ERICSON 38
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 37.67 ft |
| LWL | 30.5 ft |
| Beam | 12 ft |
| Draft | 4.93 ft |
| Displacement | 14,000 lb |
| Ballast | 5,500.6 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.4 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 50 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 16.25 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 43.25 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 14 ft |
| FLforestay | 16.3 ft |
| Mainsail | 733.2 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 406.3 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 690.6 sq ft |
Engine
| Commonly | Universal, Kubota, Atomic 4 |
About the ERICSON 38
DRAFT: Wing Keel = 5'/1.52m Optional Shoal Draft = 4.92'/1.5m Standard Deep keel= 6.5'/1.98m Optional The ERICSON 38-200 was introduced in 1986? which shared the same hull but with new deck, coach roof and interior.
Designed by Bruce King and built by Ericson Yachts (USA) from 1979–1987, the Ericson 38 is a substantial cruising sloop with 126 hulls produced. Its 14000.0 lb displacement and 24.21 comfort ratio indicate a heavy, stable platform favored for coastal and offshore cruising.
- Best for:
- This boat suits couples or families seeking a comfortable, stable coastal cruiser with strong bluewater potential, particularly those willing to manage significant maintenance on the deck and keel.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a 2.0 capsize ratio and 14000.0 lb displacement, the Ericson 38 is well-suited for offshore passages, though its fin keel and 30.5 ft LWL require careful handling in heavy weather.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to the Cal 40 and O'Day 38 from the same era, these boats share similar displacement and beam characteristics, offering comparable interior volume and cruising comfort.
Direct variant of the ERICSON 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
Estimated Value
Medium ConfidenceAsking price by model year
13 listings · boat years 1980–1988 · median $43,900
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 37.67ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
27 reported issues across 9 systems for the ERICSON 38, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a ERICSON 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 27 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 ERICSON 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: Universal, Kubota, Atomic 4, Yanmar — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the ERICSON 38
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…