ELAN 38
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 39.21 ft |
| LWL | 31.99 ft |
| Beam | 12.7 ft |
| Draft | 6.4 ft |
| Displacement | 14,330 lb |
| Material | 37’ 2”11.34 m |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.6 kn |
Accommodation
| Cabins | 2 |
| Berths | 4 |
| Heads | 1 |
| Water | 66 L |
| Fuel | 29.1 L |
| CE category | N/A€ |
About the ELAN 38
The Elan 38 is a masthead sloop designed by J&J Design and built by Elan (SLOV) in 1991, with an unknown total hull production count. Owners report a mix of standard and upgraded equipment, with Yanmar engines being the most common powerplant and North sails frequently cited for rigging.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize a comfortable interior and manageable handling over extreme offshore performance, given its moderate comfort ratio of 21.97.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 14330.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.1, the Elan 38 is generally considered suitable for coastal and nearshore cruising rather than heavy bluewater passagemaking.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats from this era include the Beneteau First 36 and O'Day 38, which share similar beam dimensions and displacement ranges, offering alternative layouts for buyers seeking a 38-foot cruising sloop.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)
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° | 4.7 | 5.7 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 7.4 | 7.5 |
| 60° | 5.1 | 6.1 | 6.8 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.6 | 7.7 |
| 75° | 5.4 | 6.4 | 7.1 | 7.5 | 7.7 | 7.9 | 8.2 |
| 90° | 5.3 | 6.3 | 7.1 | 7.5 | 7.7 | 7.9 | 8.4 |
| 110° | 5.2 | 6.3 | 7.2 | 7.6 | 7.9 | 8.3 | 8.7 |
| 120° | 5.0 | 6.1 | 7.0 | 7.5 | 7.8 | 8.2 | 8.9 |
| 135° | 4.4 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 7.2 | 7.6 | 7.9 | 8.6 |
| 150° | 3.7 | 4.8 | 5.7 | 6.6 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 8.2 |
| Beat VMG | 3.0 | 3.7 | 4.2 | 4.6 | 4.9 | 5.1 | 5.2 |
| Run VMG | 3.2 | 4.1 | 5.0 | 5.8 | 6.5 | 7.1 | 7.8 |
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 39.21ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
4 reported issues across 4 systems for the ELAN 38, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a ELAN 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 4 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
Which engine powers your ELAN 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?
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the ELAN 38
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…