Lagoon 380 - Comprehensive Survey-Prep Guide (PDF)

The Lagoon 380 is one of the most common cruising catamarans on the planet, which is both a blessing and a trap. There are always boats available, but condition varies wildly, especially with ex-charter history, tropical UV exposure, and 20+ years of owner modifications.

This guide is designed to help you screen a Lagoon 380 properly before you spend money on travel, haul-outs, or a full survey. It is practical, model-specific, and built around the same workflow experienced surveyors and buyer agents use to identify hidden risk early.

What this guide helps you do

• Eliminate poor candidates using photos, video, and seller answers before you book a flight.

• Understand Lagoon 380-specific structural hotspots (and what “normal wear” vs real movement looks like).

• Run a meaningful sea trial so major mechanical or handling issues show themselves under load.

• Negotiate using realistic cost drivers and “insurability” logic (not emotions and hope).

• Communicate professionally with sellers and brokers using ready-to-send templates.

What’s inside (high level)

• Model overview and variants

• Known weak points and age-related issues (Lagoon 380 specific)

• Red flags (walk-away signs) and green flags (strong indicators)

• Seller questions that expose deferred maintenance and missing documentation

• Photo and video checklist for remote evaluation

• Sea trial pointers and what to film

• Negotiation notes based on typical findings

• Communication templates (polite buyer messages)

• Appendix: Escape hatch safety (all cruising catamarans)

Format: Digital PDF. 73 pages. Built for serious buyers who want fewer surprises and stronger leverage.

Important note: This guide does not replace a certified marine survey. It helps you choose the right candidate, prepare for the survey, and understand what findings mean in the real world.