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75data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this CALIBER 38 buyer’s report
CALIBER 38

CALIBER 38

Caliber Yachts🇺🇸· Design: Michael McCreary
$90,891 avg$71,218 – $137,500 (9 listings)from 1987
$2.3K – $6.2K est. annual maintenance
Offshore CruisermonoMasthead SloopFin

Specifications

Hull

LOA38 ft
LWL32 ft
Beam12.67 ft
Draft4.92 ft
Shoal Draft4.5 ft(1.4 m)
Displacement18,500 lb
Ballast9,000.2 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL7.6 kn

Rig & Sails

Iforetriangle height50.5 ft
Jforetriangle base16 ft
Pmainsail luff45 ft
Emainsail foot13.5 ft
FLforestay16 ft
Mainsail732.1 sq ft
Jib (100%)404 sq ft
Spinnaker686.8 sq ft

About the CALIBER 38

Sailpages Buyer's Take

The Caliber 38 is a robust cruising sloop designed by Michael McCreary and built by Caliber Yachts (USA) in 1987. With a displacement of 18500.0 lb and a beam of 12.67 ft, this vessel represents a single-year production run that emphasizes stability and comfort.

Best for:
This boat is well-suited for coastal and offshore cruisers who prioritize a comfortable motion and substantial interior volume, as indicated by its high comfort ratio of 28.75.
Bluewater capability:
With a low capsize ratio of 1.92 and a displacement of 18500.0 lb, the Caliber 38 demonstrates strong offshore stability and is capable of bluewater passages, provided the deck core integrity is verified.
Comparables:
Comparable vessels from this era include the Caliber 36 and 40, which share the same designer and build philosophy, as well as the Tartan 38 and O'Day 38, which offer similar beam and displacement characteristics for coastal cruising.

Performance

Comfort28.8
Capsize1.92
SA/Disp16.3
Disp/Len252
Bal/Disp48.6

Estimated Value

Low Confidence
Based on 6 listings
Low
$62,824
Estimated Value
$67,987
High
$76,281
Inflation-adjusted to 2026 USD

Asking price by model year

9 listings · boat years 19881991 · median $84,500

$0$50k$100k$150kmedian $84,50019901990 Caliber 38 · $93,000 · Outside United States1990 Caliber 38 · $137,500 · North Carolina, US1989 38 · $72,500 · FL, US1988 38 · $99,900 · FL, US1989 38 · $82,000 · WA, US1991 Caliber 38 · $60,881 · Turkey1990 Caliber caliber 38 · $77,500 · RI1988 Caliber caliber 38 · $99,900 · FL1990 Caliber caliber 38 · $84,500 · MDAsking price (USD)Boat model year

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.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$2.3K – $6.2K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

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

3 critical1 major3 minor
Structural3Hull2Deck1Keel1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a CALIBER 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 7 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 CALIBER 38?

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

Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar — is it one of these?

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Used sails that fit the CALIBER 38

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