400: Buying Used Lagoon 400 - what to look out for!

[feebs]

Hi all,

I am looking at a couple of second hand Lagoon 400's (2011 or 2012) to purchase. Prior to getting a formal survey, I wanted to do a complete look over myself & am hoping some of the more experienced 400 owners would offer advice on what areas to look at more throughly.

Some please add your input.

Additionally, I am interested in normal life span (approx min/max) of major items suchas sails, standing rigging, through hulls and motors on this vintage Lagoon, understanding that use varies greatly dependent on vessel - I am not interested in an ex charter boat!

Thanks in advance, Brett


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[tuskie]

Hi Brett,
Read the "400 love my Lagoon" thread for a few pointers.

How long things last on a 400 depends on how the boat is used. If the boat has crossed a couple of oceans or otherwise has put lots of miles under keels, look out for mechanical wear on steering cables, rudder bearings, boom gooseneck, rigging (particularly where rigging crosses). Sails will also have wear, UV damage to stitching as well as stretch, particularly the furling genoa. Look for stretch along leech. Running rigging will show wear.

If the boat has been used as a marina ornament, or more correctly, not used, then most of the issues listed above will be OK. However, you may find that when you actually use the boat that all sorts of things go wrong. Fuel blockages from diesel gunk, electronic breakdowns, pump impellers self destructing, etc.
So IMHO, the best boat is always one that has been regularly used, but not abused.

Obviously get a survey and check the "big items" such as hull damage, water in saildrives, engine functions,etc.

Other "problem areas" of L400s that should be checked out are; clutch function if SD50 Yanmar gearboxes are fitted; water damage from fridge condensate to bottom of ply panel on end of bench, beside saloon entry; rotten ply base of water tanks; wet bilges that can't stay dry; galley bench tops, especially around sink cut outs; deterioration and separation of sealant in various places, particularly at deck joins below cabin windows; battery storage capability may be waning as they age and finally, flickering LED lights.

Many of these issues are not deal breakers and can be fixed, but go in with your eyes open and try to keep your budget on track. The L400 is a fine boat, it is well designed as a safe, sea kindly live aboard cat that has the ability to carry heaps of gear and do it in comfort. It sails well enough as a cruiser and is as spacious as many 50 footers of other cat designs. Don't let my list of issues to check out in any way be construed as a put down of the make or model. Many other cats that I looked had more or worse issues. Good luck.

[TOT]

Very well thought out and written Tuskie 👍


SV TOT
Wayne 😃

[Dulcesuenos]

Careful who you use as a surveyor. Apparently it is becoming common for people to claim Nams, Sams, etc accreditation and actually have non or been rejected. And these organizations do little to police those people.
Always get a signed Workorder agreement to protect yourself and ask to see proof of credentials prior no matter how great a Reputation the surveyor has.

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[arsenelupiga]

Get cat/lagoon specialist surveyor. Mono experienced do not understand cats. Just look at blogs cat vs mono.

Check rig tension. This can detect structural issues. Manual says beam reach with full sails, leeward shroud may be slightly loose. Check this does not happen below that speed. This indicates structurally weak boat.

Next :

try to install gennaker and sail or just halyard and put required (very high) load. Ensure jib tension is still acceptable.

[feebs]

Just wanted to pass on my thanks for everyone's input.

After much deliberation we purchased hull #90, which has been a live aboard for last few years. Consequently she is showing signs of use in quite a few places. So there are many projects for us.

I had a survey completed & another prospective buyer had one done a few months before that - different surveyors. Although they both overlapped in areas that need attention, each surveyor had his focus area, consequently picking up things which the other didn't. I gather we can not expect any one surveyor to give you a 100% coverage with just one days looking.

In the end it is buyer beware.

Cheers all


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[TOT]

Well done feebs, happy & safe sailing.


SV TOT
Wayne 😃

[tuskie]

Congratulations Feebs! You've just experienced one of the two best days of boat ownership. I'm sure you will have many other good days in between.
Every boat has a permanent " job list" and a good definition of cruising is " boat maintenance in new and interesting places".
Enjoy the ride, Tuskie.