Lagoon 37 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Lagoon 37 was designed during an era when VPLP was still heavily influenced by racing multihull geometry, resulting in a boat that balances cruising comfort with respectable sailing metrics. With a displacement-to-length ratio that leans toward the lighter side compared to modern "condo-marans," the 37 is capable of surprising speed in moderate air. Its relatively high bridgedeck clearance for a boat of this vintage helps minimize slamming in a chop, a common complaint among its contemporary rivals.

Owners often report that the boat tracks well upwind for a catamaran of its age, largely due to its fixed fins which, while drawing nearly four feet, provide a solid bite. The steering is typically described as responsive, a byproduct of the TPI build quality and the balanced rudder design. While it lacks the raw acceleration of a daggerboard performance cat, the Lagoon 37 maintains a steady, sea-kindly motion that makes it a preferred choice for couple-handed coastal cruising. The sail plan is manageable, typically featuring a large roach mainsail and a modest genoa, allowing the boat to feel energized in 12–15 knots of breeze.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Lagoon 37 reflects a transition in multihull philosophy, moving away from the cramped hulls of the 1980s toward the open-concept living that Lagoon eventually perfected. The most common configuration is the three-cabin "Owner’s Version," which dedicates the entire starboard hull to a master suite featuring a longitudinal queen berth, a desk or vanity area, and a large head forward. The port hull typically houses two guest cabins sharing a central head.

A four-cabin charter variant was also produced to maximize occupancy, though these are less common on the secondary market today. The salon is characterized by its panoramic 360-degree visibility, a design feat achieved by the vertical windows which also serve to reduce greenhouse heating in tropical climates. While the woodwork—often a mix of blonde Alpi or traditional teak veneers—is not as voluminous as modern Lagoons, the TPI-built interiors are frequently cited for their robust joinery. Headroom is generous throughout the main salon and hulls, making the vessel feel larger than its 37-foot length suggests.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Lagoon 37 gained significant recognition in the early 1990s when it was featured in various nautical publications as a benchmark for the "new breed" of cruising catamarans. It was a frequent subject of review in Cruising World and Sail Magazine during its production run, often praised for bringing high-end composite construction to a mid-sized production boat. Its legacy is often discussed in the context of the Lagoon 42, its larger TPI-built sibling, which together helped establish Lagoon's dominant footprint in North America.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Lagoon 37 with a focus on its age and unique construction history:

• Osmotic Blistering: While TPI was a pioneer in resin infusion, some hulls from the early 90s have been known to develop osmotic blisters. A thorough moisture meter test of the underwater profile is essential during the survey.
• Engine Access and Maintenance: The engines (originally often Yanmar or Perkins) are located under the aft berths. This can lead to heat transfer into the sleeping quarters and makes routine maintenance a "tight squeeze" compared to modern cats with dedicated engine rooms.
• Standing Rigging and Chainplates: Given the age of these vessels, many are reaching the end of their second or third rigging cycle. Close inspection of the chainplate attachments—which are subject to high loads on a multihull—is mandatory.
• Bulkhead Integrity: While generally robust, some owners have reported the need to re-tab or reinforce bulkheads in the bow sections after heavy offshore use, a common requirement for older cats that have seen significant blue water miles.
• Window Seals: The iconic vertical windows are prone to leaking if the original sealant has degraded. Re-bedding these large acrylic panels is a labor-intensive but necessary maintenance task.

Community & Resources

The Lagoon 37 community is primarily supported by the broader Lagoon owners' networks. The "Club Lagoon" provides a formal channel for manufacturer support, though technical advice for this specific vintage is most often found within the Lagoon Owners Group on various independent platforms. Because the boat was built by TPI, some owners also look toward Rhode Island-based composite specialists for technical archives regarding the original layup and hull schedules.

The Verdict

The Lagoon 37 remains a highly sought-after model for sailors who prioritize build quality and sailing "feel" over the sheer interior volume of newer catamarans. It represents a bridge between the racing heritage of VPLP and the luxury cruising identity of modern Lagoon.

Pros:

• Superior build quality from the TPI era in the United States.
• Better bridgedeck clearance and sailing performance than many modern cruising cats.
• The vertical window design offers excellent visibility and heat management.
• Manageable size for single-handed or couple-handed sailing.

Cons:

• Aged systems and potential for osmotic blistering require a rigorous survey.
• Engine placement under aft berths can be noisy and difficult to access.
• Interior volume is lower than current 37-to-40-foot catamaran models.