead support most of the sea twist effects causing, in a fair number of boats, buckling on its door side. This side part is less rigid to be able to react and guarantee a certain flexibility to the structure of the boat.

A bulkhead is also present in the aft of the boat. This is much less stressed, and it is also rather flexible so it can evolve through navigation time, like many other parts of the boat. As you may know, at the dock, the mast compression is at least around 9 tons for Lagoon 450. When sailing, this compression increases. So, for the mast to come out of its mast foot would require that the whole boat flex above overall limit of materials: basically, it would mean that the boat breaks apart which has never been the case on cruising catamaran history. Consequently, we can reassure you that forward bulkhead issue is not a safety issue. It still may become unpleasant if the reinforcement is made late, since bent or buckling bulkhead will only transfer the stress elsewhere. Flexibility is inherent to the boat’s construction: reinforcing, straightening up or repairing the sides of the bulkhead will still contribute to preserve it and to get the most from your boat, this is why we recommend doing so. Reinforcement, however, will not (and should not), completely remove the flex, as wear naturally comes from boats’ use, just as flexibility: it is and will remain normal to make layout adjustments over time.

HOW TO CHECK, REINFORCE OR FIX THE LAGOON 450 FORWARD BULKHEAD?

Our teams are fully mobilized to support Lagoon 450 owners who wonder about their Lagoon 450 forward bulkhead, who want to reinforce it or who need to fix it. We developed a 3-step process to support each Lagoon 450 owner on this matter: STEP 1: CHECK THE FORWARD BULKHEAD STATUS First, we invite each owner to contact his closest Lagoon Dealer or Lagoon official Service Center to plan a thorough inspection on the forward bulkhead. This operation lasts approximatively 4 hours and its cost will be directly covered by Lagoon. When you apply for a check, please gather the following information with a Lagoon Dealer or with a Lagoon official Service Center: 1. Hull number 2. Current and past names of the vessel 3. Full name and contact information of the owner 4. Current and past navigational areas of the boat 5. Current and past mooring locations 6. Usage history of the vessel (private, professional or charter) 7. Any sales history of the vessel 8. Any available professional surveys 9. Vessel survey at the purchase date (for secondhand boat only) 10. Any incidents of note for the vessel 11. Any copies of logbooks for the vessel STEP 2: REINFORCE OR FIX THE FORWARD BULKHEAD Following this inspection, you will receive an individual diagnostic based on your bulkhead status, boat year of delivery and navigation history. It will include a customized procedure and associated cost estimate, to reinforce or fix the forward bulkhead. The repair methodology was elaborated with the support of VPLP, our Service Centers, and one independent Marine Surveyor (from the Yacht Designers & Surveyors Association YDSA) who all approved it along with the French official Ministère de la Mer. On these bases, we have started to specify and produce a repair kit, including the dedicated parts needed to be sent to our Dealer or Service Center which will implement our reinforcement or fix procedure. Lagoon will support each Lagoon 450 owner whose boat was subject to normal use*, according to the following guidelines: - As a commercial gesture, Lagoon will cover the forward bulkhead inspection for every Lagoon 450, when done by its Dealers or Service Centers network (approx. 4 hours of labor); - For Lagoon 450 under warranty (three years for Lagoon catamarans sold before 2019, and five years for those sold after), Lagoon will take in charge 100% of labor costs and dedicated parts costs in case its owner would wish to reinforce its bulkhead or would need to fix it; - For all Lagoon 450 out of warranty, Lagoon will provide customized reinforcement / fix methodology and dedicated parts Kits; Regarding Labor costs, Lagoon will deal on a case-by-case basis, depending on the year of the boat delivery an on its navigation history. - Every reinforcement/fix operated by Lagoon Dealer or Service Center will be certified by Lagoon and will benefit from a 1-year warranty.  

*Examples of abnormal use:

• Sailing with more sail area than allowed on the Owner’s Manual sailing advice
• Powering against sea and wind for a long time @30° off the true wind
• Sailing in very shallow waters to a point where waves could end up in occasional groundings
• Anchoring in very shallow waters to a point where waves could end up in occasional groundings
• Tightening the rig out of the mast manufacturer specification
• Improper haul out and storage

STEP 3: GET YOUR FIX CERTIFIED Every repair or reinforcement done by our Dealer or Service Center will be stamped by a one-year warranty certificate (subject to normal use of the boat).

You can also contact our Service Center :  

Multitech [email protected] +1 (954) 522-1114 1601 SW 20th Street Bay 33315 Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, United States  

Caraïbes Gréement [email protected] +596 (0)5 96 74 80 33 Port de Plaisance, Boulevard Allègre 97290, Le Marin France  

BMS [email protected] +33 (0)4 68 35 02 45 Bât. Quai Ouest - rue Calypso, 66140 Canet en Roussillon, France

LAGOON ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS

1. about the lagoon 450 bulkhead issue, 1.1. where are bulkheads located in boats and what is their role.

The forward bulkhead is situated in front of the saloon area. It is divided into two mains areas with different roles: • The most important one is the central area which withstands 100% of mast compression. This area is stiff and solid. Only this part of the bulkhead has these functions. It cannot be affected by a bulkhead deformation. • The side parts of the front bulkhead support most of the sea twist effects causing, in a fair amount of boat, buckling on its door side. These side parts are less rigid in order to be able to react and guarantee a certain flexibility to the structure of the boat.

A bulkhead is also present in the aft of the boat. This is much less stressed, and it is also rather flexible so it can evolve through navigation time, like many other parts of the boat.

1.2. Why could bulkheads deteriorate?

It is hard to determine the exact cause of this problem, so we are cautious about it as it could result from a combination of different factors such as, for instance: • Overstressed rig on the long term, • Long sailing passage against wind and waves too close to the wind under power, • Grounding, • Incorrect haul out and storage ( Owner’s Manual ) It is also possible that, on some boats, factory construction did not follow the standard methodology, leading to local weakness. Over the years, we have improved our verification procedure in our manufacturing process to deliver consistent quality boats. There are very few survey reports on second-hand sales which make difficult to narrow down a clear root cause.

1.3. What are the signs and predictors of bulkhead damages or deformation?

Forward bulkhead damages or deformations are not visible at first sight as they are hidden by partition walls and have no impact on navigation. Transversal flexing of the platform is normal and even expected in a catamaran, so it is not a reliable indicator of any potential damage. Squeaking sounds coming for these bulkheads remain the best indicators of such damages. Although our boats are calculated with plenty of transvers resistance, there is a normal transvers flex: when the mast is stepped on the boat, saloon floor shall flex from 8 to 12mm; with time, this flex can easily increase to achieve around 20mm. With time passing by, elasticity becomes plastic and the bent will remain even if the mast compression is removed. This explains why we’ve not been informed of such issues over the last ten years.

1.4.  What risks do I face when navigating with a broken or deformed bulkhead?

There is no safety issue when navigating with a broken or deformed bulkhead around the hull passages as our studies, checked by VPLP, demonstrated potential damages could not lead to either dismasting or any risk for the crew. Reinforce, straighten up or repair the sides of the bulkhead will still contribute to preserve the flexibility of the boat and to get the most from your boat. However, flexibility is inherent to the boat’s construction and reinforcement won’t (and should not), completely remove it as wear naturally comes from boats’ use, just as flexibility. This tension evolves over time and preparations of the boat. As a result, it is normal to make layout adjustments.

1.5. Can a broken or deformed bulkhead deteriorate the catamaran?

There is definitely no dismasting or any risk for the crew. This is not a safety issue. It still may become unpleasant if the reinforcement is made late, since bent or buckling bulkhead will only transfer the stress elsewhere. The quickest way to deal with the problem is to restore normal tension in the boat and prevent other parts from being abnormally stressed. This is why we advise owners to perform the Lagoon protocol, so that they can reinforce their bulkhead or fix any potential damage. Normal tension can be  found here

1.6. Is there a risk of dismasting if my forward bulkhead is broken?

There is absolutely no risk of dismasting. When at the dock, the mast compression is at least around 9 tons, when sailing this compression increases. So, for the mast to come out of its mast foot would require that the whole boat flex above overall limit of materials: basically, it would mean that the boat breaks apart which has never been the case on cruising catamaran history. Bear in mind that on the 1980’s generation of racing trimarans, the flex between the floats and the main hull could exceed 2 meters and never lead to a mast jumping out of its foot: there is always plenty of mast compression left to stand on deck.

1.7. I observe spaces between furniture, my panels are curved, could it be a sign I have a damaged bulkhead?

Not necessarily, as having space between the furniture results from a wear / flex phenomenon, which is completely normal, all boat lifelong. It starts with the first installation of mast and then, increase or decrease with tensions in the boat which is inherent to its preparations and to its proper functioning. It evolves depending on the setting of the rigging and shrouds tension.

1.8. Why is the starboard side often more deformed than the portside in case of a damaged bulkhead?

The forward bulkhead is not symmetrical, which explains the difference between the 2 sides as the tension dispatched differs on them. This does not entail any safety issue.

1.9. If not broken or deformed, should the forward bulkhead be consolidated?

There is no safety issue, so there is no need for an immediate action. However, we recommend to proceed to a reinforcement. Reinforcing the forward bulkhead can be part of a future annual maintenance of the boat at your Lagoon dealership and is recommended by Lagoon. To check what is part of regular maintenance of a Lagoon, please  see here.

1.10. If one side of the forward bulkhead is broken, do I have to strengthen the others side?

If only one side of the bulkhead is affected, we recommend consolidating the other side.

1.11. I have a Lagoon 450 under building process. Do I risk any bulkhead issue?

The way we build our boat is always evolving with time, specifically during such a long production time (more than a decade!) as we keep improving our boats to keep them aligned with the best quality standards of their time.

Consequently, on the recent boats, solid wood reinforcement had been added on both sides of the forward bulkhead, then connected together with plywood finish panels on each side of the reinforced bulkhead. This created a stiff beam that will withstand the load and prevent the bulkhead from bending. As of today, no bulkhead deformation issue on those reinforced boats was reported to us.

May the bulkhead issue concern other Lagoon catamarans than the Lagoon 450?

We are not aware of any bulkhead issues on other Lagoon models but we constantly review vessels for potential issues. In order to reassure owners, we conducted a full inspection of current Lagoon models (40, 42, 46, 50, 52, 55, SIXTY 5, SEVENTY 7) together with VPLP Yacht Design. Lagoon constantly monitors their boats for any structural or safety issue. Over 6000 Lagoon catamarans currently navigate around the world, most of them intensively, thanks to Lagoon expertise, in total safety. It is important to remember that wear naturally comes from boats’ use, just as flexibility. It evolves depending on the setting of the rigging and shrouds tension. This tension evolves over time and preparations of the boat. As a result, it is normal to make layout adjustments.

2. About Lagoon's bulkhead issue management

2.1. for how long have you been aware of the forward bulkhead issue.

Until 2020, only a few isolated cases were reported to us and involved boats with intense charter use. Since then, we started to be notified by individual owners that they encountered this phenomenon of bulkhead deformation. Lagoon is constantly monitoring its products throughout their lifetime, and thanks to very experienced users, with whom we constantly collaborate, Lagoon keeps improving its models during their production time, benefiting from the latest and best know-how. As a reminder, over 1 000 Lagoon 450 have been produced since 2011 and navigation issue linked to bulkhead deformation has never been reported to us.

2.2. How many boats are currently concerned by the bulkhead issue?

Up to now, in August 2021, we have been contacted by 155 Lagoon 450 owners, asking for a check or for a fix methodology. Amongst cases reported to us, when a damage was found, in 80% of cases, an average of 30 labor hours of repair were required.

2.3. How many boats have registered for inspection/fix protocol and how many have got through it?

The protocol was developed in May 21, after some proper investigation, as the first damaged bulkhead reports have really come to us recently. Up to now, in August 21, we are in touch with 155 owners. We provide them an individual support, at each step of the process: • 15 owners have an appointment scheduled to check their bulkhead. • 32 owners are currently in the repair process; • 18 boats got their bulkheads entirely repaired (when they were broken) or reinforced (when their owners asked for it). • We are collecting the data for the remaining ones Our teams are fully mobilized to bring you the best solution. Unfortunately, the Covid pandemic drastically slows down our technical support teams’ travels and is making the supply and the shipping of the parts difficult, especially to the USA. We are sorry for the delay.

2.4. What is the status of the Lagoon 450 bulkheads checks?

So far, 97 boats have already been checked. What is important to know is that when a damage was found, in 80% of cases, an average of 30 labor hours of repair was required.

2.5. Why are bulkheads different on models before 2012 from the ones built after?

The reason why we changed our bulkheads model after 2012 is that, after hull 36, the factory asked to add stiffeners under the door access to forward cabin (or starboard head in 3 cabins version) to help the doors close easier. The way we build our boat is always evolving with time, specifically during such a long production time (more than a decade!). We keep improving our boats all their production long, to offer boats always aligned with the best quality standards of their time.

2.6. Don’t the several reinforcements made on Lagoon 450 bulkheads in 2012, and later, acknowledge an issue with the original conception?

No. This reinforcement was not linked to observation of bulkhead side buckling as this issue is very recent for us. The way we build our boat is always evolving with time, specifically during such a long production time (more than a decade!). We keep improving our boats throughout their production, to offer boats always aligned with the best quality standards of their time. It is hard to determine the exact cause of this phenomenon, so we are cautious about it as it could results from a combination of different factors such as, for instance: • Overstressed rig on the long term, • Long sailing passage against wind and waves too close to the wind, • Grounding, • Incorrect haul out and storage. It is also possible that, on some boats, factory construction did not follow the standard methodology, leading to local weakness. Over the years, we have improved our verification procedure in our manufacturing process to deliver consistent quality boats There are very few survey reports on second-hand sales, which makes it difficult to narrow down a clear root cause. Lagoon will organise a Technical, Usage & Quality feedback from users on Year 5 and Year 8 of all of its models starting Fall 2021, through its dealers’ network.

2.7. What has been done so far to check the Lagoon 450 situation?

When we realized, in March 2021, that there were several other Lagoon 450 affected, we immediately started analyzing the cases which were reported to us, with some new calculations based on latest available tools. The Finite Element Analysis, checked by VPLP naval architects, confirms the Lagoon 450 respects the safety coefficient standards: the scantling is sufficient under normal use of the boat. These conclusions also highlighted that potential damages could not lead to either dismasting or any risk for the crew. Then, we prepared a repair methodology with the support of VPLP, our Service Center, and one independent Marine Surveyor (from the Yacht Designers & Surveyors Association YDSA) who all approved it along with the French official Ministère de la Mer. On this basis, we have started to specify and produce repair kits, including the dedicated parts needed. Documents available: VPLP MARVIN- Lagoon 450 Since then, we informed our Dealers network and Service Center about this methodology and set up a response team focusing on this bulkhead issue, to better manage Lagoon 450’s owners enquiries on that matter. However, the Covid pandemic is drastically slowing down our technical support teams’ travels and is making the supply and the shipping of the parts difficult, especially to the USA.

3. About Lagoon's technical support for Lagoon 450 owners

3.1. can i check the forward bulkhead on my own.

We strongly recommend processing this check through a Lagoon Dealer / Service Center to ensure a qualified diagnostic. It makes all the more sense that the check process (an average of 4 hours) is only covered at Lagoon’s cost when done in our network.

3.2. Where and when can Lagoon inspect my bulkhead?

Your repair will be inspected by a Lagoon Dealer / Service Center. Please contact them to schedule an appointment. For accessing the full list worldwide and their contact details, please  click here. Just bear in mind that, how sorry we are about it, the Covid pandemic is slowing down our technical support teams’ travels and is making the supply and the shipping of the parts difficult, especially to the USA and for those who are far from one of our 85 Dealers and Service Center.

3.3. If the bulkhead is deformed or broken, can I repair it by myself?

No. We strongly recommend you get this work performed by a Lagoon Dealer / Service Center for 2 reasons: • You will benefit from a fix methodology checked by VPLP. • The fix will be certified by Lagoon with a 1-year warranty

3.4. Does Lagoon provide manual guidelines to fix the issue?

Lagoon is providing a dedicated methodology for each boat impacted. To do so, the Lagoon response team needs to get as much information as possible. The complete list of information required is: 1. Hull Number 2. Current and past names of the vessel 3. Full name and contact information of the Owner. 4. Current and past navigational areas of the boat. 5. Current and past mooring locations 6. Usage history of the vessel (private, professional or charter) 7. Any sales history of the vessel. 8. Any available professional surveys. 9. Vessel survey at the purchase date (for secondhand boat) 10. Any incidents of note for the vessel. 11. Any copies of logbooks for the vessel

3.5. Could I call a Lagoon engineer to receive guidance?

We would not be able to ensure an individual regular follow-up of each personal case: the main point of contact is your closest Lagoon Dealer / Service Center which is directly connected to us and has access to Lagoon technical data, should they look for more information. This is the best way for us to provide answers and support to 450 owners, whoever and wherever they are, which is our goal, having in mind that the Covid pandemic drastically slows down the circulation of our technical support teams and tailored parts sending, especially to the USA, what we are sorry about.

3.6. How do I know if my catamaran is eligible for the Lagoon support protocol and what is Lagoon process to fix bulkhead issue?

Each boat subject to normal use, whatever be its age, will be supported by Lagoon. The level of support will depend on the boat delivery date and on its own history. It will also be based on your own bulkhead diagnosis. On these bases, our Dealer or Service Center and our technical teams will develop a dedicated methodology for each case, which explains why we cannot present one standard process. Information to be provided to our teams will be the following: 1. Hull Number 2. Current and past names of the vessel 3. Full name and contact information of the Owner. 4. Current and past navigational areas of the boat. 5. Current and past mooring locations 6. Usage history of the vessel (private, professional or charter) 7. Any sales history of the vessel. 8. Any available professional surveys. 9. Vessel survey at the purchase date (for secondhand boat) 10. Any incidents of note for the vessel. 11. Any copies of logbooks for the vessel

3.7. What do you mean by a normal use of Lagoon 450?

Examples of abnormal use of a Lagoon 450 (all examples are common sense and most can be found in the  Owner’s Manual ): • Sailing out of the Owner’s Manual sailing advice: ◦ Sailing with more sail area than allowed on the Owner’s Manual sailing advice ◦ Powering against sea and wind for a long time @30° off the true wind ◦ Sailing in very shallow waters to a point where waves could end up in occasional groundings ◦ Anchoring in very shallow waters to a point where waves could end up in occasional groundings ◦ Grounding ◦ Tightening the rig out of the mast manufacturer specification. Check the  Dock Tune ◦ Improper haul out and storage ( Owner’s Manual )

3.8. Where can I get my broken bulkhead repaired?

You should get this work performed by a Lagoon Dealer / Service Center for 2 reasons: • You will benefit from a fix methodology checked by VPLP. • The fix will be certified by Lagoon with a 1-year warranty Click here  to access to the list of our points of services worldwide and their contact details.

3.9. How long will the bulkhead reinforcement take?

It is difficult to give a reliable timing evaluation: we are fully dedicated to support every Lagoon 450’s owner who would apply for reinforcement, bearing in mind that the Coid pandemic is slowing down our technical support teams’ travels and is making the supply and the shipping of the parts difficult, especially to the USA. The operation by itself, in most of the cases, can be performed within an average of 30 hours.

3.10. For how long will Lagoon provide this support? Do we have a deadline to check and repair our bulkhead?

The support will be available as long as needed, because Lagoon is deeply committed to support Lagoon 450 owners and to reassure them about their boat seaworthiness and their resale value. Just bear in mind that, as sorry as we are about it, the Covid pandemic slows down the circulation of our experts and delays bulkhead diagnostic, reinforcement and fixing operations, especially for those who are far from our network of 85 Dealers and Service Center.

3.11. What are Lagoon recommendations regarding the use and care of catamarans?

There are 10 golden rules to get the best out of your catamaran throughout the years: 1. Detailed inspection of hull(s) underwater area including antifouling condition A periodical haul out and bottom paint of your boat will keep her original performances and avoid any adhesion of marine vegetation. The type of the water where you boat sails determines how to choose the antifouling paint as well as how often to carry out these careenings. Do not hesitate to contact your nearest  Lagoon dealer  for advice. 2. Regularly inspect deck surface and hardware parts (see  Owner’s Manual ) 3. Periodically, inspect standing rigging and tighten adjustments 4. Regularly run rigging inspection 5. Periodically, inspect, clean and grease of hardware parts 6. Periodically, complete steering system inspection 7. Periodically, control electrical circuits and their maintenance, electronic circuits and their components as well as engine(s) and generator maintenance 8. Periodically, control interior equipment and wooden layout status 9. Always inspect the boat when you encounter difficult or exceptional sea conditions or following a sea event to prevent possible damage, which could progressively worsen over time. 10. Before any purchase or resale of boats and before transaction, it is highly recommended to carry out a preliminary survey performed per a certified surveyor approved by the local authorities of the country. For more information, please, check the Owner’s Manual  here .

3.12. How will Lagoon certify that the fixing implemented by the Dealer or Service Center is completed in accordance with their instructions?

Lagoon is providing the full methodologies to its Dealers and Service Center to check the repairs and to perform it, if needed. Our response team works in close relation with them and follows each case on an individual basis. In addition, the fixing will benefit from a 1-year warranty from Lagoon.

4. About Lagoon's expenses support for Lagoon 450 owners

4.1. how long is my lagoon 450 covered by the structure warranty.

3 years for boats delivered before 2019; 5 years for those delivered from 2019.

4.2. How much do inspection expenses represent and does Lagoon cover them?

Inspection expenses represents an average of 4 hours and are covered by Lagoon for every Lagoon 450.

4.3. What could be covered by the brand after the warranty?

Lagoon will support each Lagoon 450 owner whose boat was subject to normal use* according to the following guidelines: • As a commercial gesture, Lagoon will cover forward bulkhead inspection for every Lagoon 450, when done by its Dealers or Service Center network (an average of 4 hours of labor); • For all Lagoon 450 out of warranty, Lagoon will provide customized reinforcement / fix methodology and dedicated parts Kits; Regarding Labor costs, Lagoon will deal on a case-by-case basis, depending on the year of the boat delivery an on its navigation history. • Every reinforcement/fix operated by Lagoon Dealer or Service Center will be certified by Lagoon and will benefit from a 1-year warranty. *Examples of abnormal use of a Lagoon 450 (all examples are common sense and most can be found in the  Owner’s Manual ): • Sailing out of the Owner’s Manual sailing advice: ◦ Sailing with more sail area than allowed on the Owner’s Manual sailing advice ◦ Powering against sea and wind for a long time @30° off the true wind ◦ Sailing in very shallow waters to a point where waves could end up in occasional groundings ◦ Anchoring in very shallow waters to a point where waves could end up in occasional groundings ◦ Grounding ◦ Tightening the rig out of the mast manufacturer specification. Check the  Dock Tune ◦ Improper haul out and storage ( Owner’s Manual )

4.4. Are you able to provide a cost estimation for the different repair options: veiled, bent, broken bulkhead and impacted boat?

We found out very different cases, from intact bulkhead to lightly veiled, bent or a few broken. Needed labor hours, depending on cases, can go from 20 to 200 hours but, up to now, amongst cases reported to us, when a damage was found, in 80% of cases, an average of 30 labor hours of repair were required.

4.5. Will Lagoon take in charge the bulkhead reinforcement?

Lagoon will support each Lagoon 450 owner whose boat was subject to normal use* according to the following guidelines: • For Lagoon 450 under warranty (three years for Lagoon catamarans sold before 2019, and five years for those sold after), Lagoon will take in charge 100% of labor costs and dedicated parts costs in case its owner would wish to reinforce its bulkhead; • For all Lagoon 450 out of warranty, Lagoon will provide customized reinforcement methodology and dedicated parts Kits; Regarding Labor costs, Lagoon will deal on a case-by-case basis, depending on the year of the boat delivery an on its navigation history. • Every reinforcement operated by Lagoon Dealer or Service Center will be certified by Lagoon and will benefit from a 1-year warranty. *Examples of abnormal use of a Lagoon 450 (all examples are common sense and most can be found in the  Owner’s Manual ): • Sailing out of the Owner’s Manual sailing advice: ◦ Sailing with more sail area than allowed on the Owner’s Manual sailing advice ◦ Powering against sea and wind for a long time @30° off the true wind ◦ Sailing in very shallow waters to a point where waves could end up in occasional groundings ◦ Anchoring in very shallow waters to a point where waves could end up in occasional groundings ◦ Grounding ◦ Tightening the rig out of the mast manufacturer specification. Check the  Dock Tune ◦ Improper haul out and storage ( Owner’s Manual )

4.6. Will Lagoon take in charge the damaged or broken bulkhead fixing costs?

Lagoon will support each Lagoon 450 owner whose boat was subject to normal use* according to the following guidelines: • For Lagoon 450 under warranty (three years for Lagoon catamarans sold before 2019, and five years for those sold after), Lagoon will take in charge 100% of labor costs and dedicated parts costs in case its owner would need to fix its bulkhead; • For all Lagoon 450 out of warranty, Lagoon will provide customized fix methodology and dedicated parts kits; Regarding Labor costs, Lagoon will deal on a case-by-case basis, depending on the year of the boat delivery an on its navigation history. • Every fix operated by Lagoon Dealer or Service Center will be certified by Lagoon and will benefit from a 1-year warranty. *Examples of abnormal use of a Lagoon 450 (all examples are common sense and most can be found in the  Owner’s Manual ): • Sailing out of the Owner’s Manual sailing advice: ◦ Sailing with more sail area than allowed on the Owner’s Manual sailing advice ◦ Powering against sea and wind for a long time @30° off the true wind ◦ Sailing in very shallow waters to a point where waves could end up in occasional groundings ◦ Anchoring in very shallow waters to a point where waves could end up in occasional groundings ◦ Grounding ◦ Tightening the rig out of the mast manufacturer specification. Check the  Dock Tune ◦ Improper haul out and storage ( Owner’s Manual )

4.7. Will Lagoon pay needed parts for my repairs?

For every Lagoon 450 subject to normal use, Lagoon will provide customized reinforcement / fix methodology and dedicated parts kit.

4.8. Under which concrete conditions will Lagoon financially support Lagoon 450 bulkhead reinforcement or repair?

• Expenses taken in charge by Lagoon will be directly managed with the Dealer / Service Center • Expenses taken in charge by the owner will be paid directly by himself to the Dealer/Service Center As a reference for exclusion from Lagoon financial support, here are Terms of Lagoon Guarantee, as defined in our General Terms and Conditions of Sale: The Warranties shall not apply to the following events, deteriorations and structural damages as well as their potential consequences: • Parts that rapidly deteriorate due to wear and tear, including but not limited to sails, paints, running rigging, batteries, external decorations, cushions, antifouling, anodes, filters, etc. • Costs of transporting, towing, hauling out, storing, dry-docking or skippering the boat. Customs fees and shipping costs of any defective part and/or equipment as well as any additional costs due to the impossibility of using the boat and/or the equipment, which are to be borne exclusively by the purchaser-user. • Paint or gel-coat fissures, cracks, fading or discoloration. • Any repairs or alterations made to the boat by any person or entity not approved to do so in writing by the builder prior to the repairs or alterations. • Damage resulting from: ◦ ◦ Non-observance of maintenance recommendations as described in the manual issued with the boat, or non-compliance with generally accepted good practices of boat maintenance, ◦ ◦ Improper use, especially negligent, reckless, abusive or abnormal use, ◦ ◦ Sanding of gel-coat, ◦ ◦ Corrosion or slow deterioration, ◦ ◦ Inappropriate handling, storage or transportation conditions, ◦ ◦ Participation in competitions, ◦ ◦ Installation of parts from a different origin and/or modification, alteration of original parts ◦ ◦ Negligence with respect to taking necessary precautionary measures, ◦ ◦ Accident or disaster such as explosion, fire, flood, storm, lightning, transportation, riot, theft, shock, collision, stranding/beaching or any other force majeure event.

4.9. Will my reparation benefit from a warranty? If yes, for how long?

Yes, you will benefit from a 1-year warranty from Lagoon when done by our dealers or Service Center network.

INFORMATION ABOUT LAGOON 450 MAST COMPRESSION POST

What to know about lagoon 450 mast compression post.

More than 1,000 Lagoon 450 have been sailing in full navigability and safety all over the world, for over 10 years for some of them. At the end of December 2022, for the first time, two cases of damaged mast compression posts were reported and, fortunately, did not lead to any consequence. With the support of our local dealers, repairs were carried out and the boats are running again in full safety. We carried out in-depth analyses in relation to these cases and ran a series of inspections of this part on a representative number of Lagoon 450 and the vast majority of the inspected boats were fine. Therefore, because safety is of utmost priority to Lagoon, we recommend to those of you, whose yearly maintenance is planned beyond 6 months, to get their mast compression post checked by their Dealers and Service Centers network, as a precautionary principle. If your mast compression post is fine, it will just need to be checked once a year as a new routine, within annual maintenance. In case of signs of aging (corrosion, cracks), please contact your Lagoon dealer / Service Center, who will plan its replacement with you, according to a specific and proofed methodology.

MAST COMPRESSION POST: LAGOON ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS

1. about the lagoon 450 mast compression post, 1.1. where is the mast compression post and what is it role.

• The mast compression post is a structural element of a boat: it is a beam or a post (tubular or square) of metal construction, placed vertically and used as a support structure for the decks and masts to transmit forces. • On the Lagoon, 450, the mast compression post, which ensures the connection between the mast, the deck, the hull, and the bulkhead is located at the front of the square.

1.2. What is the "normal" life span of a mast compression post?

• There is no standard to speak of on this point. The life of a steel mast compression post can be very long, depending on the use, the history of the boat and the interventions that have been carried out at the level of the passage of the cables coming from the mast, in the mast compression post. • Nevertheless, as complete maintenance of rigging is recommended every 10 years, replacing a mast compression post can be considered at that time.

1.3. What are the risks associated with this mast compression post corrosion?

• At an early stage, in the event of corrosion or apparent crack located on the upper area of the mast compression post, it is recommended to sail with the engine to limit the compression on the mast and to replace it as soon as possible.
• If the mast compression post breaches, you must stop sailing and arrange for the replacement of the mast compression post immediately.

1.4. What are the risks associated with this mast compression post corrosion?

1.5. can i still sail with a damaged mast compression post.

• It all depends on the level of damage to the mast compression post, as the mast compression post has an important supporting role.
• At an early or intermediate stage, if the upper mast compression post shows the beginning of a crack or traces of corrosion, it is recommended to sail under engine to limit the compression at the mast and to contact your dealer or your Lagoon Service Center. The dealer will inspect the mast compression post, make a diagnosis, contact the Lagoon boatyard to check the availability of replacement parts and will organize a replacement as soon as possible.
• At an advanced stage (breakage), it is necessary to stop sailing immediately and to have the mast compression post replaced, before going back to sea, by a Lagoon dealer or Service Center who have a dedicated and proven Lagoon methodology.
• The external base of the mast compression post may be corroded if it was exposed to water (ex: if the 2 front windows remain open during navigation) and not maintained when first corrosion signs appeared. If it is an early stage of corrosion, a simple maintenance treatment is sufficient to stop the phenomenon, otherwise, the mast compression post must be replaced.

1.6. For how long have you been aware of this issue?

• At the end of December 2022, for the first time, two cases of damaged upper area of the mast compression post were reported to us, which fortunately did not result in any consequences.
• At this stage, we have carried out in-depth analyses of these cases and a series of inspections on a significant number of Lagoon 450, which enabled us in mid-March to confirm that the mast compression post on most of the inspected boats are fine.
• However, because safety is a top priority for us and as a precautionary measure, we recommend you, if your yearly maintenance is planned beyond 6 months to get your mast compression post and your mast cable routing checked by your Dealers or Service Centers network.

1.7. Are all Lagoon 450 concerned?

• More than 1,000 Lagoon 450 are sailing safely, some of them for more than 10 years.
• Following the 2 cases that were reported to us in December 2022 and after the inspection of a significant number of Lagoon 450, we have found a very few cases.
• Nevertheless, as a precautionary principle, it is important to check each Lagoon 450 because the risk of accelerated ageing of the mast compression post depends on the history of use, maintenance, age of the boat as well as on interventions that have been carried out at the level of the passage of the mast cables in the mast compression post.

1.8. Are all Lagoon 450 concerned by this risk of corrosion?

• Following the 2 cases that were reported to us in December 2022 and after the inspection of a significant number of Lagoon 450, we have found a few cases.

1.9. Are there other Lagoon models affected by this risk of damage to the mast compression post?

• The Lagoon 450's mast compression post is unique in its design, both in its structure and in the materials used.
• Because safety is a priority for us, when informed of the isolated cases reported to us, our technical teams carried out additional investigations than on other older models and no case of mast compression post damage was found.

2. About the Lagoon 450 mast compression post checkup

2.1. what is this campaign about.

• We have decided to upgrade Lagoon 450 maintenance frame by adding from now on to its requirements the check of the mast compression post status and of its mast cable routing, after the detection of a few isolated cases of accelerated steel corrosion at the end of December 2022.
• It consists of a visual inspection of the mast compression post to check if it is intact, corroded, or even damaged and of its mast cable routing positioning.
• To do this, it is necessary to dismantle the ceiling and remove the PVC covering, an operation carried out by a dealer or a Service Center which requires less than 2 hours, following a methodology that we make available to them.

2.2. How to proceed to perform this check?

• Lagoon dealers or Service Centers will check the condition of the mast compression post, following the provided methodology.

2.3. When should I get my mast compression checked?

• Only a small number of Lagoon 450's could be affected by premature ageing of the mast compression post, which depends on the use, the history of the boat as well as the interventions that have been carried out at the level of the passage of the mast cables in the mast compression post.
• Therefore, because safety and quality of its boats is our utmost priority, we recommend you, if your yearly maintenance is planned beyond 6 months to get your mast compression post and your mast cable routing checked by your Dealers or Service Centers network.

2.4. Why do you recommend checking the mast compression post before its annual maintenance if it is planned beyond 6 months?

• Lagoon 450 annual maintenance will integrate the mast compression post status check from now on.
• Even if only a small number of Lagoon 450's could be affected by premature ageing, we recommend you, by precaution principle, because this is an important part in terms of safety, if your yearly maintenance is planned beyond 6 months to get your mast compression post and your mast cable routing checked by your Dealers or Service Centers network.

2.5. What are the signs that should alert us to the condition of the mast compression post?

• If the mast compression post shows signs of ageing (corrosion, cracks, breakage) we invite you to have it replaced by your Lagoon dealer or Service Center to whom we have sent an adapted replacement methodology.
• If the cable routing at the mast foot does not comply with the rules of the art, it also must be correctly repositioned.

2.6. If an owner does the check himself, in case of doubt, who can he contact?

• In case of signs of ageing (corrosion, cracks, breakage), we invite you to have your mast compression post checked by your Lagoon dealer or Service Center as soon as possible to confirm the stage of ageing of your mast compression post and proceed with its replacement, if needed.

3. About the Lagoon 450 mast compression post diagnostic

3.1. if the upper arear of the mast compression post does not have a crack, but rust is present on the outer part of the mast compression post. should it be replaced.

• No, the mere presence of rust does not prevent safe sailing.
• We invite you, in case of doubts to have your mast compression post checked by your Lagoon dealer or Service Center.

3.2. What to do if the mast compression post is damaged?

• At an early or intermediate stage, if upper area of the mast compression post shows the beginning of a crack or traces of corrosion, it is recommended to sail with the engine to limit the compression at the mast and to contact your dealer or your Lagoon Service Center. The dealer will inspect the mast compression post, make a diagnosis, contact the Lagoon boatyard to check the availability of replacement parts and will organize a replacement as soon as possible.

3.3. The upper area of my mast compression post has crack(s), can I still sail?

• If the upper part of your mast compression post shows the beginning of a crack or traces of corrosion, we recommend you sail under engine to limit the compression at the mast and to contact your Lagoon dealer or Service Center.
• He will inspect your mast compression post, make a diagnosis, contact the Lagoon boatyard to check the availability of replacement parts and will organize its replacement as soon as possible.

3.4. The upper area of my mast compression post has breach(es), can I still sail?

• If your mast compression post shows signs of breach, it is necessary to stop sailing immediately and to have the mast compression post replaced, before going back to sea, by a Lagoon dealer or Service Center who have a dedicated and proven Lagoon methodology.

3.5. Why checking my mast compression post every year if it is fine?

• This is an important part in terms of safety.
• The risk of accelerated ageing of the mast compression post depends on the history of use, maintenance, age of the boat as well as on interventions that have been carried out at the level of the passage of the mast’s cables inside the mast compression post.
• It is therefore important to check the condition of a mast compression post every year as a precautionary measure, even if it is in perfect condition today and, at the same time, to ensure that the mast cables are correctly routed through the mast foot.

3.6. Should I replace my mast compression post if it is fine?

• If a mast compression post is intact, there is no need to replace it, it will be annually checked, within the new upgraded maintenance frame of the Lagoon 450.
• At the same time, you should also check that the mast cables are correctly routed to the mast foot, as indicated in the inspection note.

3.7. Is the new mast compression post the same as the initial one? If not, what are the differences?

• Since the Lagoon 450 is no longer manufactured today and as we are constantly improving our technologies and products, the new mast compression post has benefited from several improvements, in particular to limit water ingress which causes corrosion.

3.8. If I replace my mast compression post, do I still need to check it every year?

• You will not need to check the mast compression post itself as the replacement mast compression post we offer is a new mast compression post with improvements, such as limiting water ingress that causes corrosion, as we are constantly improving our technologies.
• It is still important to check, every year, that the mast cables are correctly routed into the mast foot, which will be done within the upgraded Lagoon 450 annual maintenance frame.

3.9. Rather than check my mast compression post every year, why not directly change it?

• If a mast compression post is intact, there is no need to replace it, and no specific check to organize, as it will be annually checked, within the new upgraded maintenance frame of the Lagoon 450.
• Nevertheless, if you wish to do so, nothing prevents you from replacing his mast compression post, especially if the boat is old.
• In this case, you just has to contact your Lagoon dealer or Service Center to organize this replacement, without any emergency.

3.10. How long will my boat be immobilized if the mast compression post needs to be changed?

• We have developed a replacement methodology that involves a downtime of about 2 working days.
• The planning of the operation also depends on the delivery time (shipping and customs conditions) and also on the availability of your dealer or Lagoon Service Center.

3.11. How much the mast compression post replacement cost?

• Depending on the market, the cost will vary, but the replacement kit costs about 750€ HT, excluding shipping (public price), and takes about 2 days of labor.

3.12. Can I get my mast compression post replaced everywhere?

• This replacement can be done at a Lagoon dealer or Service Center which has a methodology for intervention developed by the Lagoon technical services.

3.13. Will you certify the replacement of the mast compression post?

• No, your invoice for the replacement work alone is sufficient proof, if needed.

3.14. Will my catamaran lose value if I don't do this operation?

• No, because if your mast compression post is intact, there is no need to replace it, especially since the phenomenon, according to our investigations, only concerns a limited number of boats, who have experienced specific conditions of use, or where the interventions carried out at the level of the passage of the mast cables in the mast compression post have not been carried out according to the rules.
• In 10 years of marketing the Lagoon 450, only 2 cases were reported to us in December 2020.
• Checking the mast compression post every year within the upgraded Lagoon 450 annual maintenance frame, will, on the contrary, maintain its resale value.

3.15. Will you cover the mast compression post replacement?

• No, the cost of material and labor will be charged to you, as this phenomenon depends on the use, the history of the boat, its maintenance as well as on the interventions that have been carried out at the level of the passage of the mast cables in the mast compression post.

GOIOT ESCAPE HATCH CONTROL AND REPLACEMENT

GOïOT SYSTEMS have launched a generalized recall campaign due to a risk relating to escape hatches delivered before September 2018 that could jeopardize the safety of navigation. The search for reliability and safety for our customers in the construction of our boats has always been a priority objective for Lagoon. For 12 years we have been equipping our catamarans with GOïOT fixed hatches. In April 2019, we have become aware of a few rare cases where the glazing has away from the aluminum frame, with the result that water has been able to enter the boat. This is why Lagoon set up a procedure and has put a technical team at your disposal to organize making these panels safe, and to answer your questions. The dedicated team can be contacted at the following email address:  [email protected] .  

HOW TO GET THE BEST OUT OF A LAGOON 450?

Lagoon 450 maintenance tips, 10 golden rules for optimizing maintenance.

1. Detailed inspection of hull(s) underwater area including antifouling condition A periodical haul out and bottom paint of your boat will keep her original performances and avoid any adhesion of marine vegetation. The type of the water where you boat sails determines how to choose the antifouling paint as well as how often to carry out these haul-out and bottom paint. Do not hesitate to contact your nearest Lagoon dealer for advice. 2. Regularly inspect deck surface and hardware parts 3. Periodically, inspect standing rigging and tighten adjustments 4. Annually check on mast compression post 5. Regularly run rigging inspection 6. Periodically, inspect, clean and grease of hardware parts 7. Periodically, complete steering system inspection 8. Periodically, control electrical circuits and their maintenance, electronic circuits and their components as well as engine (s) and generator maintenance 9. Periodically, control interior equipment and wooden layout status 10. Always inspect the boat when you encounter difficult or exceptional sea conditions or following a sea event to prevent possible damage, which could progressively worsen over time. 11. Before any purchase or resale of boats and before transaction, it is highly recommended to carry out a preliminary survey performed per a certified surveyor approved by the local authorities of the country.

MAINTENANCE PLANNING

The information given hereafter is not an exhaustive list and may be adapted, depending on the use of your boat. HULL / DECK FITTING / HULL • Clean the hull with appropriate products QUARTERLY • Clean s/s parts QUARTERLY • Dismount, clean and grease winches ANNUAL • Check the watertightness of the sea-cock fittings BI-ANNUAL • Clean the sea cock fittings and strainers from the outside BI-ANNUAL MOORING / WINDLASS • Rinse ground tackle and anchor locker with fresh water WHEN USED • Check the gypsy and anchor/chain fastening device BI-ANNUAL • Check windlass brake system QUARTERLY • Check mooring lines and fenders BI- ANNUAL • Check the electric connections (remote control, relay, etc.) QUARTERLY RUNNING / STANDING RIGGING / SAILS • Have checked & adjusted standing rigging tension by a professional ANNUAL • Have checked mast compression post by a professional ANNUAL • Lubrificate the different travellers with teflon QUARTERLY • Check and tighten the different shackles QUARTERLY • Check the running rigging tightening QUARTERLY • Check the halyard and sheet for wear points QUARTERLY • Rinse the whole running rigging and sails QUARTERLY • Check the mainsail battens and main seams QUARTERLY UPHOLSTERY AND COVERS • Rinse / clean the different covers QUARTERLY • Dry the outside upholstery before its storage WHEN USED REFRIGERATION UNIT • Defrost the refrigerators and conservator QUARTERLY • Check the door joints QUARTERLY AIR CONDITIONING • Check the sea cock and clean / change the different ◦ sea water filters QUARTERLY • Dust off the unit heater fans ANNUAL ELECTRICITY • Check and tighten the battery terminal connections and main switch connections. BI-ANNUAL • Check and tighten the main relay terminals ◦ (winches, windlass, etc.) BI-ANNUAL ENGINES AND GENERATOR • Check oil level QUARTERLY • Check belt tension QUARTERLY • Clean the sea water strainer QUARTERLY • Check for leaks (oil, water, fuel) and smokes QUARTERLY • Check and drain the decanter filters (fuel) QUARTERLY REFER TO THE ENGINE MANUFACTURER’S GUIDE WATERMAKER • Check and clean the sea water suction strainers QUARTERLY • General inspection by the manufacturer ANNUAL PLUMBING • Check the automatic bilge pumps and alarms QUARTERLY • Rinse the black water tanks QUARTERLY • Check the manual bilge pumps QUARTERLY • Check the pressure water pump QUARTERLY • Check the different drains and scuppers QUARTERLY • Open and close the different valves on board ◦ grease if necessary BI-ANNUAL

LAGOON 450 NAVIGATION TIPS

Preparation.

The initial launching and the first tests of the different equipment shall be carried out by your dealer so that you can expect to enjoy the warranty in case of some equipment failure. All further handling shall be carried out with the highest care by professionals. If the LAGOON boatyard is not involved in your handling operations, they cannot cover under guarantee any possible accidents linked to handling. If later you have to launch your boat yourself, you should take the following precautions: • Retract the sensors under the hull into their housings (they may be damaged by the handling slings). • Check the water suction boxes for cleanliness. • Turn off all the water inlet and drain valves (grey waters, black waters, engine). • Check the anodes are in good condition and properly installed. An anode shall never be painted In case of crane lifting, install a bow mooring rope, a stern mooring rope and fenders. When using a crane to move the boat, check that slings cannot touch any device (depth finder, speedometer, etc.) nor the propellers. The crane hook will be fitted with a gantry or a spreader system with two slings. The slings shall not be connected directly onto the hook, as it would result in unusual compressive stresses on the hull. • Crane lifting should be carried out slowly. • Control the movement of the boat using mooring ropes. Mast stepping and removal shall be carried out by a professional. • When stepping the mast up, the professional rigger shall follow the mast maker tension prescriptions and shall aim to the minimum static tension ( Dock Tune ) recommended by the mast manufacturer.

SAILING ADVICES

Sailing, motoring and anchoring shall be processed in areas with sufficient water below the keels to avoid contact with the ground, taking in account the sea state and the other boats around. BEWARE A catamaran is about 6 times more resistant to heeling than a monohull. In naval architecture, it is referred to as up righting moment multiplication of the weight of the boat by the transversal distance between the center of gravity and the center of flotation (or bottom). This fact has real consequences as for the sailing and sail trimming of a catamaran. The fact that the boat does not heel may mask over canvassing, which may be very dangerous for the crew and the boat. Therefore, you must permanently keep a close eye on the speed of the true wind and trim the sail surface according to the latter as a matter of priority. The below-mentioned trims apply in a calm sea. When the sea is brown, you shall reduce earlier by 10% as far as the speed of true wind is concerned. And as a general rule, it is absolutely imperative to permanently try to ease up the boat rather than to stress her. You will always try to have the forward edges of the sails facing the apparent wind, and to have the sail not sheeted home, so that the airflow behind the sail may be laminar, that is to say so that it may go off the aft part of the sail without any disruption. In case you shouldn’t follow the recommendations below, it might be dangerous for the boat and the crew, and, in case of an accident, the manufacturer’s responsibility would not be involved. TRIMMING WHEN CLOSE HAULED This means that true wind is between 75 and 50° (wind force given in apparent wind). These figures are given for reference only and are to be adapted regarding external conditions. • From 0 to 16 knots: full sail; sheet traveller 30 cm above the centre line of the boat, mainsail sheeted with a slightly open leech (boom on the centre line of the boat). The genoa is trimmed so that it skims the spreader, the genoa traveller is set so that the angle of the genoa sheet is the continuation of a straight line that goes through the sheet clew and the luff, at 40% of its height. • From 16 to 20 knots: full sail; the sheet traveller goes up 60 cm above the centre line of the boat, mainsail sheeted with a leech a little more open (boom always in line: therefore, you must ease off the sheet). The genoa traveller remains at the same place, but the sheet is adjusted so that the leech is 10 cm far from the spreader. • From 20 to 26 knots: 1 reef, full genoa; the sheet traveller goes back to 30 cm above the centre line of the boat. The genoa traveller remains at the same place, but the sheet is eased off so that the leech is 20 cm far from the spreader. • From 26 to 30 knots: 1 reef, 75% of the genoa; the sheet traveller goes up 60 cm above the centre line of the boat. The genoa traveller remains at the same place or slightly goes forward but it is adjusted so that the leech makes a propeller shape where the upper part let some air go off in increases of wind. • From 30 to 36 knots: 2 reefs, 60% of the genoa; the sheet traveller is back 30 cm above the centre line of the boat, the sheet is 50 cm eased off and the boom is leeward. • From 36 to 45 knots: 2 reefs, genoa 40%. The sheet traveller is on the centre line of the boat, the sheet is 1 meter eased off and the boom is leeward. The genoa traveller goes slightly forward, the sheet is eased off in order to open wide in gusts. • From 45 to 55 knots: 3 reefs only (or try sail, or lying to), the traveller is on the centre line of the boat, the sheet is 1 meter eased off and the boom is leeward. The boat would be more at ease scudding in such a weather. • Over 55 knots: lying to, sea anchor, or preferably scudding. TRIMMING WHEN DOWN WIND This means that true wind is between 75 and 130° (wind force given in apparent wind). These figures are given for reference only and are to be adapted regarding external conditions. • From 0 to 23 knots: full sail; the traveller can be set at different places ranging from 1 meter off the centre line of the boat to the end of the track, depending on the angle of the wind. The sheet is eased off so that the boom may be leeward and 50 cm far from the traveller in dead calm then up to 2 meters when the wind strengthens. In all the cases, you will avoid having more than one batten chafing against the upper shroud, in the fairest points of sailing. The genoa is eased off in order to have its average front edge facing the apparent wind. • From 23 to 28 knots: 1 reef, full genoa. The trimmings are similar. • From 28 to 33 knots: 2 reefs, 80% of the genoa. The trimmings remain similar. • From 33 to 38 knots: 2 reefs, 60% of the genoa. The trimmings remain similar. • From 38 to 45 knots: 3 reefs (or mainsail lowered and slightly more genoa), genoa 40%. The trimmings remain similar. • From 45 to 55 knots: mainsail lowered, genoa 40 to 30% quite hardened in order to avoid flapping. • Over 55 knots: scudding, depending on the sea, you will set mooring ropes from one transom extension to the other one in order to reduce the speed of the boat.

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Dear Readers

• Sailboat Reviews

Big Cat Concerns

D avid Shih has quite a story to tell. The boat of his dreams brought on a nightmare of repair work—and YouTube fame. Shih isn’t alone, at least in the nightmare part. Shih’s story is one of many about bulkhead problems on the Lagoon 450 catamaran that have gotten widespread attention online. The attention persuaded Lagoon, a brand owned by Beneteau, a French public limited corporation (SA) that is one of the world’s most famous boatbuilders, to take action.

At first Shih noticed the interior joinery had shifted. Then the rigging got loose. Eventually he worked up the courage to look in the corners of the engine room, behind lockers, and even removed some trim. Cracks were everywhere—in bulkheads, in stringers, and in floors.

The most obvious failure was in the main bulkhead, the massive lateral bulkhead located near the mast that ties both hulls and the main cabin together. Shaped like a flattened upside-down U, this is one of the most important structural elements in a catamaran, preventing the hulls from bowing outward under rigging loads, or twisting excessively in a cross sea.

Shih was nearly certain that the trouble he found wasn’t caused by some prior damage. He noticed parts of the main bulkhead that were only partially bonded to the hull structures. He found bulkheads and stringers that were simply glued rather than taped and glassed into place. It was the sort of construction that one sees in a travel trailer, but doesn’t belong in offshore boat construction. His suspicions were confirmed when he got in contact with other owners whose boats had no history of collision or grounding, or conditions that a sailor would regard as extreme. They, too, discovered warped and fractured main bulkheads.

According to Shih, at first, there was hesitancy among the owners to talk openly about the problems. Reveal flaws in your boat and resale value can plummet. In the case of a large catamaran, a serious flaw could mean tens of thousands of dollars in lost value.

Not surprisingly, even owners of other Lagoon models that showed no signs of weakness or damage, objected to open discussion of the bulkheads in the 450 model. They feared their boats would be devalued by association. So the problem, which first came to light in 2020, did not immediately get widespread attention.

When dozens of owners voiced their concerns on YouTube, Facebook, or other social media outlets, Lagoon’s Brand Director Thomas Gailly took heed, and the company put together a Lagoon 450 Support page ( www.cata-lagoon.com/en/lagoon-450-support ) addressing their concerns. They also prepared a repair kit to stiffen the main bulkhead, and published guidance on how to install the repair kit. It was a major repair that required removing a great deal of interior trim.

REASONABLE EXPECTATIONS

When buying a new fiberglass boat, it is reasonable for an owner to assume the basic structural integrity—hull, deck, and bulkheads—will remain intact for about 30 years, assuming we don’t expose it to extreme conditions that will overstress the boat (a hard grounding, for example). Lagoon’s response to the bulkhead debacle suggests that abuse as defined in the owners manual may be a cause for some of the failures.

The following are some of Lagoon’s examples of “abnormal” use of the boat, which according to Lagoon, could overstress the hull and eventually lead to the sort of damage that owners have been reporting in the Lagoon 450.

•  Sailing with more sail area than allowed on the Owner’s Manual sailing advice.

•  Powering against sea and wind for a long time at 30-degrees off the true wind.

•  Sailing in very shallow waters to a point where waves could end up in occasional groundings.

•  Anchoring in very shallow waters to a point where waves could end up in occasional groundings.

•  Grounding.

•  Tightening the rig out of the mast manufacturer specification.

•  Improper haul out and storage.

Yes, catamarans flex more than monohulls. Beating into seas generates powerful torque on the hull. But cheap plywood with a low thickness to cord ratio and no edge flange is not the way to build the main bulkhead on a 45-foot catamaran, in our view.

In most of the cases we reviewed it seems very unlikely that the failures were due to extraordinary circumstances—a bone jarring grounding, hurricane damage, or being dropped from a Travelift, etc. By all appearance, it seems the normal stress and strain that a boat encounters at sea was simply too much for some of these boats. It is worth noting that this is the sort of stress and strain that Lagoon’s other models seem to shrug off without significant damage.

THE SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM

Because of a natural tendency among owners to handle things quietly, no one is quite sure how widespread the problem is. According to Lagoon’s website, about 1,100 hulls were built from 2010 to early 2020 when the line was discontinued. As of August 2021, Lagoon said it had been contacted by 155 owners, and that 50 boats with bulkhead-related problems were being repaired or had been already repaired. Although we requested them, updated numbers were not provided to  PS  at the time of this publication.

The repaired boats all showed the same bulkhead vulnerabilities, and whether the weakness became apparent often depended on age, construction details, and how the boat was sailed. No sunk or abandoned boats have been blamed on these failures. Lagoon reinforced the passageway beam in models built after 2012, but admitted no flaws, describing the change as a typical in a boat model’s production cycle.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

It appears several causes are at work. Ruling out extreme events, the failures we observed are likely related to under-engineering, material selection, or quality control at the factory.

Poor bonding.  Many of the bulkheads pulled away from the hull or adjacent structure without signs of wood failure. It appears the glue did not bond properly. This suggests a lack of surface preparation before bonding.

Weak material.  Several cases of buckling bulkheads that we’ve reviewed suggest the use of materials that were not capable of withstanding prolonged ocean sailing loads. In short, the bulkhead plywood laminate was too weak.

Anticipating the loads on a main bulkhead of a cruising catamaran is not rocket science. The loads can be simulated by computer and the required strength to withstand such loads has been published in engineering manuals for more than 100 years.

Based on what we’ve been able to discern from photos taken by owners, the plywood used in the bulkheads of the Lagoon 450 appears to be a more economical variety, not the high-quality, high-density, high-strength marine grade plywood that would be preferable in a structural bulkhead.

As for Lagoon’s repair plan, sandwiching the weakened bulkhead section with new plywood as a repair— initially suggested by Lagoon—strikes us as a band-aid solution that does not solve the underlying problem. Without further FEA analysis, any underlying engineering problems are speculative.

LAGOON’S RESPONSE

Eventually, Lagoon mounted a strong response. They offered to inspect the forward bulkhead (only one of the common failure locations) at no cost if the boat was brought to an authorized dealer or service center. If cracked, the bulkhead would be repaired by sandwiching the fractured section in what amounts to a mechanical splint. Additional plywood would stiffen and straighten the bowed or broken structure.

If the boat is still covered by the three-year warranty, the full cost of the repair will be covered. If the boat is out of warranty, only the labor will be covered by the repair. The repair is guaranteed for one year. Lagoon says it is responding to every owner, even those whose boat’s do not show signs of bulkhead damage.

Lagoon had the original designer perform finite element analysis on the main beam design only. According to Lagoon, this analysis found that this structure had an adequate safety factor to withstand predicted loads. The analysis assumes there are no factory flaws. Notably, it did not predict the failures experienced by owners, nor did it describe the impact of a bulkhead failure on surrounding structures.

Other bulkheads and structures were not included in this finite element analysis, and a hull bulkhead does not function in isolation. If parts of the design were either under-engineered or poorly executed, a subsequent FEA would help identify these weak points.

Lagoon owners said they were told that because the boat must flex, some “settling” will occur. It is true that flexing can be expected, but based on what we’ve observed in the damaged boats, Lagoon’s bulkhead is a brittle design that is bound to crack. A flexible structure is not a weak structure, but one that can absorb loads without cracking.

Lagoon contends that the design itself is not flawed. Among other things, they point to their long history in the demanding charter industry as evidence of their robust specifications.

How concerned should 450 owners and prospective buyers be? Designed for charter use, these boats have more miles under them than any other cruising cat of similar size. But if you are buying one, have the surveyor crawl in and inspect every corner. Remove the covers and inspect the forward bulkheads. If they have been repaired, that’s probably good. Owners who see any sign of over-stress or suspect a weakness at the bulkhead should contact Lagoon.

Lagoon’s long history in the charter trade is proof that the company knows how to build boats that can handle abuse. And the company appears to be making an earnest effort to keep owners happy.

The Lagoon 450 has a lot going for it in terms of easy handling and comfort. However,  sound engineering and quality control during construction should always take priority over cosmetics. This becomes especially important as the market demands faster, lighter boats (see “ Multihull Madness ,” March 2017).

Favoring quality construction over creature comforts is never a mistake, and sometimes that means buying a smaller boat, or an older, well-maintained one built to a higher standard. 

I n 2006,  PS  editor Darrell Nicholson was invited by the South African government to tour the plants of several big-name multihull boatbuilders, including Robertson and Caine, Voyage, Admiral, and Two Oceans. Nicholson’s photos taken during tour help illustrate the details of catamaran construction relevant to the Lagoon 450. Writer Nigel Calder describes a more recent visit in  ProBoat  magazine ( www.proboat.com/2019/07/south-african-boatbuilders-revisited/ ).

1. Bulkheads on a Moorings charterboat are bonded in place before the interior modules are installed. Arrows indicate hot spots where load is concentrated.

2. A partial bulkhead is hand-laminated on the floor at a South African builder. Loads can concentrate at corners in the bulkhead.

3. An interior view of a catamaran under construction shows where the bulkhead has been bonded in place with some tabbing.

4. Both plywood and end-grain balsa core stiffen this main bulkhead which shows a desirable, low-resin matrix in the fiberglass laminate.

Editors note: The following excerpt is from the website that Lagoon set up to address questions about bulkhead failures on the Lagoon 450 ( www.cata-lagoon.com/en/lagoon-450-support ) .

F irst of all, we want to reassure every owner of a Lagoon 450: we do guarantee you that safety and navigability of your boat are preserved whatever the state of your forward bulkhead be.

This guarantee is based on the results of the study we undertook in March 2021, after we realized that there were several Lagoon 450 affected by a forward bulkhead issue. We actually started analyzing the cases reported to us, with some new calculations based on latest available tools, to understand causes and potential impacts of deformed or broken forward bulkhead.

To ensure the reliability of this Finite Element Analysis, we asked VPLP, one of the most renowned international team of naval architects and designers, to review our calculations and results, which they did. They reached the same conclusions as us: there is no safety issue when navigating with a broken or deformed bulkhead. Potential damages on forward bulkhead could not lead to neither dismasting nor any risk for the crew.

How did we come to this conclusion? The forward bulkhead is located in front of the saloon area and is divided into two main areas with different roles:

• The most important one is the central area which withstands 100% of mast compression. This area is stiff and solid. Only this part of the bulkhead has these functions. It cannot be affected by a bulkhead deformation.

• The side parts of the front bulkhead support most of the sea twist effects causing, in a fair number of boats, buckling on its door side. This side part is less rigid to be able to react and guarantee a certain flexibility to the structure of the boat.

LAGOON 450 BULKHEAD

A bulkhead is also present in the aft of the boat. This is much less stressed, and it is also rather flexible so it can evolve through navigation time, like many other parts of the boat.

As you may know, at the dock, the mast compression is at least around 9 tons for Lagoon 450. When sailing, this compression increases. So, for the mast to come out of its mast foot would require that the whole boat flex above overall limit of materials: basically, it would mean that the boat breaks apart which has never been the case on cruising catamaran history.

Consequently, we can reassure you that forward bulkhead issue is not a safety issue. It still may become unpleasant if the reinforcement is made late, since bent or buckling bulkhead will only transfer the stress elsewhere.

Flexibility is inherent to the boat’s construction: reinforcing, straightening up or repairing the sides of the bulkhead will still contribute to preserve it and to get the most from your boat, this is why we recommend doing so. Reinforcement, however, will not (and should not), completely remove the flex, as wear naturally comes from boats’ use, just as flexibility: it is and will remain normal to make layout adjustments over time.

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> > > 450 Bulkhead issues - Report them please. Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on Cruisers Forums. 20-04-2021, 14:27   Boat: L450 fmr Lavezzi 450 we need YOUR help. 1. PLEASE watch this video: 2. Open the trim around your bulkheads. A video showing how to do this is here: 3. report what you see here: We will submit this information to en masse. We want to use this data to help Lagoon help all of us. Thank you for your time. If you have issues with the web-form or want to make jokes at my expense please do so below. If you want to debate this issue you have to PM me and I'll give you my number. We can talk. 26-04-2021, 06:19   Boat: currently boatless 26-04-2021, 07:49   Boat: L450 fmr Lavezzi 26-04-2021, 12:13   Boat: SAnta Cruz 27 had? How many years, how many oceans crossed? 26-04-2021, 12:17   Boat: L450 fmr Lavezzi had? How many years, how many oceans crossed? 26-04-2021, 14:46   Boat: SAnta Cruz 27 bulkhead on the L450 was underbuilt. It is a defect that is hidden under the trim and will not cause damage in the marina. However with 100s of out sailing oceans it is starting to show up too often to ignore. It is repairable and the repaired boat will be better than new, but the involves removing a lot of cabinetry and $$. It would be easier and cheaper to solve on the production line, but that means the manufacturer would have to admit to the problem and retrofit all unsold inventory. The OP is trying to start an organized program to address the issue, but is meeting resistance from the manufacturer and the owners who have taken the in the sand approach. I don't see the manufacturer as the solution--like defective airbags in cars--the manufacturer doesn't have the resources to fix the problem on their own. 27-04-2021, 04:04   Boat: 2013 FP Lipari 41 2020, the told us all flex, which is why some things looked off kilter (door wouldn't close easily, shelves/wall joins not meeting...). It wasn't till I started reading online that I realized there are (or had been) issues - we saw what looked like smeared in places that didn't look original. I joined the group discussing this but have not had the time (we don't live by the boat) to take trim apart. 27-04-2021, 05:31   Boat: L450 fmr Lavezzi 2020, the told us all boats flex, which is why some things looked off kilter (door wouldn't close easily, shelves/wall joins not meeting...). It wasn't till I started reading online that I realized there are (or had been) issues - we saw what looked like smeared in places that didn't look original. I joined the group discussing this but have not had the time (we don't live by the boat) to take trim apart. 27-04-2021, 05:42   Boat: LAGOON 400 Of the data I have collected, I have not yet seen a "good" bulkhead. So I guess the answer is all types of use and all types of oceans crossed? The boat is rated for CE A-D: The how and why of the past are not really that important here. The future how and why really is. 27-04-2021, 05:54   Boat: 2013 FP Lipari 41 and can only get there on the weekends. We've only been on the boat a few times due to Covid and living out of state taking care of for a year. Now we're de-commissioning and trying to , update and replace before we actually sail; even then we need to and do the bottom. I'm looking over all the info, but do not want to panic. Lagoon "probably" will not do anything to help, and we aren't sailing yet, so we're safe. I'll on it as soon as I can and keep up with as they unfold. Thanks. 27-04-2021, 07:16   Boat: L450 fmr Lavezzi is the issue ... From my on L400, not big issue if not worried about upwind performance. If bulkhead cracks. then you gotta fix it. 27-04-2021, 11:50   Boat: LAGOON 400 27-04-2021, 11:56   Boat: L450 fmr Lavezzi does not dance. If BK weakened/damaged rig tension would tell. Our L 400 does not have triple BK at the bottom like 450. BK is 15mm thick. 06-06-2021, 13:26   . Their boat is damaged but the issues they have with the boat, mainly the build quality and how everything is bonded is just appalling. Sure it is a damaged boat but there is more to it than just the damage from hurricane. The work they are putting in to get that boat sea worthy again is just insane. 20-06-2021, 05:18   Boat: Lagoon 450, 46 feet , Thread Tools Rate This Thread : Posting Rules post new threads post replies post attachments edit your posts is are code is are are are Similar Threads Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post Beersmith Construction, Maintenance & Refit 12 18-09-2012 12:34 Tspringer Navigation 17 31-01-2011 01:00 Keegan General Sailing Forum 29 28-11-2007 19:24 - - - - - - - Privacy Guaranteed - your email is never shared with anyone, opt out any time. Are Lagoon Catamarans Good? A Complete Review As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site. Lagoon is a leading catamaran manufacturer famous for its luxury products and state-of-the-art boats. However, if you’re considering purchasing a cruising catamaran, you may get overwhelmed by the vast selection of boats on the market, and you might be left to wonder if Lagoon catamarans are worth the money, especially after the big “bulkhead-issues” debate started by Youtube channel Parlay Revival. Lagoon catamarans are great if you’re looking for spacious interiors and exteriors and have a large family to consider. They’re perfect for parties, and the sturdy construction and luxurious looks are favorable. However, they are known for having bulkhead issues (L450) and are sometimes critiqued for poor build quality. In this article, I will explore the pros and cons of Lagoon catamarans, describe the most popular Lagoon cats’ features in detail, and offer some useful tips on choosing the right cat for your needs. Table of Contents The Pros of Lagoon Catamarans Lagoon has been building catamarans for almost 40 years , and with nearly 6,000 vessels under their belt, it’s safe to say they know what they’re doing. They have nine different sailing models, meaning you have even more choice than ever.  Let’s take a look at what sets Lagoon apart from the rest.  They’re Spacious  Lagoon catamarans are famous for being large and spacious , making them a perfect choice for big families and gatherings. Most Lagoon models have 3 or 4 cabins with lots of storage space and roomy sleeping arrangements. The galleys feature under-counter fridges and nestled microwave ovens, creating a safe and even more spacious accommodation. Dining tables, freezers, and bench seats easily fit in the big galleys to create a homey feel. Most models also feature large flybridges with enough room to offer navigation and relaxation at the same time. Lagoon cats’ saloons and cabins are famous for being friendly to tall sailors. Most of them feature double-berth accommodations with individual showers and head compartments. They Are Bulit Strong (Most…) One of the biggest advantages of Lagoon cats is their sturdy construction. Made of balsa wood covered with fiberglass layers through vacuum infusion molding, the furniture in the interior and exterior constructions are strong and lightweight.  Plus, all parts of the boats are well-finished with vinyl ester resin to avoid osmosis. The interior is also a combination of luxury and long service life with core-mat sandwich or solid glass and Alpi wood laminates. They use dry layering instead of wet layering, leading to more resistance and precise positioning. Plus, the dry technology allows for the use of less resin, making the designs more lightweight. Every corner has perfect seals to avoid any leakage or cracks, and the infusion technology makes sure the construction is soundproof, durable, and rigid. BUT! And this is a big but, there have been some issues with the Lagoon 450 bulkheads, the issue involves some very poorly constructed main bulkheads which tends to break and once broken it will transfer the loads to other smaller bulkheads. This starts a chain reaction that in the end weakens the boat’s structural integrity to the point where I would question its seaworthiness. If you are buying an Lagoon 450 it is a MUST to check the bulkheads for cracks! Gabo If you want to better understand this problem I suggest you check out this video from parlay revival. They Boast Spacious and Clean Decks Another strength of Lagoon cats is their exterior spaces. Like the interiors, the decks are spacious and wide, with many storage compartments and lockers with trampolines and sunbathing areas. There are sliding doors between the exterior and interior spaces that can provide extra room for big gatherings, and all parts on the flybridges are easily accessible. In some models, the stairs directly go to the cockpit, leading to more safety, too. A few weeks ago a went on a day trip on a Lagoon 380, the boat is quite small with its 38ft, but Lagoon really utilize every centimeter and the boat feels huge. Lagoon Has a Huge Owners Community Since there are so many Lagoons sailing around the world, getting an experienced sailor to answer your model-specific questions is never hard. This, I believe, is one of the largest benefits of having a Lagoon, since sooner or later you will have to do repairs, it is a comfort to know there will be people around you that can help you out. They’re Luxurious Luxury is the word intended to come to mind when thinking of Lagoon catamarans. All the sturdiness, rigidness, and durability come wrapped under a rich layer of anti-UV finishes. The interiors are very well-lit, with big windows at eye level offering panoramic views, making it seem like an exclusive hotel room rather than a boat’s cockpit.  Most of the boats have U-shaped seating areas and pleasant furnishing, and the Alpi wood finish gives everything a sleek, elegant look, combining comfort and sophistication. They’re Safe Lagoon cats are all well thought out for safety considerations, with handrails all over the place for safe movements even in bad weather conditions. The decks are wide and clutter-free, and the running rigging is suitable for short-handed sailing. They all conform to the Conformitè Europëenne ( CE ) standards for the unsinkability of multihulls. Everything in the living space is waterproof, and all the wiring is high quality and reliable. If you are looking for some serious offshore cruising, there will be things you will have to change on every boat so that it fits your specific needs, if you want to know more about offshore cruising, I suggest you read some other articles I wrote called: What is the best-size catamaran for offshore sailing 9 best cats for circumnavigation and why Cons of Lagoon Catamarans As with any product on the market, nothing is perfect. Lagoon catamarans may exceed in luxury and safety, but there are some areas that customers find they are lacking.  Below are some of the areas that may leave you opting for another catamaran manufacturer. They’re Bulky Although Lagoon has tried hard to reduce weight, some experts still consider them to be bulky. For example, some models, like the Lagoon 440, are among one of the heaviest models on the market. Some call it a “condomaran” to refer to its lowered performance due to its large size. However, the company has tried to address this issue by making more compact models while allowing for more volume. They Can Be Costly Lagoon cats’ high costs are probably the most significant drawback compared to other big names with similar features. Their hefty prices may be a real turn-off for some sailing enthusiasts. But with their large selection of boats from different models and specs, they have a boat for every budget. Expect to pay a little bit more just because of the name. They’re Not Very Fast  These wide spacious catamarans come at the cost of speed. However, newer models have addressed the issue and perform reasonably well both upwind and downwind.  Lagoon catamarans will never be Gunboat or an outremer so if your looking for exciting and fast sailing this is probably not the right boat for you. But, If you don’t have much sailing skill and want to make sure you have some extra margins of safety Lagoon cats might be the best choice for you. The Tall Rig Can Be an Issue in Ports and under Bridges Some models, such as Lagoon 52, have tall rigs to increase windward efficiency and improve the performance in the wind. However, the tall rig can be a problem under bridges. Popular Lagoon Models Lagoon has constantly been trying to address its most common issues with newer models and beat their previous models, even if they were wildly popular.  This sense of competition has led to plenty of innovations. For example, it launched its Lagoon 420 in 2006 as the first catamaran in the world with hybrid propulsion. Below are some of the most popular Lagoon cats in its history, starting with the best seller and working down in terms of units sold. If buying new is not an option, some of these older models may be just what you’re looking for.  The Lagoon 380 is the top seller catamaran globally, although the company has discontinued it. As mentioned before, I sailed an L380 just a few weeks ago, and here is a short description of that cat. The L380 has four cabins with two bathrooms, is 11.5 m (38 ft) long, and has two engines. Its most praised feature is its comfortable, simple, and convenient accommodations with oodles of overhead clearance, spacious galleys, and large cabins. Although it’s slow, it gets the job done because it’s easy to control and performs well enough in poor water and weather conditions. It’s also easy to dock because of its small size, and the two engines make it highly maneuverable. The 380 is said to reach up to nine knots in good weather with a decent breeze , (we maxed out at 6kts during my sail) – an acceptable speed for cruising catamarans. It sails up to six knots to windward, which is not impressive but not surprising. Though it hobby horses in medium to high waves, it can be managed by putting the weight in the center of the boat. It also features Lagoon’s signature vertically-positioned windows that provide maximum space in the cabin while at the same time allowing a lot of light inside. That said, it’s not lightweight, which shouldn’t come as a surprise given its bulky construction. Below the waterline, it features solid fiberglass and a mix of balsa wood and foam. Although the interior looks cozy and spacious, the furniture finish wears pretty quickly because it’s not the highest quality. And like other Lagoon’s older models, the top bimini is soft, which you can replace with a hard one if you can’t take care of it. All in all, the 380 is good value for money and stands up well to frequent, private cruising. It’s a classic catamaran that delivers more than what it promises.   For a more detailed review of the cat, watch the YouTube video below: The 400 is another highly successful Lagoon model produced between 2009 and 2017. The 400 S2 was a refresh introduced in 2012. Like most Lagoon models, the 400 also suffers from being heavy, struggling in lighter airs. It belongs to the company’s third-generation boats that favor comfort over speed and performance. That said, it’s easy to maneuver and performs well in a breeze. In lighter winds of under ten knots, you can perform well if you fly the larger sails by the bowsprit. It features a mainsail with a square top that boosts the sail area and makes her tack well. The rig is also easy to handle because all the line sheets come back to the helm with one manual winch. The deck is clean and clutter-free so that you can get around the boat safely. The flush decks are wide with recessed hashes, and the bow lockers can accommodate all the lines, sails, and fenders. This model has many different variants on the market in terms of living space. There are three or four cabins with different head configurations, and the refreshed model (the 400 S2) added cupboards aft and made space for a freezer by moving the electrical panel from the galley to the nav station in the saloon. For a more detailed review of the 400, you can watch the YouTube video below: The 40 is one of the most reasonably-priced Lagoon cats that combines luxury, comfort, and performance, making it another top seller. Compared to the 400, it’s lighter and has a wider mast. Plus, the company shed 800 kg (1763.7 lb) of its weight compared to its predecessor, the Lagoon 39. Watch this YouTube video to see more of the Lagoon 39: Although space isn’t a rarity on lagoon cats, the 40 is the best in its class space-wise. The bigger windows and the more angular look are pretty easy on the eye, with the signature Lagoon look on the inside. However, it has a more streamlined appearance due to its stretched windows. Its performance is impressive upwind, and the square-top mainsail makes it sail well in a breeze. Still, it needs a bit of wind to get going fast because it doesn’t perform well in light airs.  It’s also easy to handle short-handed because you can handle all the sheets and lines from the helm. However, the saloon’s roof doesn’t have ventilation, making the area down below stuffy.  There are three or four-cabin options with two to four heads, and the other parts of the saloon and galley are standard lagoon layouts with plenty of storage space. Check out this YouTube video for a detailed review of the Lagoon 40: Lagoon 450F The Lagoon 450F (F: Flybridge version) is fourth in line in terms of the units sold. It’s one of the two versions of the 450 series, the other one being 450S. Although it doesn’t boast high performance, it sails well upwind. Compared to its predecessor, the 440, it’s quite an improvement in terms of luxury and comfort. The flybridge is easily accessible from down below, and it has a new basking lounge. The elegant, luxurious interior is big enough for up to 12 people to sleep in, with four bathrooms, four to six cabins, and eight to 12 berths. The 450S, which is not even a performance cat, does surprisingly well in different weather conditions, and the boom is lower than the 450F, increasing performance due to reducing the rig inertia. It also prevents the cat from hobby horsing, leading to faster and more stable rides. One of this model’s winning features is its semi-raised helm station which doesn’t stand out from the rest of the boat. It gives the cat a pleasing look and makes the helm more easily accessible. This YouTube video shows a walkthrough of this model: The Lagoon 55 is Lagoon’s latest model, launched in March 2021 with Lagoon’s characteristic sleek look. Generous living space, an outdoor galley, a forward cockpit, and a roomy flybridge featuring a dining table are the new design’s features. It also has internal overhead windows that take the sky-watching experience to the next level. It comes with several three to five-cabin layouts, and the internal furniture comes with a walnut wood finish. Check out this YouTube video to get an exclusive look into the new beauty: Tips for Choosing a Catamaran Choosing the catamaran that suits your needs can be confusing and overwhelming. After all, you’re putting a considerable amount of money into the purchase, and you want it to be a long-time investment. Here’s what I consider when looking for a cat, and maybe it will be useful for you as well: Consider Your Needs, Skills, and Budget If you’ve chosen a catamaran over a monohull, you know the advantages of the former over the latter. For example, it’s more stable, better for big families, and offers more visibility due to raised helms. For a deep dive into the differences, I suggest some of my other articles: Cats vs. Monos Are trimarans faster than catamarans? But, in choosing the right cat, you should dig deeper. The first thing you should consider is your budget, as a tight budget will significantly narrow down your options. Plus, you should consider additional costs for insurance, taxes, marina fees, and maintenance. Unfortunately, this may take some Lagoon models off the table.  How much does it cost to live aboard a catamaran ? real numbers from liveaboards! Although, you could opt for second-hand, well-maintained cats if you’re short on budget. The best-selling Lagoon models described above are all available in used markets, and you should have no problems reselling them in the future because of their popularity. If you need the catamaran for short-term getaways, your choice will differ from what you need for long-term living aboard. Are you going to sail around the world or spend most of your time at anchor? These factors determine the type of catamaran in terms of performance, space, and comfort. Want to see some good examples of offshore capable cats ? Since Lagoon is known for its spacious interiors and luxurious finishes, it might be worth spending a little more if you’re planning on longer journeys.  If you don’t have great sailing skills (yet), you should opt for a smaller cat setup for solo sailing. How to learn to sail a cat! Inspect Everything Before you buy the boat, inspect every little corner to make sure it’s safe and secure, and pay attention to all structural details such as main and support bulkheads, standing and running rigging, etc. What are the parts of a catamaran called? Pro-tip; if you entertain frequently or have a big family, you need to think of both space and privacy.  What about fixed vs. removable furniture? Is it important for you to move everything outside when entertaining? Even round and square furniture can prove to be a nuisance in different situations. The amount of light, airflow and ventilation, and ceiling height are also important considerations. If you’re tall, you don’t want to be crouching all the time when you’re inside. When buying new, you should have no issues getting all the little details your need on your Lagoon catamaran. However, if you purchase second-hand, you may need to compromise on certain amenities to account for the lower cost.  How Much Weight Can You Carry? Boats have certain limitations in terms of the allowed payload, and excess weight will affect your catamaran’s performance . With full water and fuel tanks, there’s a fixed amount of gear you can take on board.  Does the cat offer emergency water or fuel storage on deck? Lightweight cats sometimes have more wiggle room for adding extra gear and provisions. The galley layout also plays a major role, especially if you travel with your family. Can you live with the current size of the galley, and is there room to add appliances such as a microwave, ice maker, or coffee machine?   Check out this guide to choosing the right design! Think about where you’ll be preparing food, putting the dishes to dry, or laying out plates to serve. How much space do you need for cooking? In general, Lagoon cats are known to offer plenty of room inside , and most of the kitchens come with plenty of optional extras to make your time aboard as stress-free as possible.  Do Your Homework Finally, never jump into buying the first catamaran that catches your eye. Shop around online and offline, considering every little detail. Talk to experts and perform “sea trials” if possible.  Some companies let you try the boat by staying on it for a few days. This way, you’ll get a real feel of what it’s like. It’s also possible to work with a broker who can help you search for and negotiate when buying new and used catamarans.  I have put together a few buyers guide that could help you on your journey towards a good buy! Catamaran buyers guide How to buy a used catamaran How much does it cost to liveaboard a catamaran? Final Thoughts If you’re considering getting a cruising catamaran, Lagoon is one of the brands I would recommend looking into. It’s famous for its luxuriously spacious interiors, sturdy and safe construction, and easily accessible and manageable decks. Since there are a lot of Lagoons roaming the planet there is also a huge community and help is never far away. However, the Lagoon models aren’t the best performers, especially in upwind due to their bulkiness. Although you can find them at various prices, they can be too steep for some budgets. If you don’t mind the lower speed, you can find some used ones at reasonable prices. Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran! Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Recent Posts Must-Have Boat Gear for Catamaran Sailors! Sailing is probably the most gear-intensive activity I've ever done; there are so many decisions to be made about what gear to buy now, for tomorrow, and what to definitely never buy. The gear on... 6 Best Trailerable Trimarans For Bluewater and Coastal Sailing Having a boat costs a lot of money, even when you are not using it, marina fees, etc. And once it is in the water most sailors never go very far from their "home marina" and sailing will be somewhat... Lagoon 450S Catamaran Review: Design, Construction, & Performance Lagoon 450s exterior, design, construction & sailing ability (part 1). In the last three months, we have completed 3 blue water sailing trips, totaling 2400+ NM, on our Lagoon 450S catamaran. We are ready to share our thoughts about its performance, as well as our likes and dislikes about the catamaran overall. When we first saw the drawings of the Lagoon 450S, we really liked the design. It had many of the features we wanted in a cruising catamaran, the most important feature being the semi-raised helm station. This was always a non-negotiable point for us and the SporTop fit the bill perfectly. The other catamaran choice offering a semi-raised helm would have been the Fountaine Pajot Helia 44 (review and pictures). The FP Helia is a nice boat, but we didn’t like the interior as much (purely personal preference) and it is substantially smaller than the Lagoon in volume (click on the picture below  to see the comparison). Good cruising performance was another important feature but since living space is equally important to us, we opted to go for a cruiser rather than a racer cruiser like Outremer or Catana. We live and work aboard and we occasionally do educational charters . Therefore, we wanted good interior space, but we certainly did not want a slug either. Based on previous sailing reports and the Lagoon design team’s projections, the Lagoon 450S seemed the right choice for us (Read our post about “ Why we chose the Lagoon 450S”  ). We originally weren’t too thrilled about owning one of around 500+ similar catamarans built in the last four or so years. On top of that, production boats like Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot are often times unfairly tagged as “condomarans” that cannot sail worth a damn. These perceptions were not a good start for our new “home” right off the bat and not great for our exit strategy either. So, we researched this extensively. We found that unlike some other brands, statistics proved that Lagoon’s resale is very strong, particularly the 3-cabin version . But the 4-cabin Lagoons don’t do badly either. So we made peace with that issue, knowing that Lagoon holds its value fairly well. Moreover, we figured that with so many units built, all or most kinks should be worked out on this model by now. We really liked that idea!  At the Lagoon factory, a quality controller oversees every stage of the production during the entire build process and every imperfection is dealt with immediately (see the video below in “construction” section). That was very impressive and set our minds at ease. We highly recommend doing a factory tour in La Rochelle. Not only is it very exciting to see your boat being manufactured, but the city of La Rochelle is a gourgeous old walled coastal city situated in the southwest part of France (AND the French food and wine is exquisite)! See a live cam of Port de Plaisance in LaRochelle, France. How Did The Lagoon 450S Catamaran Measure Up? So, on the surface we liked the Lagoon 450S. BUT, did it pass the test for our purposes as live-aboards with a penchant for sailing long ocean passages? Lagoon 450S Sailing Ability   As I said before, over 500 Lagoon 450 Flybridge versions were produced. So this model has already proven itself to be a good ocean cruiser in various ocean crossings and rallies like the ARC Rally . Bearing in mind that the 450S is not a performance catamaran, we were pleasantly surprised with her performance under all conditions. Period. Doing a 200+ NM sailing day is very important to us. We often sail long distances and we wanted to be able to make good progress every day and to out-run bad weather if possible. It was a goal that we easily achieved on our delivery from Guadeloupe and subsequently on other passages. Lowered Boom: We really liked that the boom on the SporTop is substantially lower than the Flybridge version (28 inches), with a mast height of 74 ft. The lower boom brings the center of gravity down lower and reduces inertia in the rig. That, coupled with the increased bouyancy forward created by the chines on the inside of the bowsand the sail plan, increases performance and eliminates hobby horsing, making it a faster and much more stable and comfortable ride, despite the maximum volume and very high freeboard. Nimble In Light Conditions: During our delivery from Guadeloupe the boat sailed very well on all points of sail and did well even in very light winds which was a pleasant surprise. She easily sails at 50% of apparent wind speed. Generally, most boats will sail well in strong winds, but it is the light wind performance that defines whether the boat is a good sailor or not and the 450S is very nimble in light conditions in part because of the enormous 872sqft of square-headed fully battened mainsail. Good Performance: She also displayed good upwind ability on a close reach and tracked really well. On a reach and beam reach, the favorite point of sail for a cat, our Lagoon sails like a dream. We often sailed in double digits without too much trouble. As an example; we sailed 41NM in 4 hours in 18-20 knots between Turks and Caicos and Georgetown in the Exumas on a beam reach in 6-8ft seas with little or no slamming. That is an easy 10.25Knots per hour – not a rocket ship to be sure, but certainly very respectable. Squally Conditions: During our trip in the Gulf-stream going north, we were caught in several squalls. Conditions were deplorable with 10-12ft waves and had wind speeds of up to 38 knots. We were able to luff up the main and reef down in no time, which was easily done from the safety of the cockpit. Luffing up is the best course of action when you’re temporarily overpowered. It reduces the speed and helps keep the boat under control. Once we had the reefs in, we bore away and ran with the wind. The boat was moving at around 12 knots with 38 knots of true wind from astern. By running or doing a very broad reach we managed to reduce the apparent wind speed on the rig to around a manageable 26 Knots until the squall blew through and we could resume our course. Video of our trip in the Gulf-stream Genoa / Self-tacking jib: We have a full Genoa instead of a self-tacking jib. While the self-tacking jib is a nice feature for short-handed sailing, the sail is small for anything but a close or beam reach. Another reason why we opted for the conventional genoa setup, is that if a jib sheet parts, it is easy to use the lazy sheet to control the jib while replacing the damaged sheet. If the sheet parts on a self-tacking jib, which has only one sheet, there are all sorts of problems and you have no choice but to furl the sail if you can. Sailing upwind: It is commonly believed that a catamaran cannot point as high as a monohull unless it has daggerboards. That is not exactly accurate. Generally most catamarans point as high as cruising monohulls but make more leeway because they have less lateral resistance although, catamarans with daggerboards do point higher than ones with fixed keels. However, if you fall off the wind 5 – 10 degrees, its boat speed will be higher than an equivalent monohull and maintain a faster VMG upwind. In fact, Dennis Connor’s 1988 America’s Cup victory on ‘Stars and Stripes’ in San Diego over KZ-1, the world’s most radical 90ft. monohulls, bears this out.  Sail changes: Stephen and I did several sail changes on delivery, including hoisting the spinnaker. It was easy enough to do. All the lines come back to the cockpit and quite frankly, even as big as this rig is, it was not very difficult to handle the sail changes single handedly. The single line reefing makes it really easy to reef quickly. We learned how easy it was to reef at two o’clock in the morning when a massive squall hit us out of nowhere while sailing north in the Gulf-stream from The Abacos in the Bahamas to Norfolk. We have a pad eye on each bow and attach the tack of the sail to the windward bow using a snatch block and a line back to the forward cleat (the reason for this is that if you get into a situation it is easy to release the cleat line and let the tack fly free, you can then recover the sail using the sheet by pulling it down behind the main). The head is hoisted using the spinnaker halyard and the clew is attached to a sheet that runs outside of everything to a block on the leeward side stern and then to a winch for trim control. To get the best performance out of the Asymmetrical, you should ease the sheet until the luff of the sail starts to collapse and then sheet in a bit. Ideally you should see a periodic flapping/collapsing of the leading edge of the sail but only about a foot or so. Be mindful not to sail with the Asymmetrical sheeted in too tight; it will not perform to its optimum. To conclude, we have few complaints about the sailing ability of the Lagoon 450S! Sailing Ability The mainsail is a little sluggish in coming down. Intermediate cars would have made all the difference. The distance between the cars on the sail is around 10-12 feet. When the sail drops, having this much distance between the cars, makes the sail billow out and prevents the sail from coming down fast. It’s an easy fix though. Sailing Ability: What The Experts Say   « 19 days! Maybe not a “Route du Rhum” time, but nevertheless a very creditable performance for a voyage from La Rochelle to Pointe à Pitre (3477 miles) in a strictly standard Lagoon 450.” »Jean-François Tanguy, professional skipper – February 2011 « The 450 rewarded us with pleasant, lively behaviour in the light to moderate conditions; it jogged along with a spring in its step… » Phillippe Echelle, Multihulls World 2011 « The sailplan gives the boat enough power to remain fast and dynamic in a wind of less than 10 knots. » Multicoques magazine, FR / Multihulls World, UK-January 2011 Construction This boat is well constructed. Even as we pushed the boat with as much power as the conditions allowed, we did not notice excessive creaking or shuddering. We had some VERY picky crew members on board. They inspected every corner of the boat but could not find much fault. Every inch of the boat is well finished, even in the darkest corners. When we did the factory tour, we noticed that every stage of the build was inspected for quality along the way, and you can tell from looking at the finished product. Vacuum Infusion: What impressed Stephen (the more technical member of our team) is that the hulls are vacuum infused, ensuring the optimum laminate/resin ratio which reduces weight significantly. As we know, weight is a killer for catamarans and less weight allows for more volume; Good or bad, I don’t know. But what I do know, is that in spite of the much talked about heavy “condomarans”, this boat sailed very well and is comfortable in all conditions. Solid construction: The other things that made an impression on Stephen is that the rudder tube is composite and laminated into a solid section of the hull towards the stern instead of on the join (which would have been the easy thing to do). The chain plates are well bedded onto a section of very heavy duty solid laminate which transfers the load into the hull section. All equipment fitted on the deck, such as the cleats, have substantial backing plates for strength (see the picture insert). That is however not the case with all catamaran brands. We have heard of cleats being ripped out of the deck on some cats in strong winds. Bridgedeck Clearance The bridgedeck clearance is around 26 inches, which represents 5% of LWL, which is a very respectable ratio. ( Read here about bridgedeck clearance on catamarans ). One of the biggest surprises for us was how quiet the boat was during passages. There was very little slamming even in big steep seas. Now, we all know that catamarans slam under the bridgedeck from time to time. There is no getting away from it but it’s the degree of slamming that makes the difference. We have been in catamarans where the saloon table literally bounced up and down and the whole boat vibrated from the slamming on the bridgedeck. The Lagoon 450S’s bridgedeck clearance is very good and the transons are well out of the water even fully loaded. The gull-wing shaped tunnel breaks the waves somewhat, which reduces wave impact and therefor slamming. It really is a feature that we were very pleased about since it is crucial for catamaran seaworthiness and crew comfort. The Semi-Raised Helm Station Safety: The person on watch in the cockpit can still be social with other crew down in he cockpit or even in the galley. When it’s just the two of us on long passages, ease of social interaction and safety concerns makes a big difference for peace of mind. We are always within easy reach of each other.  Instrument panel: The instrument panel is awesome! There is a lot of space for instruments on the instrument panel. The engine panels are well positioned on the panel, so you don’t have to bend down to see the engine RPMs. One has good visibility of the sails and all four corners of the catamaran and the engine controls are in a good position even for a shorter person. The one negative is that I (Estelle) am a little short to stand and see over the coachroof properly, but I have found a vantage point that works for me. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Length overall 13,96m / 45’10” Beam 7,87m / 25’10” Draft 1,30m / 4’3” Mast clearance 22,33m / 73’3” Light displacement (EEC) 15,00t / 33075 Lbs Sail area 130 m² / 1399 sq.ft. Full-batten mainsail 79 m² / 850 sq.ft. Square top mainsail (opt.) 81 m² / 872 sq.ft. Furling genoa 51 m² / 549 sq.ft. Code 0 (opt.) 93 m² / 1001 sq.ft. Engine (std)  2 x 54 hp YANMAR 4JH45 Fuel capacity 2 x 520 l / 2 x 137 Lbs Fresh water capacity 2 x 175 l / 2 x 46 US gal No. Of berths 6 to 12 The anchor locker is deep and wide, which stops chain from piling up and jamming the windlass. It comes with 170ft of oversized 1/2inch chain (a little overkill but it is great for sleeping soundly at night). The boat easily carries the weight. it’s stowed right in the chest under the mast and we have plenty of buoyancy up forward. We did replace the anchor with a 74-pound Rocna anchor . We keep the other one as our secondary anchor. It would have been nice to have a second bow roller to leave the second anchor in place but because of the way the anchor is situated in the chest, it is not possible. Electrical & Plumbing   The electrical panel is adequate and user-friendly. The system is well protected with breakers at every critical juncture. It has easy access to all wire and technical spaces. Access to the circuit breakers (general and engine) is easy and protected in a housing with a hinged cover at the foot of the berth in the aft cabin. The plumbing is easily accessible everywhere and everything is high quality. Two of the breakers are in very awkward spaces and were hard to find at first. Engine Power & Generator   We chose to upgrade to the 57 HP Yanmar engines with Flexofold props and we’re glad we did. They give us lots of power when we need it. The engine rooms are accessed from the scoops and have a lot of space. There is plenty of space inside the compartment to be able to work on an engine with ease if necessary. There is also a convenient storage shelf over the engine compartment. We use three big storage bins so it’s easy to unpack if necessary. The Cummins 13KW generator in the chest of the boat has great access and is remarkably quiet. We replaced the manufacturer’s fuel filter units fitted by the factory with two Racor 500’s. The manufacturer’s units were just too complicated. Stephen likes to be able to change the Racor filter cartridges quickly in the event of a blocked filter and the Racor filters, which he knows well, do the job best. Under engine we do a comfortable 7.5 knots at 2,500 rpm & 8.9 at 3,200; both cruising speed and top speed are satisfactory. Scoops / Aft Boarding Steps   The steps in the “scoops” are a little steep and the bottom step is not deep enough. This is a big negative for fishermen!! On our Island Spirit the scoops were huge, wide and shallow. It’s a great place to land the fish and then immediately cut up and clean it. Because of the size of the scoops, it is safe and has plenty of space to work even in big sea. Not so on the Lagoon 450S. We will probably rig a fishing table on the stern. Even so, the steps are easy to board from a dinghy and providea nice swim platform. On the positive side the high steps and angle are great to reduce noise when underway which, believe it or not is quite loud. The other advantage of the scoops on the L450 is that when you have big seas from astern the boat remains dry and it is very unlikely that you will be pooped. Dinghy Davits   They are sturdy and easy to operate. They are rated at 450-pounds per side and easily accommodate our Walkerbay 12ft deluxe super tender and Honda 20HP outboard engine. We had our dinghy and the engine hauled up and secured during passages and even with big seas the dinghy stayed steady and in place. The dinghy is fitted with a bridle and is easy to hoist. We have an electric winch right at the base of the davits and is easy to handle. Boat Owner Manuals The owner manuals are fantastic. It is very precise with pictures to show the various systems, plumbing, electrics, etc., both in English and in French. The English version is not a “direct” translation from French, so you don’t have to guess what they are trying to convey. Each individual piece of equipment on board has a user manual and separate warranties. Overall, we are very satisfied with our choice of catamaran. We fitted a rub rail with stainless insert, a satellite TV, Iridium, and some other equipment after market. But we pretty much had a finished boat when we accepted delivery. In general, the quality of the important equipment from the factory is good and you can see that this is a fully evolved product. All warranty issues (we only had a couple of things) were dealt with promptly. If we were building the boat ourselves, it would be tough to do much better. This Lagoon 450S is a really good, comfortable live-aboard blue-water cruiser. Our biggest pleasant surprise is her sailing ability and comfort at sea. Price & Specifications >>Part Two of the Lagoon 450S Review: Interior Living Space and Forward and Aft Cockpits! Estelle Cockcroft Join our community. Get the latest on catamaran news, sailing events, buying and selling tips, community happenings, webinars & seminars, and much more! 8 thoughts on “Lagoon 450S Catamaran Review: Design, Construction, & Performance” Thanks for the review, Its very hard to find objective and thorough evaluations! I look forward to part 2. I also look forward to you getting a better video camera, 🙂 Best of Luck. Very nice review, I can’t wait for part two. The audio was a bit rough due to the wind noise picked up by mic, but I’d rather have that than no video at all! Having been a monohull purist for a long time, I’ve only sailed Lagoon cats, and although I’ve loved the 38, 40 & 42s I’ve chartered, the 2014 39 we had going from St. Vincent to Grenada over 2 weeks this Spring was a dog. It was the slowest, most difficult and uncontrollable sailboat I’ve ever skippered. I learned from the captain we handed her over to at the end of the trip that they have a bad reputation, which had me concerned about other, newer Lagoons. So I was thrilled to read that you’re so happy with your 450S. Thanks for the great review and I’ll be looking for a 450S for our next charter. Thanks for the great summary Did you compare performance, internal room against Leopard 44? No max displacement number. What cruiser doesn’t want to know that? Monohull owner here. I have spoken with a few lagoon 45 owners. I have been invited on board a couple different year ones. Their boats are all newer 2015 and up. Why are they all experiencing bulkhead de-lamination ? If l am not mistaken, 2010 was the first year for the lagoon 450. To date well over 1,000 hulls have been built. Lagoon is well aware of this problem. What year did the hull problems begin ? What year did lagoon correct the problem ? What have they done to remedy this default in manufacturing ? Not meaning to insult you. But your review reads like an advertisement for Lagoon. I thought your job is to be unbiassed. You did not find one fault. That tells me you are not a trustworthy person. Your job means more to you than your integrity. That makes you a boat salesperson, not a boat review person. Hi Matthew (monohull owner) MY ANSWERS IN BLUE CAPS Not meaning to insult you. YOU JUST DID. WITHOUT GETTING ANY CONTEXT AT ALL AND YOU CERTAINLY DON’T KNOW US. YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT WE DO. IF YOU DID, YOU WOULD KNOW THAT WE DON’T PROMOTE ONE BRAND OVER ANOTHER. THIS REVIEW WAS DONE IN 2016 WHEN WE PURCHASED OUR BOAT (HULL #5). I STRESS “PURCHASED” BECAUSE WE DID NOT GET SPONSORED AND WE DID NOT GET IT FOR FREE. WE BOUGHT THE BOAT OUT RIGHT BECAUSE WE BELIEVED THAT IT WAS, AT THE TIME, THE BEST BOAT FOR US. WE STILL HAPPEN TO LOVE THE BOAT AND ONCE THE BULKHEAD ISSUES ARE TAKEN CARE OF, IT IS STILL A VERY DESIRABLE BOAT. WE SOLD OUR BOAT (LAST YEAR WHEN WE UPGRADED) TO CLOSE FRIENDS OF OURS WHO LIVE IN THE SAME MARINA AS WE DO AND THEY NOW LOVE THE BOAT AS MUCH AS WE DID. But your review reads like an advertisement for Lagoon. WE HAVE NO AFFILIATION WITH LAGOON WHATSOEVER. WE ARE FREE TO SELL ANY BOAT WE WANT TO, INCL. FOUNTAINE PAJOT, NAUTITECH, BALI, LEOPARD, XQUISITE ETC. (ALL OF WHICH HAVE THEIR OWN SETS OF ISSUES). SO, WE ARE NOT IN THE TANK FOR ONE PARTICULAR BRAND AT ALL. I thought your job is to be unbiassed. You did not find one fault. YOU MUST HAVE MISSED OUR NEGATIVES ON THE BOAT IN THIS POST. THERE ARE SEVERAL NEGATIVES THAT WE POINTED OUT. WE DID THE REVIEW AND IT WAS OUR OPINION AT THE TIME. YOU ARE FREE TO TAKE FROM IT WHAT YOU WILL. That tells me you are not a trustworthy person. Your job means more to you than your integrity. That makes you a boat salesperson, not a boat review person. WHILE YOU SAY YOU DON’T WANT TO BE INSULTING, YOU ARE MAKING PRETTY STRONG AND INSULTING ACCUSATIONS BUT THEN, THIS IS WHAT SOCIAL MEDIA ALLOWS. WE DON’T KNOW WHO YOU ARE AND CANNOT HAVE A FACE TO FACE WITH YOU. I have spoken with a few lagoon 45 owners. I have been invited on board a couple different year ones. Their boats are all newer 2015 and up. Why are they all experiencing bulkhead de-lamination ? If l am not mistaken, 2010 was the first year for the lagoon 450. To date well over 1,000 hulls have been built. Lagoon is well aware of this problem. What year did the hull problems begin? What year did lagoon correct the problem? What have they done to remedy this default in manufacturing? REGARDING THE BULKHEAD ISSUE: THIS CAME TO LIGHT TOWARDS THE END OF LAST YEAR (YEARS AFTER THIS POST WAS WRITTEN) WHEN A CRUISER DISCOVERED THE ISSUE AND MADE OTHERS AWARE OF IT. WE HAVE NO PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OF THIS AND LAGOON HAS CERTAINLY NEVER SHARED THIS WITH US PRIOR. NOR WOULD THEY, AS WE HAVE NO AFFILIATION WITH THEM. WE, LIKE THE REST OF THE COMMUNITY ARE WATING TO HEAR THE OUTCOME OF THIS ISSUE FROM LAGOON. PLEASE DIRECT ALL YOUR QUESTIONS DIRECTLY TO LAGOON WHO ARE MOST QUALIFIED TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS. AS YOU KNOW, SOCIAL MEDIA IS ABUZZ REGARDING THIS SUBJECT AND YOU WILL GET VARYING OPINIONS FROM ALL THE PARTIES INVOLVED. WE RECOMMEND TO OUR CLIENTS AND EVERY LAGOON OWNER TO LODGE THEIR CLAIMS WITH LAGOON. I BELIEVE THAT THE FACEBOOK GROUP HAS PUT OUT A BULLETIN ABOUT HOW TO DEAL WITH THIS. AGAIN, FEEL FREE TO CALL OR EMAIL US ANY TIME TO DISCUSS TEL: 804-815-5054. [email protected] OR [email protected] . Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Recent Posts Top 10 Reasons to Sell (and Sail) Your Catamaran in Annapolis, MD We have a new home in Annapolis! 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Sailing Blogs List Your Catamaran For Charter List Your Catamaran For Sale Lagoon 450F Parlay revival : lagoon 450f owner´s review:. A big thanks to Colin and the crew of Parlay – a 2012 Lagoon 450F for helping with this Owner´s Review. They have fixed up the boat following extensive hurricane damage from Irma. She now looks great! The next mission is to sail across the Pacific from the Caribbean to New Zealand to make it to Auckland, Colin’s home town, in time for the America’s cup. Follow their journey on the  Parlay Revival Youtube  Channel. As you can imagine, Colin knows this boat inside out. Here is his Lagoon 450F Owner´s Review. This one’s a good ´un! If you are interested in these yachts, you might also want to check out our complete  History of Lagoon . Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your boat “Parlay”? It looks like an interesting story. I am a Chief Engineer of Superyachts, from New Zealand, and bought a hurricane damaged 2012 Lagoon 450 catamaran in Tortola after Hurricane Irma. We started a YouTube channel called Parlay Revival, and document all of our adventures in weekly episodes. We have rebuilt her and sailed all around the Caribbean, through the Panama Canal, and are about to cross the Pacific to New Zealand. Have done around 20,000 miles on Parlay already. Why did you choose to fix up a Lagoon 450? Were you looking at other boats, or was this the best on the market? Given the choice, would you go 450F or 450S (bulkhead helm)? I skippered an L450 in 2013 in Thailand and absolutely loved the layout. Especially the fly bridge. I went to Tortola ultimately looking for a hurricane damaged Lagoon 450, and when Parlay popped up, I had to buy her. The initial intentions for Parlay was to run surf charters in Costa Rica, so wanted the space and the 4 cabins, but with the success of the YouTube channel, our plans have changed to continue sailing around the world. When was she originally launched? Do you have any history of previous owners, where´s she´s been? Was a heavy charter boat in Tortola with BVI yacht charters from launch until the hurricane. What’s the best thing about her? Fly bridge. Hands down. I usually cruise with 6-8 crew, and the space that adds is priceless. All of us can sit up there, as well as the sun beds in front of the helm, and enjoy the view together, rather than looking up the skippers bum! What´s the worst thing? This is typical of MOST catamarans but sailing upwind is very unpleasant. And the bridge slam shakes the entire boat to the point where it can be very disconcerting! How has Parlay aged. Gracefully? Which bit has suffered the most wear and tear? Of the stuff that didn´t get damaged by the hurricane I mean. To be honest the interior carpentry isn’t the best and shows a lot of signs of wear and tear. Although with so many crew we put her through her paces. And 5 years of charter before we bought her didn’t do her any favors. Parlay Revival Youtube – The Original Boat Tour What would you change to the basic design if anything? 3 main things, for example. What´s your take on the balsa core? Headroom in the aft cockpit with the base of the flybridge floor? Balsa core, if it gets wet, is an absolute nightmare!! Terrible material. Foam or honeycomb core would be much more preferable. This is a sensitive subject for us, as we had to remove so much of it, but I guess in normal situations the hull core should stay pretty dry. Careful to seal any holes you put in the hull, on both the inside and out. The SD50 sail drives are an issue so the SD60 would be better. A small thing is how the main sliding door locks. This hardware has failed and we have had to put a big padlock in its place. The sliding window latch is super weak, which the sliding door locks up against. What are the “Must Haves” for this boat in your opinion? eg your new watermaker, the solars, engine upgrade, folding props etc. Just to help people who are looking at second hand boats Good solar is imperative. We have 1600W. Never have to run the engines for charge. We have slow cookers and rice cookers to cook a lot of our meals, so a good inverter is worth its weight in gold. Watermaker is a new addition and is a game changer. With 6-8 crew this is a must, it was a pain always having to find marinas to bunker water. If you were a couple or a small family you could get by, but as mentioned, with this many crew you need to be able to make your own water. We have standard engines, sail drives and props with absolutely no issues so far. Fridges are the biggest consumers of power so very important to try get the most efficient ones you can. The ones from lagoon are not very efficient. We added a salt water deck wash pump for the outside which we use all the time so that was a good install. Have no built in generator, Aircon, washing machine or dishwasher and we are absolutely comfortable without. The only time Aircon would be a relief would be in rainy season in the tropics, where you can’t open the hatches for fresh air. What would be the “Nice to Haves”? More efficient fridges, and maybe a nice deep freeze. Both fridges have small freezer compartments, but when we catch a big fish it would be nice to freeze more of it. A hard top for the fly bridge is our next major upgrade. We will have to get the frame welded but we can make the rest. Lights, speakers, more solar, the works! How are the electrics, plumbing etc Not too bad. Coming from a superyacht background, it is the bare minimum, but have had very few issues. Bilges have 2 electric pumps, and a hand pump so a lot of redundancy. The Electrics are actually quite good but the drawings are terrible, so can be a mission trying to locate and identify a wire sometimes. Our manual is in French which doesn’t help! Is she easy to fix up and maintain? Servicing engines, standing rigging etc. You have a ton of experience in this area… Very happy with the space available to work around the engines and sail drives. The whole compartment is excellent, with shelving above the engines, which is well insulated for sound. Both engine rooms have their own ventilation fans. The rigging must be something extraordinary to have stayed up through hurricane Irma. I have had 3 independent riggers go through it, and none have reported any major issues. A few dings here and there from debris flying through the air during the hurricane, but nothing affecting the structural strength. Some things such as the compressors to the fridges or plumbing for the heads are hard to access but this is true for any boat, even super yachts! Is she easy to sail short-handed? To shorten sail? Easy to reach the boom? I rented one once- the boom is pretty high isn´t it? What´s the sail plan like? I never have, nor would I want to sail her single handed. Always have at least one crew with me. Jib sheets lead to opposite ends of the fly bridge so much better with another pair of hands. In saying that, 2 skilled sailors can easily handle her, so long as the autopilot is reliable. Reefing in a squall also requires one on the halyard and one on the reefing line, with autopilot holding your course. We usually keep the jib out without turning into wind, and ease the main sheet to luff the main and reef it that way. One annoying thing is closing and opening the sail bag. We close it almost every time we finish sailing, to keep the UV off the sail, which means climbing up the mast and walking down the boom/sail. What’s she like in heavy weather / a blow Have had her in 40 knots true, downwind, with only a small amount of jib out, and we were super comfortable. Only thing looking like it was in trouble was our Bimini! Going into rough seas can be a nightmare with the bridge slam. Have had short period 3 meter seas directly beam on which wasn’t fun either but never felt like we were in trouble. We reduce sail early, as she has been through a lot already, so never push her too hard. How is the helm position. Do you bumb your head on that bimini? How do you find the steps down from the bridge when you are helming/crewing? Yea the Bimini is a pain. As mentioned, that is our next major upgrade. It is low, and small. When the sun is behind us we get our backs burnt! But for navigating, the flybridge has paid for itself many times over! It is a high position so navigating through reefs etc is quite comfortable with good water vis. It would be so hard to switch to a cat without a fly after living on here for 2 years. We haven’t been through too many rainy areas but I must admit that you are very unprotected up there from the elements if it starts to pour. We had a screen made for the front of the Bimini which would help if sailing into the wind, but not from any other direction. There are no issues with bumping your head anywhere on the boat except for the Bimini, and one corner of a cupboard above the fridge next to the salon door! How does she sail in light winds? I think we are the heaviest lagoon 450 in the world. 8 crew, with 2 dogs, loads of spare parts, and tools, and currently $7000 worth of food to be able to cross the pacific, including 70 cartons of beer, and are full of fuel. So if there is anything less than 5 knots we don’t move. More than 5 on the beam and we can do 3 knots. Upwind or downwind we need around 10kts apparent to do the same speed. How does she sail close hauled? We can sail 45 deg app to the wind. With drift this equates to around a 110 deg difference in COG from tack to tack, so we don’t make much ground up wind! We bring the jib right up to the spreaders, and sometimes even put the traveler to windward of midships to point a little higher. We start reefing at 20kts apparent as it feels a little loaded up. If the seas are rough we reef even earlier. How about on a reach, heading down wind? Beam reach we sail great! with 10 knots we can do 6. Downwind is slow. Wing on wing gets us an extra knot or 2. Put preventer down to mid ships cleat. Typically, what’s your average speed on passage? If we do less than 6 knots it is a bit disappointing. Can do 9 knots comfortably. Max I have seen is 14, so far! What’s she like under power? Speed, manoeuvrability? I motor with one engine at 2400rpm and do around 5.5 knots, if not into a headwind. There is a lot of windage on this boat so affected a lot by this. Only have 2 bladed fixed props. If you had to, you could put both engines up to 2800 and get 8-9 knots out of her in flat seas. Is she easy to dock, what’s the visibility like? Great vis. Open aft deck hatch to be able see you port quarter easily for docking. High helm position makes docking an ease. Would be hard to beat the overall visibility of this boat. Only blind spot is directly aft of you to the Stb transom, but you learn to gauge this distance. What is she like at anchor? With the 1/2″ chain, she is excellent. 300ft chain. 75lb delta. Only dragged once because I had out way less chain than I thought I did! Installed better chain length markers after this! With my anchor alarm app on my phone, I sleep so good at night. If beam on to the swell at anchor, the main halyard slaps against the mast so tie her back aft to the sail bag. What´s she like when its raining hard? We added a visor sort of thing over the 2 salon hatches, so that we can have them slightly open in the rain now. Before this, the salon turned into a sauna. The cockpit gets pretty wet as we have no covers around it, but adding this would be great, but be SUPER hot. Flybridge is one wet area, so need full wet weather gear to be able to go up there. Is she comfortable down below? Cabins/saloon/galley/heads. Apart from the fly, this is what sells the boat. 4 cabins, with 4 heads. Excellent storage. Fans are enough to keep the cabins cool. Overhead hatches let good airflow through. Heads are hand pump style, but simple and effective. Only head that has a holding tank is the port aft one, which is 80L. The rest overboard only. Something to note. One of my crew also sleeps in the port fwd crew cabin, which has a good sized bed in it, but no head. Great option if you want to put her in charter. Galley is a great size, 3 burner stove is sufficient. We are short on storage in the galley but that is because we have so many crew!! Where’s your favourite spot on the boat? Fly helm? Definitely. Even at anchor it is an epic spot to hang out, but underway it is priceless. I get the guitar out and we all chill up there together. Absolutely priceless. Every one of the 50 odd crew we have had come and go would concur. How is the finish and layout of the interior? Does she creak under sail? Yes she does! one probably more than others, as she took a bit of a beating during Irma, and loosened up a bit of the cabinetry. If buying, one thing to check thoroughly is the bonding of the floor frames to the hull. These aren’t all glassed, some of them are bust glued, so need to make sure these have not separated. Also, the way the interior is put together is a logistical nightmare to undo, to access sections of the hull, take my word for it. It is assembled like a jigsaw puzzle, with hidden screws everywhere, so can take days to figure out how to access parts of the boat. Is she good for hosting guests? Probably the best layout of any 45ft boat for hosting guests. Am I wrong? Haha What kind of modifications have you done/plan to do and why? Most of these mentioned above. Solar being the key along with the water maker. Inverter and solar chargers all viltron and bluetooth. Have added separate water level sensors to their own gauges, because the built in ones are not accurate. Hard top Bimini with full surround shades is the dream. Our friend has this and the fly bridge becomes a legitimate spare cabin in all weather conditions. Any plans for further customisation? Apart from the hard top, we are replacing all of the sails next, including new spinnaker, with Precision sails in Canada. very excited about this. After all those years as a charter boat her sails are a bit rough. If you were to swap her for another boat, what would that be? Or maybe you wouldn’t swap her? I honestly can’t think of a 45ft boat on the planet that would suit our needs more than an L450F. My friend has a Leopard 46, which comes close, especially with the fwd cockpit area, but as a fly bridge fan it doesn’t cut the mustard! How is the after sales service from Lagoon or their brokers? Have not made contact so can’t comment. Anything else you would add to help people thinking of buying a Lagoon, either 2nd hand or new? Recommend lifting the floor boards and thoroughly inspecting the tabbing between all frames and bulkheads. Moisture meter on the hull. Wet balsa core is a nightmare and needs to be addressed immediately. We had to put big backing plates on all our cleats, the glass was cracking from the force on them over the years. Check these. Steering gear should be thoroughly inspected. We have all Raymarine instruments, which I love. Our wind vane was mounted slightly off center, so had to align it, as it was saying we could sail closer to the wind on port tack than stb. Thanks Colin, there’s some real nuggets of information there on the Lagoon 450F. We look forward to following your adventure on the Parlay Revival YouTube channel. Cheers, fair winds! If you are interested in these boats, check out our  Lagoon Catamaran For Sale  page where we list all the latest Lagoons on the market. Privacy Overview Strictly Necessary Cookies Cookie Policy This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. More information about our Cookie Policy 458 COMMENTS 450 Broken bulkheads Originally Posted by ReneJK. now normally i am not an alarmist but recently there has been a thread on the facebook 450 owners group where several owners of 450 f/s have reported broken bulkheads , ages 2011 - 2018 o. Owner in this picture is in big problem. Only solution return everthing, good insurance and wait gale 10 and go hard sailing in ... Lagoon 450 forward bulkhead deformation: owners encouraged to seek an Catamaran builder Lagoon is seeking to reassure owners of the Lagoon 450 following reports of forward bulkhead deformation.. Lagoon, which is part of Groupe Beneteau, has stressed that no navigation or safety issues have been reported as a result of the fault.. Since 2011, 1,011 Lagoon 450s have been produced. The boat builder said it had thoroughly examined the cases reported to it 'to ... Lagoon bulkheads Lagoon bulkheads. Another YouTube channel Sailing Nahoa on a 2005 Lagoon 410 is reporting broken bulkhead issues as they sail the Indian Ocean. I thought this was a design fault related to the Lagoon 450. Makes me wonder if this is not an issue with all Lagoons built over the last twenty years that have been sailed extensively. 440 2006/2007 Lagoon 440 Common Issues Posts: 23. Re: 2006/2007 Lagoon 440 common issues. First don't freak out when the survey finds de-tabbing of bulkheads. This is seen on pretty much every 440. After the boat has been lifted a few times, or a couple "firm" dockings and the tab separation occurs as Lagoon uses a very flexible putty. Ship is however still very solid so no worries ... Addressing Bulkhead Issues of Lagoon 450 Catamaran: Introduction to Some owners are somewhat disgruntled, feeling like they're maintaining a bulkhead instead of sailing a Lagoon 450. However, many are appreciative of the manufacturers' responsiveness and comprehensive remedies provided. Others consent that the ocean is a tough mistress, advising fellow owners not to 'miss the boat' on regular maintenance ... EVERYTHING You Want to Know About The LAGOON 450 BULKHEAD ... Brent Hermann is here to discuss the Lagoon 450 Bulkhead issues, a very hot topic among the catamaran community! Watch this video to hear our take on this to... The DIY Bulkhead Rebuild on a Production Charter Cat Learn how to diagnose and repair broken bulkheads on a Lagoon 450 catamaran, a common problem that affects many used boats. See the step-by-step process, tools, materials, and tips from a boat-fixing enthusiast and a YouTube channel. CATAMARAN DESIGN FLAW REVEALED Colin finally gives his opinion on the Lagoon 450 design flaw involving the weak bulkhead. Too many Lagoon 450's have contacted him with exactly the same fai... Lagoon 45 bulkhead issues Posted June 10, 2021. Lagoons & more commonly Fontaine Pajot cats have a lot of issues around global structure, or lack of. Looking from the aft cabin to the bow with only a couple of poorly designed & constructed bulkheads gives lovely flow, aesthetics etc, but is not conducive to holding a cat together. Lagoon 450F/S bulkhead issue Join the Lagoon 450F/S bulkhead issue group on Facebook to share your experiences, questions and solutions with other owners of this sailing catamaran. My Lagoon 450 Bulkheads are BROKEN & I have to fix them ... I don't know why I thought I could fix my own bulkheads, but I'm in too deep to back out...There are about a thousand Lagoon 450 Catamarans and sadly they al... Lagoon 410 with broken bulkheads Lots of problems with the 450 main bulkhead. The fix is a repair kit (if you're lucky and meet the usage criteria) with just a one year warranty! Lagoon Catamaran: sale, rental, catamaran and luxurious yacht construction . 19 Jul 2022 #7 vas Well-known member. Joined 21 Jun 2011 Messages 8,012 Another Lagoon with bulkhead issues : r/SailboatCruising There's a guy from Western Australia who says he's repaired 14 Lagoon catamarans (different models, including 410, 420, and 450) with these bulkhead issues. But what was more interesting was Catamaran Impi's comment. The guy said he's seen the issue in all the production cats, including the FPs, Leopards and Lagoons. Lagoon issues advisory notice to owners of its 450 2021-12-01 -. Catamaran builder Lagoon has issued advice to owners of Lagoon 450s following reports of forward bulkhead deformatio­n. Lagoon, which is part of Groupe Beneteau, carried out an investigat­ion after some Lagoon 450 owners discovered that their forward bulkheads had deformed, sparking wide debate online. Lagoon bulkheads Re: Lagoon bulkheads. In Nahoa's first bulkhead video a comment was left by an Australian marine engineer/architect regarding the Lagoon bulkheads. He stated in the last 5 years he has repaired/rebuilt 14 lagoons with bulkhead problems, 8 different models, so a problem maybe not only associated with the 450. Lagoon 450 support The quickest way to deal with the problem is to restore normal tension in the boat and prevent other parts from being abnormally stressed. This is why we advise owners to perform the Lagoon protocol, so that they can reinforce their bulkhead or fix any potential damage. ... Over 6000 Lagoon catamarans currently navigate around the world, most ... Lagoon 400 Bulkhead an issue? No wonder there are "bulkhead problems". this is L42. I thought we concentrate on L400. So, you say all lagoons are crap. I follow lagoon owner group for long time and aware of most structural issues, as nearly everyone with issue gets there as Lagoon is on the forum too. ... Lagoon Catamarans: 20: 11-01-2015 13:12: For Sale: Brand New NAIS-400 ... Big Cat Concerns Shih's story is one of many about bulkhead problems on the Lagoon 450 catamaran that have gotten widespread attention online. The attention persuaded Lagoon, a brand owned by Beneteau, a French public limited corporation (SA) that is one of the world's most famous boatbuilders, to take action. 450 450 Bulkhead issues Cruisers & Sailing Forums > The Fleet > Manufacturers Forums > Lagoon Catamarans: 450: 450 Bulkhead issues - Report them please. Click Here to Login: Register: Vendors ... manufacturer as the solution--like defective airbags in cars--the manufacturer doesn't have the resources to fix the problem on their own. 27-04-2021, 04:04 #7: LeeV ... Are Lagoon Catamarans Good? A Complete Review Lagoon is a leading catamaran manufacturer famous for its luxury products and state-of-the-art boats. However, if you're considering purchasing a cruising catamaran, you may get overwhelmed by the vast selection of boats on the market, and you might be left to wonder if Lagoon catamarans are worth the money, especially after the big "bulkhead-issues" debate started by Youtube channel ... Does This Lagoon 420 Have Cracked Bulkheads? We find out if this Lagoon 420 Catamaran has Cracked Bulkheads.We look at the furnishings, and through various hatches and panels, to see if there is any dam... Lagoon 450S Catamaran: Design, Construction & Performance Review In the last three months, we have completed 3 blue water sailing trips, totaling 2400+ NM, on our Lagoon 450S catamaran. We are ready to share our thoughts about its performance, as well as our likes and dislikes about the catamaran overall. When we first saw the drawings of the Lagoon 450S, we really liked the design. Lagoon 450F I am a Chief Engineer of Superyachts, from New Zealand, and bought a hurricane damaged 2012 Lagoon 450 catamaran in Tortola after Hurricane Irma. We started a YouTube channel called Parlay Revival, and document all of our adventures in weekly episodes. ... Given the choice, would you go 450F or 450S (bulkhead helm)? I skippered an L450 in 2013 ... catamaran gulet motorboat powerboat riverboat sailboat trimaran yacht