PRE LOVED BOATS: LAGOON 410

Catamarans are the most popular selling category right now – for several reasons but mostly around living space and usability, which the open cockpit and large saloon of the Lagoon 410 has plenty of. Seagoing is a different story and this is where catamarans require features such as high bridge-deck clearance and load-bearing hulls, so that when all the cruising gear is added the boat doesn’t increase drag too much. Again the 410 has these attributes. On the downside, the snub shape creates windage; both at sea and when swinging on an anchor, but the upside of the blunt hulls, and especially the saloon, is a spacious interior. As designers VPLP famously declared in their conception of the Lagoon, “these boats are designed from the inside out”.

This 2004 model is the charter version with some customisation – a starboard head has been converted into a laundry with installation of a new washing machine (2015). Sunshine has been refitted over the years with new engines, sails and electronics plus entertainment systems, so is worthy of a detailed view.

SPACIOUS DECKS

Useable deck space is at a premium on the 410 so a large family can have, say, the teenagers messing around the swimplatforms on each transom where the rubber ducky swings on its davits ready to take them to the nearest beach. Meantime, snug under the bimini in the aft cockpit the adults can chill out at the al fresco dinette table while the prawns cook on the stainless steel barbecue. Also, plenty of room for a splinter group to sunbathe on the foredeck where the trampolines will put some spring into their step. Really, at anchor catamarans are unbeatable.

Important deck gear on Sunshine includes the electric windlass, new Manson 25kg anchor and spare Delta anchor (with 100m of galvanised chain), with deep lockers for storage as well. When at sea the port side helm station shelters the skipper, under the bimini behind the saloon bulkhead. Electronics are from Simrad, including wind instruments, autopilot and AIS plus B&G plotter.

Sail controls are all to hand with Lewmar self-tailing sheet winches on the cabin roof, plus an electric one for fast halyard hoists. On the 410 the boom is nicely low, unlike later models, so keeps the centre of effort down and the main track on the transom allows good control and twist in the fully battened sail.

A 2016 refit has included a new suite of Doyle sails and running rigging, with new standing rigging to support the alloy spars; the latter an essential replacement due to the immense loads on catamaran rigging since they don’t heel to the wind like monohulls.

The fractional rig also has lazy jacks, new boom bag and Profurl genoa furler; which means easy sail handling, so ideal for only two sailors.

GALLEY IN SALOON

Single-level living and a wide doorway gives easy access to the saloon. Here, seating space is at a premium in the saloon of the 410, unlike later models, because there’s double bench seating around the table with recently renewed upholstery, while the galley is offset to the starboard forequarter – not the best layout for partying perhaps. However, ideal for cruising, especially when you want to roll out a paper chart on the large chart table to port, which houses a plotter as well and new Fusion sound system with four speakers to get the boat rockin’. Safety gear includes EPIRB, lifejackets, medical kit, and a four-man Viking liferaft that is four years old.

Storage is another plus, as the aft lounge back contains lockers, while there’s plenty of ventilation from the front opening windows plus electric fans on this boat. Since the galley adjoins the lounge, the chefs can work happily at the two-burner gas cooker with oven. Perishables are kept in a chest freezer and refrigerator; both have been upgraded. Wash days are also taken care of thanks to installation of a new washing machine in a former bathroom which can be run off shorepower.

EIGHT BERTHS

Accommodation of four double berths with three toilets should ensure guests are well taken care of and the current owner has installed new electric toilets in each bathroom.

Berths comprise of two aft ones running athwartships while the forward ones run longitudinally; so my preference as an owner would be one of the aft ones and probably the port one as it’s near the chart table/plotter and main switchboard. These aft berths are well ventilated with an opening skylight, and also have portlights. Storage is in lockers and under-bed, more than sufficient for those long holidays.

The forward berths are narrower but have the length for those gangly teenagers who have their owner bathroom on the port side. Finish throughout is varnished oak, which gives a classic feel but also is unfussy so easily kept clean.

EASY RIDER

Handling, especially under power is what cats are particularly good at. Push the port engine lever forward while pulling the starboard engine back and watch the boat spin around. Great for manoeuvring in congested marinas with no need for a thruster, unlike a larger monohull. Sunshine has twin 40hp Yanmar SD60 saildrive diesels that were installed new in 2015; approx. 500 hours.

Apart from the engine alternators, battery charging is via two 145W solar panels. Aft deck hatches give easy access to them for maintenance, and there’s room for extra equipment such as a watermaker with hot water tankage already installed.

The Yanmars power three-blade, fixed alloy propellers, coated with Propspeed. Hull construction is polyester-vinylester with foam sandwich to give positive buoyancy and minimise weight. Underneath, long mini keels mean grounding need not be a disaster as the saildrives and spade rudders are protected.

LAGOON 410 SPECS

FOR SALE $340,000

YEAR BUILT 2004

MATERIAL GRP

LENGTH 12.5m

BEAM 7.1m

DRAFT 1.2m

WEIGHT 7240kg

ENGINE Twin Yanmar 40hp SD60 saildrive diesels

WATER 900lt

FUEL 240lt

WEBSITE www.ramackayboating.com.au

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