CATALINA 38
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 38.08 ft |
| LWL | 30.25 ft |
| Beam | 11.83 ft |
| Draft | 6.8 ft |
| Shoal Draft version | 4.90 ft(1.49 m) |
| Displacement | 15,900 lb |
| Ballast | 6,849.7 lb |
| Material | 38’ 6”11.75 m |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.4 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 49.8 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 15.5 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 44 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 11.5 ft |
| FLforestay | 15.5 ft |
| Mainsail | 659.2 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 386 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 656.1 sq ft |
Accommodation
| Cabins | 2 |
| Berths | 4 |
| Heads | 1 |
| CE category | N/A€ |
Engine
| Universal | Atomic 430 hpSee all 6 parts → |
| Universal | M-2520 hpSee all 12 parts → |
About the CATALINA 38
Based on an earlier S&S design; (YANKEE 38-S&S #2094). The molds were purchased when Yankee Yachts went out of business. Among the modifications to the original design: new deck and coach roof, taller rig, and balanced spade rudder.
Designed by Sparkman & Stephens / Butler and built by Catalina Yachts (USA), the Catalina 38 is a robust cruising sloop with 365 hulls produced between 1978 and 1990. Its substantial displacement of 15900.0 lb and comfort ratio of 28.07 reflect a design prioritizing stability and seakeeping over pure speed.
- Best for:
- This vessel is ideally suited for coastal and offshore cruisers who value a spacious, stable interior and proven bluewater capability, particularly those willing to perform diligent maintenance on aging systems.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.89 and a displacement/length ratio of 256.43, the Catalina 38 demonstrates strong offshore suitability, supported by a significant number of reported watermaker and solar panel installations indicating active long-range cruising use.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Cal 40 and O'Day 38, which share similar production eras and heavy-displacement cruising characteristics, though the Catalina 38 distinguishes itself with its specific S&S/Butler design lineage and higher build volume.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(3 certificates)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 5.0 | 5.9 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.0 | 7.1 | 7.1 |
| 60° | 5.3 | 6.2 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.2 | 7.3 | 7.3 |
| 75° | 5.5 | 6.4 | 6.8 | 7.1 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.7 |
| 90° | 5.4 | 6.3 | 7.0 | 7.2 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.9 |
| 110° | 5.4 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.4 | 7.7 | 7.9 | 8.2 |
| 120° | 5.2 | 6.3 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 7.7 | 8.0 | 8.5 |
| 135° | 4.8 | 5.8 | 6.7 | 7.1 | 7.4 | 7.8 | 8.4 |
| 150° | 4.1 | 5.1 | 6.0 | 6.7 | 7.1 | 7.4 | 8.0 |
| Beat VMG | 3.4 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 5.0 | 5.1 | 5.1 |
| Run VMG | 3.5 | 4.4 | 5.2 | 5.9 | 6.5 | 6.9 | 7.5 |
Images
Estimated Value
Medium ConfidenceAsking price by model year
36 listings · boat years 1979–1997 · median $29,000
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 38.08ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
33 reported issues across 9 systems for the CATALINA 38, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CATALINA 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 33 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
Similar Sailboats
Engine Parts & Maintenance
The engines most commonly fitted to this model. “All parts” opens the engine's full catalogue; each part links to a matching listing on 
or 
matched to its part number.
Universal Atomic 4
All parts →Don't see your engine listed? Search all engines → to find parts for the exact engine fitted to your boat.
Prices are reference figures — confirm the current price on Amazon. Always confirm fitment against your engine's model and serial before ordering. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Used sails that fit the CATALINA 38
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…