Purchasing a New or Pre-Owned Lagoon: What You Should Know ?

Purchasing a Lagoon:  For What Use?
 

A well-established catamaran builder, the Lagoon shipyard has been the origin of numerous models.  Since the very first Lagoon left the shipyard – the Lagoon 55, in 1987 – over 7,000 Lagoon catamarans have left our production facilities!   Today, our catamarans are designed for all cruising programs, with various models ranging from 38 to 82 feet in length.

Whether small or large, a sailing catamaran or a power cat, all benefit from bright, ergonomic living spaces with optimized layouts for quality of life on board, ensuring safety, performance, and comfort…  With numerous models to choose from, Lagoon meets the needs and cruising preferences of all future owners.

 

Choosing Your Lagoon from Among Different Models

If you would like to purchase a Lagoon sailing or power catamaran, you may find it difficult to choose the one that is made for you.  In making your selection, you can take various criteria into account:

• Your cruising plans (coastal or offshore cruising – occasional, regular, or living aboard, making long passages, such as a transatlantic crossing or world tour…)
• The composition of your crew (cruising single-handed, as a couple, as a family…)
• Your needs in terms of layouts and equipment
• Warranty considerations
• Your budget
• The timeframe in which you wish to be able to cruise
• …

They can help orient you toward a specific model, and whether to opt for the purchase of a new Lagoon, or on the contrary, the purchase of a pre-owned Lagoon.

Two Options:  Purchase a New or Pre-Owned Catamaran
 

The purchase of a new Lagoon catamaran is often favored by people who cruise as a family or as a couple, and who have big plans – often, long cruises or long passages!  Among the advantages of a new catamaran, there is the opportunity to configure the boat and to benefit from her high performance, still under the builder’s warranty.

Pre-owned Lagoon models often suit people who cruise more moderately or less frequently very well.  They also win over those who would like a multihull delivered very quickly, within a precise cruising area, and for a lower price.

Below, we detail the advantages of each of these options, as well as what may be interesting to take into account when purchasing a catamaran.

 

Comparing New and Pre-Owned Lagoon Catamarans 

Advantages of a New Lagoon

The purchase of a new Lagoon is often recommended by crews with an intense cruising plan, or a longer voyage:  construction of a new model offers them the ability to configure the layout exactly as they like – from the deck plan to the equipment – and cruise aboard a catamaran with assurance in the level of performance.  By choosing this option, they have access to the latest technical evolutions, and they ensure that they are acquiring a boat that meets precisely the intended use.

The new Lagoon also wins over people who do not want hassle, or are less experienced – for example, in the case of a first purchase.  In effect, the acquisition of a new boat, with a clean slate, avoids any concerns related to technical failures, repairs, or modifications.  There is no risk that the previous owner did not maintain the boat perfectly!

With a new Lagoon, whether a sailing catamaran or a power catamaran, the owners cruise without any unfortunate surprises, with full peace of mind.  In the months following their purchase, they receive quick and reliable customer support from the shipyard.  If need be, they also benefit from the builder’s warranty.
 

In the case of the purchase of a new Lagoon, future owners are accompanied from A to Z by our team, from the choice and configuration of the catamaran to delivery. What’s more, our dealers can also assist you with financing!

Becoming the owner of a new Lagoon:  points to consider

• The purchase of a new catamaran can require assistance for the financing of your future sailing or power catamaran.
• Construction of a catamaran always requires the owner to wait several months.  You must remember that it is not possible, with this option, to cruise right away upon ordering the catamaran.  The breaking-in period must also be considered.
• The value of a new catamaran is more than that of a pre-owned catamaran and expenses related to insurance can be higher.
• Licensing, registry, and any customs formalities should also be anticipated.
   

Advantages of a Pre-Owned Model Versus a New Lagoon

Advantages of a Pre-Owned Lagoon

Numerous pre-owned Lagoon models are available on the market, for sale by individuals or offered by dealerships, for a second life after charter, for example.  Already well equipped and with a tried-and-true configuration, the pre-owned Lagoon often interests more experienced sailors, as well as buyers with a more restricted budget.

When compared with the purchase of a new Lagoon, the same amount invested in a pre-owned Lagoon generally enables the purchase of a catamaran from a superior category – with a bigger deck plan, more living space on board, and more equipment.   For the price of a new Lagoon 38, for example, it is possible to obtain a pre-owned Lagoon 42 – already with several years of cruising experience.

With architecture by the biggest names in naval design, sustainable materials, and high-quality construction, Lagoon catamarans benefit from excellent durability over time.  A model that is just a few years old can represent excellent value for money, and remain very reliable, especially if she was well maintained by the previous owner or owners.

Another advantage of the pre-owned Lagoon:  she is available within a short timeframe, and sometimes already located in the envisioned cruising area, whether in the Mediterranean, in the Caribbean, in French Polynesia...  For seasonal or short-term cruising plans, this purchase option avoids delivery fees and can represent a significant gain in time.

What to Anticipate When Acquiring a Pre-Owned Lagoon

• As for the purchase of a new catamaran, buying a pre-owned Lagoon can require financing.
• The purchase of a pre-owned Lagoon catamaran requires a precise evaluation of her condition:  before confirming the transaction, we strongly recommend that you have it surveyed.  Have the condition of the hulls, the mechanical systems, as well as the maintenance history of the catamaran evaluated.  The engines may have been heavily used already.  Will there by additional fees to repair, modify, meet standards and regulations, or equip the catamaran?
• The administrative situation of the catamaran, as well, must also be verified:  is the boat ensured?  Are there customs or import fees to be paid?  Are you sure there is no outstanding debt or loan on the catamaran?

Before your purchase, it is important to ask the right questions

Whether you are tempted by the acquisition of a new or pre-owned Lagoon, we advise you to envision your plan comprehensively:

• How long would you like to keep this catamaran?
• What types of cruises do you envision, and with whom?
• What level of involvement would you like in maintenance and repairs?
• If you should separate yourself from your catamaran in a few years, what resale value would you like to receive?
   

By adopting a realistic approach, you will make the right decision!
 

Plan the purchase of your Lagoon

Bring along a person who you trust

For us, the surest way to ensure success in the purchase of your catamaran is to rely on a Lagoon dealer to guide you.

Choosing a model and age, financing, delivery, resale...  with their expertise, Lagoon dealers are able to orient you in each step of your purchase.  Present in locations around the world, Lagoon professionals will assist you in the various administrative, logistic, and financing steps.  For the purchase of a pre-owned Lagoon, they also have all the necessary expertise to ensure that you purchase the perfect catamaran.

Charter a Lagoon Catamaran Before Purchasing

Why not look at the charter of a Lagoon catamaran as an intermediary step, before making your purchase?  Chartering one of our catamarans enables you to discover the world of Lagoon, to test the model that interests you in real conditions, and then to evaluate whether it corresponds with your plans.

Are the performance, safety, livability, and comfort on board as you imagined them?  Is the desired model truly the Lagoon catamaran that you need?