
BAVARIA OCEAN 38
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 38.5 ft |
| LWL | 32.58 ft |
| Beam | 13.08 ft |
| Draft | 6.33 ft |
| Displacement | 16,535 lb |
| Ballast | 6,392.4 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.6 kn |
About the BAVARIA OCEAN 38
The Bavaria Ocean 38 is a masthead sloop designed by J & J Design and built by Bavaria Yachts (GER) in 1997. With a displacement of 16535.0 lb and a beam of 13.08 ft, this vessel represents a specific era of European production cruising yachts, though the exact total hulls built remains unconfirmed in available data.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize interior volume and ease of handling over extreme performance or heavy offshore durability. It is well-suited for couples or small families seeking a comfortable, well-equipped liveaboard or coastal passage maker rather than a dedicated bluewater racer.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a D/L ratio of 213.45 and a capsize ratio of 2.06, the boat offers moderate stability suitable for coastal passages, but its relatively light displacement and single-year production run suggest it is not ideally configured for extended, heavy-weather bluewater voyaging without significant reinforcement.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Beneteau First 38 and the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 38.9, as they share similar production eras, beam widths, and a focus on spacious interiors and moderate performance. These vessels also feature fin keels and masthead rigs, offering similar sailing characteristics and market positioning.
Performance
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
46 listings · boat years 1987–2027 · median $78,276
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 38.5ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
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Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
11 reported issues across 7 systems for the BAVARIA OCEAN 38, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a BAVARIA OCEAN 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 11 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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