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2data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this ALAJUELA 38 MKII buyer’s report
ALAJUELA 38 MKII

ALAJUELA 38 MKII

Alajuela Yacht Corp.πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈΒ· Design: Colin Archer/William Atkin
$70,988 avg$25,000 – $109,000 (4 listings)from 1977
$2.5K – $6.7K est. annual maintenance
Bluewater CruisermonoCutterFull/Long

Specifications

Hull

LOA38 ft
LWL32.58 ft
Beam11.5 ft
Draft5.58 ft
Displacement27,000 lb
Ballast10,000.8 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL7.6 kn

About the ALAJUELA 38 MKII

The Mark II version featured a shorter aluminum bowsprit. See the Alajuela 38 for more information. LOA above = LOD

Sailpages Buyer's Take

The Alajuela 38 MkII is a heavy-displacement cutter designed by Colin Archer and William Atkin, built by Alajuela Yacht Corp. (USA) in 1977. With a displacement of 27000.0 lb and a full/long keel, this vessel prioritizes stability and seakeeping over speed, reflecting its traditional design heritage.

Best for:
This boat is best suited for experienced coastal cruisers and conservative bluewater passagemakers who value safety, comfort, and traditional handling characteristics over high-performance sailing.
Bluewater capability:
With a capsize ratio of 1.54 and a comfort ratio of 47.17, the Alajuela 38 MkII is highly capable offshore, offering exceptional stability and motion comfort in heavy weather.
Comparables:
Comparable boats include the Tartan 38 and the Island Packet 38, as they share similar heavy displacement, full keel designs, and a focus on safe, comfortable offshore cruising from the late 1970s.

Performance

Comfort47.2
Capsize1.54
SA/Disp15.7
Disp/Len349
Bal/Disp37.0

Market Price

Low
$25,000
Average
$70,988
High
$109,000
Based on 4 listings across 2 marketplaces

Estimated Cost of Ownership

Based on 38ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$2.5K – $6.7K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Annual Insurance
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Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

2 reported issues across 2 systems for the ALAJUELA 38 MKII, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

1 critical1 minor
Rudder1Keel1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a ALAJUELA 38 MKII? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for β€” so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.

  • βœ“ All 2 specific issues β€” severity, symptoms & fixes
  • βœ“ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
  • βœ“ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor β€” yours to keep

One-time $2.99 Β· secure checkout by Stripe Β· instant access Β· 30 days online, PDF yours to keep

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Used sails that fit the ALAJUELA 38 MKII

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