Lagoon 38

27.12.2025.

Lagoon 38

The smallest in the Lagoon family

The smallest in the Lagoon family – yet with the feel of a “bigger boat”

If you’re looking for a smaller catamaran that’s easy to handle while still delivering the feel of a “bigger boat”, the Lagoon 38 is one of the most exciting newcomers in the 37–39 ft class. The concept is simple: maximise real living space on board, with “easy mode” sailing and manoeuvring – ideal for families and groups of friends.

Below, we compare it with the key competitors in this category (Bali CatSmart, Aventura 37 and Excess 11) and explain where the Lagoon 38 offers the biggest charter advantages.

1) The most “real living space” (length + beam)

In this group, the Lagoon 38 is the largest by LOA: 13.12 m, compared with Bali CatSmart 11.32 m, Aventura 37 10.90 m, and Excess 11 11.42 m.
It also has the widest beam: 6.65 m – slightly wider than the Excess 11 (6.59 m), noticeably wider than the CatSmart (6.46 m), and especially wider than the Aventura 37 (5.94 m).

What does that mean in practice? More space in the cockpit and saloon translates directly into comfort: 6–8 guests can sit around the table while there’s still enough room to move around, cook, and live on board without constantly squeezing past each other.

2) More powerful standard engines

The Lagoon 38 comes with standard 2 × 29 hp engines, which is more than the CatSmart (standard 2 × 20 hp) and equal to the Excess 11 (2 × 29 hp). The Aventura 37 typically comes with 2 × 20 hp as standard.

In charter, more powerful engines are most appreciated during manoeuvres and in less favourable conditions: stronger wind, choppy seas, or when you need precise handling in crowded areas – you simply get more confidence and control.

3) The largest fridge-volume option

The standard fridge on the Lagoon 38 is 130 L (similar to the Excess 11, also 130 L).
However, the Lagoon 38 offers a very charter-friendly upgrade: a 300 L saloon fridge.

By comparison, the Bali CatSmart lists 137 L fridge + 103 L freezer, while the Aventura 37 lists 200 L fridge / 75 L freezer.

If your Lagoon 38 charter unit has the 300 L option, it becomes one of the most practical benefits for summer charters (drinks, fruit, ice, kids’ needs, and bigger provisions).

4) More comfortable beds (based on available specs)

In the standard specifications for the Lagoon 38, the double bed is listed as 2.00 × 1.60 m.
For the Bali CatSmart, the manufacturer document explicitly states a 150 cm bed width (the length is not specified in that document).

The takeaway is simple: the Lagoon 38 offers a “fuller” charter sleeping comfort compared with part of the competition – especially when you look at the width of the main berth.

5) Shallow draught = more relaxed anchoring

The Lagoon 38 has a draught of 1.26 m, compared with CatSmart 1.10 m, Aventura 37 1.20 m, and Excess 11 1.15 m. The difference is small, but it’s still worth highlighting: the Lagoon 38 remains very practical for the Adriatic, without feeling “too big” or cumbersome.

6) Water tanks – where the competition has the edge

The declared water tank capacity on the Lagoon 38 is 300 L, while the CatSmart lists 660 L, and the Aventura 37 2 × 250 L (500 L). This is one area where the Lagoon 38 is not leading.

The good news: there is an option for an additional 200 L water tank, and some charter boats may already have this upgrade installed. If you plan longer stays at anchor, we recommend checking the configuration of the specific unit you’re booking.

Lagoon 38 layout

The Lagoon 38 seems ideal for two families with children or up to 8 adults, but in reality it’s at its most comfortable when the group (and expectations) are well aligned.

Most boats are offered in a 4 cabins + 2 heads layout, with 3-cabin versions also available (depending on the fleet and version). Some destinations may offer configurations with more heads, but in charter practice you’ll most often see 4+2 or 3+2 layouts.

If more adults are travelling and everyone wants “comfort with no compromises”, it can sometimes be wiser to step up to the next size category.

“Cockpit + saloon” as one large living area

On the Lagoon 38, the cockpit and saloon form one large daytime living space, separated by a glass partition. It’s the classic “Lagoon feel”: lots of light, plenty of seating, and an area that gets used all day long in charter.

Lagoon 38 charter availability

By opening the links you can get:

  • availability information

  • quotations for available dates

  • photos and the boat’s standard equipment

Lagoon 38 – availability by base (examples):

Croatia

Greece

Italy

France

Caribbean

Highlights

  • the foredeck is partially covered with netting and includes space for lounging mattresses

  • there is also a sunbed on the coachroof

  • clear visibility and an easy helm position for the skipper

Good to know

There’s another interesting angle: for the weekly charter price of a Lagoon 38, you can often charter new sailing yachts around 50 ft as well — for example the Oceanis 47, Hanse 540, Bavaria C50, or Oceanis 52.
Can the comfort on a 38 ft catamaran be compared to that of a 50 ft sailing yacht? I’ll leave that answer to you. ????

Send an enquiry

Send us an enquiry with your preferred destination and dates — we’ll recommend the best Lagoon 38 configuration (3 or 4 cabins) and compare it with alternatives in the same class (Bali CatSmart / Aventura 37) to ensure you get the best value for your holiday.

Information & bookings

Zoran +00385915603433
[email protected]

 
 

Photographs

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