Lagoon 38
Background
The successor to the iconic Lagoon 380, building on the new-generation design
The Lagoon 38 arrived in 2025 with big shoes to fill. Its predecessor, the Lagoon 380, was one of the most successful cruising catamarans ever built. Simple, robust, easy to sail, and affordable, the 380 defined family multihull cruising for two decades.
Lagoon has been inspired by that formula and has evolved it. The Lagoon 38 borrows heavily from the brand’s new-generation DNA first seen on models like the 43, with cleaner lines, improved volume distribution, and better flow between living spaces. The result is a thoughtful, modern package of what made the 380 so popular.
Available with 3 or 4 cabins
The Lagoon 38 is offered in both three- and four-cabin layouts, targeting private owners and charter operators. The three-cabin version gives the owner more storage and a quiete, private forward berth, while the four-cabin configuration maximises accommodation without feeling cramped.
Hull volume has been redistributed more efficiently, allowing larger cabins without increasing the overall length. The stepped hull profile helps achieve this, creating additional interior space while maintaining a relatively slender waterline for efficiency under sail.
Safety, comfort, and sailing simplicity
Lagoon’s priorities are clear here. The cockpit and saloon are connected into one living space when needed, improving sightlines, airflow, and social flow on board. This is a major difference from the more segmented feel of the 380.
The cockpit is deep and secure, with good protection from the coachroof and bimini. Handholds are well placed, and movement around the boat feels intuitive and safe, particularly important for family cruising and short-handed sailing.
Up top, the raised mid-helm position is well protected and offers excellent visibility forward and aft. All sail controls are led to a central working area, reinforcing the boat’s focus on simplicity. This is a formula that has proved successful across Lagoon’s smaller boats.
The saloon is bathed in natural light and has a practical layout. The galley is positioned to remain connected to cockpit life while still being secure at sea. Storage has been improved throughout.
Down Below, Lagoon have positioned the owner’s berth forward in the owner’s version where it is quieter and more private with a spacious shower and head aft. In the guest side, both cabins are very roomy, a design made possible by the new hull profile.
Lagoon have clearly been inspired by the latest monohull design trends, and it works well here.
New Features and Practical Improvements
The Lagoon 38 introduces a number of genuinely useful upgrades:
– Wider transoms for easier boarding from docks or tenders
– Fully interconnected cockpit and saloon for better liveability
– A large 330-litre fridge, well suited to long stays aboard
– Modular interior design that allows owners to prioritise storage or accommodation
– Owner’s berth positioned forward, where it is quieter and more private
– Spacious aft shower with generous headroom
– Two large guest cabins sharing a well-designed head and shower arrangement
All these featutes help to improve daily life aboard.
Solid, predictable, and confidence-inspiring
The Lagoon 38 is a solid performer on the water. Sail handling is straightforward, with a bridle-mounted mainsheet, self-tacking jib as standard, and a Code 0 option for light-air sailing.
The stepped hull profile helps the boat slip through the water efficiently while supporting the increased interior volume. The boat has an easy motion and predictable handling.
Other Notable Details
– Up to 900W of solar on the davits for improved energy autonomy
– Increased storage throughout the boat, including technical spaces
– Well-protected raised mid helm that keeps the skipper connected but secure
Proven cruising DNA
Excellent living space for length
Strong indoor–outdoor flow
Easy sail handling
Flexible layouts
Shared head in guest hull
Summary
The Lagoon 38 has successfully built on the design of the iconic Lagoon 380 and you’d have to be brave to bet against the success of this new model. It ticks many boxes: more comfort, better space utilisation, and improved flow onboard while preserving the simplicity and safety that made the 380 such a classic.
The Lagoon 38 feels like a clever evolution. This is smart design, well considered, and very much in tune with the market.
The Lagoon 38 deserves serious attention form anyone looking at this size range: a modern cruising cat that knows exactly what it is meant to be.
Compared to similar-sized cruising cats, the Lagoon 38 prioritises interior volume, ease of use, and resale value over outright performance. Some competitors may sail slightly faster in light air, but few offer the same balance of space, systems simplicity, and global support.
It works well for both, but private owners benefit most from the three-cabin layout. The forward owner’s berth, increased storage, large fridge, and solar capacity make it far more liveable long-term than older charter-optimised designs.
For most owners, no. The self-tacking jib dramatically simplifies manoeuvres, especially when sailing short-handed. Owners who want more power can add a Code 0, which transforms light-air performance without overly complicating deck work.
It depends on preference but there is no doubt that this is the mosr popular set-up in the market. The raised helm improves visibility and keeps the skipper connected to the cockpit and saloon, although some sailors prefer the feel of an aft helm. From a safety and ease-of-use perspective, the mid-helm works very well.
Yes, particularly with the solar package and modular storage options. The 900W solar capability, large fridge, and improved storage make it far better suited to off-grid cruising than the previous generation.
| Length Overall | 13.12m / 43’1” |
|---|---|
| Length at Waterline | 11.38m / 37’4′ |
| Beam Overall | 6.65m / 21’10” |
| Disp. (Light) | 10,2 T / 22 579 lbs |
| D/L | 193 |
| Mainsail | 56m² / 599 sq ft |
| Jib Self Tacking | 23m² / 237 sq ft |
| Code 0 option | 59m² / 581 sq ft |
| Power | 2 x 29 HP |
| Water | 300 L / 79 US Gal |
| Fuel | 400 L / 106 US Gal |
| Mast above water | 19.78m / 64’11” |
Contact Katamarans
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