Article Summary
Based on the firsthand experience of a European sailing enthusiast, this article provides a detailed analysis of the Lagoon 320 catamaran’s pros and cons, actual purchase and maintenance costs, common issues, and a guide to avoiding pitfalls.The article covers market conditions for used models from 2006 to 2013 (approximately 180,000 to 280,000 euros) and provides a detailed comparison of key specifications—including the propulsion system, living space, and sailing performance—to help potential buyers make informed decisions.
About the Author
This article was written by a European sailing enthusiast living in Alicante, Spain.In 2012, he purchased a 2008 Lagoon 320 catamaran, and to date, he has cruised the Mediterranean, covering more than 5,000 nautical miles.His first boat was an aging monohull sailboat, but he eventually grew tired of the constant repairs and damp cabin, so he switched to this catamaran. This article shares his practical experiences and the pitfalls he’s encountered over the past five years of ownership.
First, the conclusion: Is this boat worth buying?
I’ve owned my Lagoon 320 for five years now.
To be honest, I did have my doubts and hesitations at first.Back then, as I watched it dock at the Port of Valencia—its white hull glistening in the sunlight—I wondered to myself: This boat looks stunning, but what’s it really like to sail?
Now I can tell you.
If what you’re looking for is:
a comfortable family cruising experience
Ample living space
Stable sailing in relatively calm waters
Good value for the price
then this boat is worth considering.
But if you:
frequently encounter rough seas
have extremely high speed requirements
prefer to sail alone or with just one other person
have a very tight budget
then you might want to consider other options.
Let’s start by talking about the background of this boat
Lagoon, a French shipbuilder, launched a medium-sized catamaran in 2006 called the Lagoon 320.
Hold on—let me clarify: this boat is actually a product of the Lagoon brand, which is part of Italy’s Banfi Group, though its design was completed by a French team.
The boat is approximately 9.75 meters long, 10.70 meters wide, and has a draft of just 1.70 meters. This shallow draft design allows it to access many shallow bays and canals, which is one of its significant advantages.
Key Specifications at a Glance:
| Specifications | Data |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 9.75 meters |
| Beam | 10.70 meters |
| Draft | 1.70 meters |
| Displacement | 14,800 kilograms |
| Lightweight | 12,000 kilograms |
| Engine | Two Yanmar 40-horsepower engines |
| Maximum speed | Approx. 9 knots |
| Cruising speed | 6–7 knots |
| Bedrooms | 4 |
| Bathrooms | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity | 2 × 150 liters |
| Water Tank Capacity | 2 × 200 liters |
Space: That’s its real selling point
To be honest, the first time I stepped onto this boat, I was blown away.
At 9.75 meters, it features four bedrooms and two full bathrooms.
This is simply impossible on a monohull. Just think about it: a typical 40-foot monohull might have only two bedrooms and one bathroom. But this boat? It has four bedrooms and two bathrooms.
I’ve seen many people ask, “How do the four of you sleep?”
The answer is: it’s absolutely no problem.
Each bedroom has its own separate mattress and pillows. There are two double cabins in the rear section of the main cabin, and one single cabin on each side of the front section of the main cabin. For a family vacation, this is simply the ideal setup.
But space comes at a cost.
Yes, with more space comes greater wind resistance.
While sailing, you’ll notice that this boat isn’t as agile as a monohull; it has a larger turning radius and accelerates more slowly. Especially when sailing into the wind, you’ll encounter many difficulties and have a really tough time.
I remember once in the Balearic Islands when we encountered a crosswind—it felt like pushing a massive sail-shaped box.
A monohull might make you exclaim, “Wow, this is thrilling!” but this catamaran will only make you say, “Whoa, steady it up.”
Propulsion System: Are Two Small Engines Enough?
The boat originally came equipped with two 40-horsepower Yanmar engines.
40 horsepower doesn’t sound like much, right?
It really isn’t.
But you have to remember that this boat is designed for cruising, not racing.
In calm waters, two 40-horsepower engines are more than enough to propel you forward at a speed of 6 to 7 knots.
But the reality is:
I’ve seen too many beginners who assume catamarans are supposed to be fast. They’re not.
The advantages of a catamaran are stability and space, not speed.
If you open the hatch in the engine room, you’ll see two compact Yanmar diesel engines; they’re laid out very logically, and maintenance isn’t too difficult.
My recommendation is:
Check the engine oil once a year
Change the engine oil every 500 hours
Inspect the drivetrain every two years
Don’t skimp on these costs. Spending this money now will save you a lot of trouble later.
Purchase Price: The Truth About the Used Car Market
This is what many people are really concerned about.
For the 2006–2010 Lagoon 320, current used market prices range from approximately 180,000 to 220,000 euros.
For 2011–2013 models, prices range from 220,000 to 280,000 euros.
Of course, this depends on factors such as condition, equipment, and age.
I bought mine for 210,000 euros—a 2009 model.
Things to watch out for:
Some sellers may conceal the engine’s repair history.
The condition of the antifouling paint on the hull is crucial
Check for cracks at the joint between the keel and the hull
I’ve seen people buy a bargain only to end up spending more on repairs than they did on the boat itself.
Maintenance Costs: How Much Will It Cost Each Year?
In my experience, annual maintenance costs are roughly 3–5% of the boat’s purchase price.
Even so, if your boat is worth 200,000 euros, annual maintenance costs will likely fall within the range of 6,000 to 10,000 euros.
Major Expense Categories:
| Item | Estimated Annual Cost (euros) |
|---|---|
| Insurance | 1,500–2,500 |
| Docking Fees | 2,000–4,000 |
| Engine Maintenance | 800–1,500 |
| Hull Maintenance | 500–1,000 |
| Equipment Repair | 500–1,000 |
| Total | 5,300–10,000 |
Please note that berthing fees can vary significantly; at popular European ports, they may exceed 4,000 euros per year—something you should keep in mind.
Q: Can this boat cross the Atlantic?
Yes, but it’s not recommended.
Catamarans offer good stability; however, in rough seas, their speed and maneuverability are inferior to those of monohulls. My advice is to use this boat only for coastal cruising.
Q: How long does it take for four people to get bored living together?
That depends on the people involved.
Based on my experience, a week is no problem, and two weeks is fine too. But if you stay longer than three weeks, you might start to feel the space is a little cramped. However, if you’re only out at sea during the day and moored at an anchorage or in port at night, it’s not a problem at all.
Q: How many bathrooms are there on board?
There are two, and each bathroom has its own shower—this is one of the key reasons so many people choose this boat.
Q: Is this boat beginner-friendly?
Yes, but it does present some challenges.
Because of its size, maneuvering requires extra care; when reversing, you’ll need to factor in the wind’s effect. I recommend that beginners practice at least a few times under the guidance of an instructor.
Q: Is there any equipment that needs to be upgraded?
GPS navigation, VHF radio, and an AIS transmitter.
These three items are essential, and I don’t recommend skimping on them.
Final Thoughts
Five years have passed, and this Lagoon 320 is still with me.
It’s not the fastest boat, nor is it the cheapest.
But it has given me what I wanted: comfort, space, and a reliable cruising experience.
If you’re also considering purchasing a catamaran, my advice is to come see it for yourself and take it for a test sail.
Theory alone is never enough; to truly understand, you must experience it for yourself.
Good luck to everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions (Supplement)
Q: Can this boat sail in the North Sea?
A: Yes, but be careful of the weather. The winds and waves in the North Sea are much more intense than in the Mediterranean.
Q: Is the hull prone to algae growth?
A: Yes. We recommend applying antifouling paint regularly, especially in warm southern waters.
Q: What should I look out for when buying a used boat?
A: Focus on checking the engine’s condition, cracks in the hull, and the electrical system.
Q: Is this boat suitable for long-term living?
A: It’s suitable for short-term living, but not recommended for long-term use. The living space is somewhat smaller compared to a professional yacht.
Q: Are there any hidden issues?
A: On some earlier models, there is a possibility of minor cracks forming at the hull joints. Be sure to inspect these areas thoroughly before purchasing.
Author’s Note: I am a European sailing enthusiast with over five years of experience sailing a Lagoon 320 catamaran and have logged more than 5,000 nautical miles in the Mediterranean. The content of this article is based on my personal experience and is provided for reference only; it does not constitute a recommendation to purchase.