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101data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this FRERS 38 buyerโ€™s report
FRERS 38

FRERS 38

Carroll Marine๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธยท Design: German Frers
from 198818 built
$2.4K โ€“ $6.4K est. annual maintenance
Racer/CruisermonoMasthead SloopFin

Specifications

Hull

LOA38.5 ft
LWL30.08 ft
Beam12.75 ft
Draft7.5 ft
Displacement14,500 lb
Ballast6,449.6 lb
Hull speed1.34ยทโˆšLWL7.3 kn

Rig & Sails

Iforetriangle height52.33 ft
Jforetriangle base15 ft
Pmainsail luff45.68 ft
Emainsail foot14.63 ft
FLforestay15 ft
Mainsail753.4 sq ft
Jib (100%)392.5 sq ft
Spinnaker667.2 sq ft

About the FRERS 38

During the production run of the FRERS 38 a number of modifications were made to the keel, rudder and rig.

Sailpages Buyer's Take

Designed by German Frers and built by Carroll Marine (USA), the Frers 38 is a rare vessel with only 18 hulls constructed in 1988. This limited production run creates a specialized market where individual boat condition varies significantly, requiring careful due diligence on structural integrity.

Best for:
This boat suits experienced coastal cruisers and short-range offshore sailors who prioritize performance and are willing to manage significant structural maintenance. It is less ideal for novice owners or those seeking a low-maintenance turnkey solution due to the prevalence of critical hull and deck issues.
Bluewater capability:
With a displacement of 14500.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.1, the boat has adequate stability for offshore passages, but critical structural defects in the deck core and keel attachment reported by owners severely limit its bluewater readiness without extensive repair.
Comparables:
Comparable to other late-80s performance cruisers like the O'Day 38 or Pearson 38, but with a more racing-oriented hull form and higher build quality expectations. Its rarity makes it more akin to custom-built yachts of the era than mass-produced production models.

Performance

Comfort23.2
Capsize2.10
SA/Disp19.6
Disp/Len238
Bal/Disp44.5

Pricing

We don't have market pricing data for the FRERS 38 yet. If you own one, help other buyers โ€” what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.

Estimated Cost of Ownership

Based on 38.5ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$2.4K โ€“ $6.4K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Annual Insurance
N/A
No price data available

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

12 reported issues across 5 systems for the FRERS 38, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

6 critical5 major1 minor
Rigging4Structural3Rudder3Deck1Engine1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a FRERS 38? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for โ€” so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.

  • โœ“ All 12 specific issues โ€” severity, symptoms & fixes
  • โœ“ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
  • โœ“ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor โ€” yours to keep

One-time $2.99 ยท secure checkout by Stripe ยท instant access ยท 30 days online, PDF yours to keep

Similar Sailboats

Which engine powers your FRERS 38?

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

Already know your engine? Search all engines โ†’ to find its exact parts.

Used sails that fit the FRERS 38

Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rigโ€ฆ