CHALLENGER 38
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 39.92 ft |
| LWL | 34 ft |
| Beam | 12.83 ft |
| Draft | 6 ft |
| Displacement | 24,800 lb |
| Ballast | 8,198.9 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.8 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 47 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 15.33 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 41 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 18.25 ft |
| PYmizzen luff | 14 ft |
| EYmizzen foot | 7 ft |
| FLforestay | 15.3 ft |
| Mainsail | 764.3 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 360.3 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 612.4 sq ft |
About the CHALLENGER 38
Challenger Yachts Corp. was located at Wilmington CA, USA and ceased operations in 1980. Not to be confused with Challenger Yachts Ltd, which was a Canadian firm. An earlier (1970), and very similar looking version, was called the CHALLENGER 37. Also available with a ketch rig.
The Challenger 38 is a classic American cruiser designed by Howard Stern and built by Challenger Yachts Corp. in 1972. With a production run limited to that single year, this vessel represents a specific snapshot of 1970s yacht design, featuring a masthead sloop rig and a displacement of 24800.0 lb.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize a comfortable, stable ride over high-performance racing metrics. Its moderate sail area-to-displacement ratio of 13.05 suggests it is ideal for relaxed cruising rather than aggressive short-handed racing.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.76 and a comfort ratio of 35.81, the Challenger 38 exhibits a heavy, stable hull form that is generally suitable for protected coastal and nearshore passages. While its displacement provides good motion comfort, its age and single-year production suggest it is better suited for coastal cruising than extended bluewater expeditions without significant modernization.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels from this era include the Cal 40 and the O'Day 38, which share similar beam dimensions and cruising-oriented layouts. These boats are comparable because they all feature fin keels and were designed for comfortable family cruising with manageable handling characteristics.
Direct variant of the CHALLENGER 38
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 39.92ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
We don't have enough data on the CHALLENGER 38yet to publish model-specific findings we'd stand behind — but here's a free general inspection checklist, built from our research into what actually goes wrong on boats of this kind.
Drawn from 7,029 documented issues across 2,391 models, ordered so the areas that most often turn up problems come first.
Own a CHALLENGER 38? Reports from owners are what turn this into a model-specific checklist — and they're the reason the boats above it have one.
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your CHALLENGER 38?
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Used sails that fit the CHALLENGER 38
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…