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77data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this ALERION 38 buyer’s report
ALERION 38

ALERION 38

Bristol YachtsπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈΒ· Design: Halsey Herreshoff
from 1969
$2.5K – $6.8K est. annual maintenance
Bluewater CruisermonoMasthead SloopFin

Specifications

Hull

LOA38 ft
LWL29.5 ft
Beam10.75 ft
Draft6 ft
Displacement17,000 lb
Ballast7,250.5 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL7.3 kn

About the ALERION 38

Built on semi-custom basis. At least one built.

Sailpages Buyer's Take

The Alerion 38 is a classic 1969 design by Halsey Herreshoff, built by Bristol Yachts in the USA. With a hull count of ?, this single-year production run represents a specific era of American yacht building, characterized by a 38.0 ft LOA and 17000.0 lb displacement.

Best for:
This vessel suits experienced coastal cruisers and those seeking a classic, heavy-displacement sloop with a 10.75 ft beam, provided they are prepared for significant mechanical maintenance.
Bluewater capability:
With a D/L ratio of 295.62 and a capsize ratio of 1.68, the boat possesses the heavy displacement and stability typical of offshore cruisers, though its single-year production limits the breadth of long-term bluewater data.
Comparables:
Comparable to other late-1960s Bristol Yachts designs and heavy-displacement Herreshoff classics, sharing similar fin keel configurations and masthead sloop rigs.

Performance

Comfort34.7
Capsize1.68
SA/Disp15.2
Disp/Len296
Bal/Disp42.6

Pricing

We don't have market pricing data for the ALERION 38 yet. If you own one, help other buyers β€” what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.

Estimated Cost of Ownership

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

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$2.5K – $6.8K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Annual Insurance
N/A
No price data available

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

4 reported issues across 3 systems for the ALERION 38, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

2 critical1 major1 minor
Rudder2Rigging1Hull1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a ALERION 38? 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 4 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

Similar Sailboats

Which engine powers your ALERION 38?

We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us β€” as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.

Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar β€” is it one of these?

Already know your engine? Search all engines β†’ to find its exact parts.

Used sails that fit the ALERION 38

Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…