AERODYNE 38
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 37.66 ft |
| LWL | 34.21 ft |
| Beam | 13 ft |
| Draft | 7.75 ft |
| Displacement | 11,250 lb |
| Ballast | 4,150.1 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.8 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 50.82 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 14.5 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 51.75 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 16.5 ft |
| FLforestay | 14.5 ft |
| Mainsail | 829.5 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 368.5 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 1,013.6 sq ft |
About the AERODYNE 38
Shallow draft version: 6.0'. Thanks Rodger Martin for providing corrections.
Designed by Rodger Martin and Steve Koopman and built by Aerodyne Marine (ZAF), the Aerodyne 38 is a rare fractional sloop with only 18 hulls built in 2000. Its lightweight displacement of 11250.0 lb and high SA/D ratio of 25.42 indicate a performance-oriented design that prioritizes speed over heavy displacement comfort.
- Best for:
- This boat suits experienced coastal cruisers and performance-oriented sailors who value high-speed sailing and are willing to manage the maintenance demands of a low-production, specialized hull. It is less ideal for novice owners or those seeking a low-maintenance, heavy-displacement bluewater trawler.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.32 and a comfort ratio of 16.2, the Aerodyne 38 is moderately capable offshore but requires careful attention to its critical structural vulnerabilities, particularly the rudder and keel systems, before undertaking extended passages.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Nauticat 38 and the O'Day 38, which share similar beam dimensions and fractional rig configurations from the late 1990s and early 2000s. These vessels offer similar performance characteristics but often have larger production runs, providing more readily available parts and community support.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(5 certificates)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 4.4 | 5.9 | 7.0 | 7.5 | 7.7 | 7.8 | 7.9 | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| 60° | 4.7 | 6.2 | 7.2 | 7.7 | 7.9 | 8.1 | 8.2 | 8.3 | 8.3 |
| 75° | 4.9 | 6.4 | 7.3 | 7.8 | 8.2 | 8.4 | 8.6 | 8.8 | 9.0 |
| 90° | 4.7 | 6.3 | 7.4 | 7.8 | 8.3 | 8.7 | 9.0 | 9.4 | 9.8 |
| 110° | 4.9 | 6.6 | 7.7 | 8.3 | 8.7 | 9.1 | 9.4 | 10.1 | 10.7 |
| 120° | 4.8 | 6.4 | 7.6 | 8.3 | 8.9 | 9.5 | 9.9 | 10.9 | 11.8 |
| 135° | 4.1 | 5.8 | 7.1 | 7.9 | 8.6 | 9.3 | 10.2 | 12.2 | 14.1 |
| 150° | 3.4 | 4.9 | 6.1 | 7.1 | 7.9 | 8.5 | 9.1 | 10.8 | 14.2 |
| Beat VMG | 2.8 | 3.9 | 4.8 | 5.2 | 5.5 | 5.6 | 5.6 | 5.7 | 5.6 |
| Run VMG | 3.0 | 4.2 | 5.3 | 6.2 | 6.8 | 7.3 | 7.8 | 9.4 | 12.3 |
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 37.66ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
20 reported issues across 9 systems for the AERODYNE 38, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a AERODYNE 38? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 20 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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Which engine powers your AERODYNE 38?
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Used sails that fit the AERODYNE 38
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