Slightly altered dimensions, but a clear gain in useful volume
On paper, the difference seems minimal: the Lagoon 38 has an overall length of 11.58 metres, compared with 11.55 metres for the 380. In width, it increases from 6.53 to 6.60 meters. The draught has increased by 20 centimetres to 1.35 metres, and the displacement is up from 7,260 to around 8,100 kilos. But beyond the figures, it's the perceived size that impresses.
The Lagoon 38 adopts a higher freeboard, a pronounced redan above the waterline and a deck plan that is more stretched towards the ends. These architectural adjustments considerably increase interior volume without compromising exterior design. The boat appears larger, more massive, and better able to absorb the modern equipment and comfort options now expected in this segment.
Redesigned for comfort and traffic flow
The Lagoon 380 offered a simple, efficient layout with two bathrooms, a linear galley and a relatively low saloon on the water. On the 38, volumes are more airy. The saloon benefits from wider windows, a modular table for ten guests and modernized furniture.
Cabins, especially forward, are more spacious, thanks to increased lateral volume, greater headroom and a more ergonomic layout. In the owner's version, the forward cabin becomes a suite, with a central bed facing the bow and a vast aft bathroom. This choice optimizes weight distribution and guarantees greater privacy, away from the noise of the cockpit or engines.
The exterior space has also been reworked, with an enlarged aft cockpit, easier access via extended skirts, and a mid-height starboard helm station offering good forward visibility.
A simplified but optimized canopy for easy cruising
On the Lagoon 380, the mainsail was classic, with a rail mounted on the aft beam. The 38 abandons this rail in favor of a simpler, more intuitive double sheeting system. The jib is now self-tacking as standard, with integrated front rail, ideal for reduced maneuvering and chartering.
A furler-mounted code zero is available as an option, with an electric furling version scheduled for summer 2025. The sail plan retains a modest surface area (around 91 m² in total), but sufficient to propel the boat at 7-8 knots in the trade winds with a good angle of recovery. The 2 x 29 hp Yanmar engines guarantee reliable support during harbor maneuvers.
Performance and handling: to be confirmed under real-life conditions
The Lagoon 380 was known for its reassuring seaworthiness, lateral stability and relative ease of maintaining a constant speed in heavy seas. The Lagoon 38, heavier but better centered, promises gains in longitudinal stability, better glide thanks to a longer waterline, and reduced slamming in waves thanks to refined water inlets.
Sailing behavior remains to be assessed over the long term, especially with the light sail options. For family cruising or chartering, simplicity and tolerance of helm errors are priorities, and the 38 seems to tick all the boxes.
A conscious generational leap, but with the same spirit
The Lagoon 38 is not a copy of the 380: it retains its âeuros simplicity, accessibility, âeuros reliability, but transposes them into a more contemporary setting, where ergonomics, natural light and modularity take precedence.
Targeting both first-time cruisers and charter fleets, it is one of the few compact models on the liveaboard multihull market. Its starting price (? 410,400 incl. VAT) remains relatively competitive for a modern, well-equipped production catamaran.
The Lagoon 380 was the initiator. The Lagoon 38 could well be its natural successor, in line with the expectations of the coming decade.
