just to top it off...
The yacht originally featured a combination of B&G and Raymarine electronics operating across four separate B&G backbone networks. While functional, the mixed-brand setup created ongoing integration and reliability challenges, especially when cruising far from technical support.
The entire navigation and electronics package has now been professionally upgraded to a fully integrated Raymarine system, delivering improved compatibility, simplified operation, and greater reliability for offshore cruising.
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A huge thank you to Industrial and Marine Electronics for their no-nonsense approach, Raymarine knowledge, product support and workmanship pride.
To maximise the longevity and safety of the mast and rigging, a professional rig inspection was commissioned. The mast was last professionally removed in 2018, making a comprehensive assessment an important part of the yacht’s ongoing maintenance program.
Following inspection, all turnbuckles were identified as requiring replacement to ensure optimal rig integrity, reliability, and long-term cruising confidence.
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Our gratitude to Rope Solutions for their uncanny way of finding affordable, yet reliable solutions.
The yacht was previously fitted with Kiwi feathering propellers and has now been upgraded to premium Gori folding propellers. Unlike feathering designs, the Gori propellers fully fold under sail, delivering reduced drag, improved sailing efficiency, and enhanced overall performance.
While the Kiwi feathering propellers performed well in minimising drag, two separate stray rope entanglements were experienced while sailing in the Coral Sea. The move to Gori folding propellers was made to improve reliability, durability, and cruising confidence in offshore conditions.
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Marine Mechanical Solutions installed our props, a company we have used before with the installation of our sail drives.
COCKPIT CUSHIONS
The cockpit is one of the most frequently used areas onboard, serving as a space for relaxing, entertaining, dining, and everyday movement around the yacht. As the cushions are regularly sat on, stood on, and walked across, durability and long-term performance were essential considerations for the replacement upholstery.
A heavy-duty marine-grade fabric, similar to the original material used by Lagoon, was selected to withstand rugged cruising conditions and constant use. Following the excellent results achieved with the saloon cushions, Advance Marine Upholstery was commissioned to recover the cockpit cushions as well.
The finished result delivers a clean, premium appearance while offering the durability and comfort expected from a commercial-grade marine upholstery product designed for extended cruising life.
As part of securing Blue Water Insurance coverage, the insurers requested a professional marine survey to assess the yacht’s overall condition and seaworthiness.
The survey also provided an excellent opportunity to identify any additional maintenance items or upgrades that may require attention before commencing extended offshore or overseas cruising.
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Tim from Peak Marine conducted our out-of-water survey, a company I would definitely use again. Together with our Island Cruising (formally Downunder Rally) Membership discount, Peak Marine was very competitively priced.
Although three of the yacht’s twelve skin fittings had already been replaced professionally three years earlier, it was time for several more to be inspected and upgraded as part of the ongoing maintenance program.
During the recent survey, the surveyor also confirmed that the previously replaced skin fittings were of a type widely approved and preferred by many marine insurers, providing added confidence for offshore cruising and insurance compliance.
We have experienced excellent results using PPG ABC 3 Antifoul in combination with our electronic antifouling system. Together, the setup has kept the hull free from barnacles for the past three years, delivering impressive performance in the waters we regularly cruise.
Whether the success comes from the PPG ABC 3 antifoul, the electronic antifouling system, or a combination of both is difficult to say—but the results have proven highly effective for our cruising conditions and local sailing environment.
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CAS (Complete Antifoul Solutions) were very careful with pollution control and painting, a credit to them.
Survey - Comments & Recommendations:
'This vessel has been maintained to a very high standard by the current owner. Lagoon recall works including tunnel hatch securing's and bulkhead strengthening have been completed to a professional standard.
(Excerpt from third-party Survey - Feb 2023)
On the Lagoon L400, the compression post and mast step are located beneath the mast within the saloon roof cavity. During a closer inspection of this normally hidden area, a network of cracks was unexpectedly discovered in the mast step structure.
The finding highlighted the importance of detailed internal inspections in critical load-bearing areas, particularly around the mast support system.
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Thank you to Choice Stainless and Rope Solutions for working together on this challenge.
Two years ago, the lower bearings of the rudder stock were reset to address a light knocking noise. However, the issue gradually returned approximately a year later.
Further investigation revealed the presence of two upper rudder bearings that had previously been concealed by the rudder arms. Once the rudder arms were removed for repainting, the source of the knocking became clearly identifiable, allowing for a more accurate assessment of the steering system.
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This bracket is designed to limit the rudder arms to approximately 45 degrees either side of centre, helping protect the steering system from overextension.
As part of routine preventative maintenance, the decision was made to remove the bracket for cleaning and repainting before reinstallation. Taking a proactive approach to upkeep helped ensure the component remained in good working condition.
However, during removal, an unexpected issue was discovered that required further investigation.
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