CABO RICO 38
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 38 ft |
| LWL | 29.25 ft |
| Beam | 11.5 ft |
| Draft | 5 ft |
| Displacement | 21,000 lb |
| Ballast | 7,799.4 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.2 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 44 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 18.5 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 38.8 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 14.7 ft |
| FLforestay | 18.5 ft |
| Mainsail | 342 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 407 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 691.9 sq ft |
About the CABO RICO 38
S.A. (reported) above = -Main - 298 sqft -120% Genoa - 519 sqft -Staysail - 152 sqft Sail area with 100% foretriangle is reported as 778 sqft. Later brochures list sail area as: main: 342 sqft + 100% foretriangle: 408 sqft = 750 sqft. Rig measurements from Sea Trials by Earl R. Hinz, May 1981 Based on the earlier TIBURON 36 but with aft cockpit. Pilothouse version was also available.
Designed by W.I.B. Crealock and Dennis Garrett and built by Cabo Rico Custom Yachts, Inc. (CR), the Cabo Rico 38 is a robust, heavy-displacement cruiser with 200 hulls built in 1977. Its substantial 21000.0 lb displacement and full keel design prioritize stability and seakeeping over speed, making it a classic example of 1970s offshore engineering.
- Best for:
- This boat is ideally suited for serious bluewater cruisers and coastal explorers who prioritize safety, comfort, and self-sufficiency over high-performance sailing. It appeals to owners willing to invest in significant maintenance and modernization, as evidenced by the high prevalence of engine swaps and electronics upgrades.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a D/L ratio of 374.62 and a Capsize ratio of 1.67, the Cabo Rico 38 is exceptionally stable and well-suited for offshore passages, though its heavy displacement requires careful weight management and strong wind conditions for optimal performance.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include the Tartan 38 and O'Day 38, which share similar production eras and heavy-displacement characteristics. Like the Cabo Rico, these boats offer cutter rigs and full keels designed for safe offshore passage-making rather than racing.
Performance
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
11 listings · boat years 1985–1991 · median $69,900
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 38ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
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Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
22 reported issues across 9 systems for the CABO RICO 38, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CABO RICO 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 22 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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Used sails that fit the CABO RICO 38
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