GAMBLER 38
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 38 ft |
| LWL | 28 ft |
| Beam | 11.94 ft |
| Draft | 7.22 ft |
| Displacement | 11,795 lb |
| Ballast | 5,600.3 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.1 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 44.95 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 14.01 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 50.2 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 16.9 ft |
| FLforestay | 14 ft |
| Mainsail | 773 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 314.9 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 535.3 sq ft |
About the GAMBLER 38
Based on, and very similar to the GAMBLER 37 (1984).
The Gambler 38 is a fractional sloop designed by Peter Norlin and built by Helsingborgs Boatyard in Sweden, with production records indicating a build year of 1988. This vessel combines a 38.0 ft LOA with a substantial 11795.0 lb displacement, reflecting a robust construction philosophy typical of late-80s Scandinavian cruising yachts.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for experienced coastal cruisers and those seeking a sturdy, heavy-displacement platform for protected waters, given its 21.63 comfort ratio and 2.1 capsize ratio. It appeals to owners willing to invest in significant structural maintenance and modernization, as evidenced by the high prevalence of engine and electronics upgrades.
- Bluewater capability:
- While the 11795.0 lb displacement and 2.1 capsize ratio suggest inherent offshore stability, critical structural concerns regarding deck core moisture and keel integrity limit its immediate bluewater readiness without extensive survey and repair.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include other heavy-displacement Scandinavian designs from the late 1980s, such as the Hallberg-Rassy 38 or Nautor's Swan 38, which share similar fractional sloop rigs and robust build qualities. These boats are comparable due to their emphasis on seakeeping and durability over pure speed, mirroring the Gambler's 239.87 D/L ratio.
Direct variant of the GAMBLER 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
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° | 5.2 | 6.1 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.1 | 7.2 | 7.3 |
| 60° | 5.5 | 6.4 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.3 | 7.4 | 7.5 |
| 75° | 5.8 | 6.7 | 7.1 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.7 | 7.9 |
| 90° | 5.7 | 6.6 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.8 | 8.2 |
| 110° | 5.4 | 6.5 | 7.1 | 7.4 | 7.7 | 8.1 | 8.3 |
| 120° | 5.3 | 6.4 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 7.6 | 8.0 | 8.6 |
| 135° | 4.7 | 5.7 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 7.6 | 8.3 |
| 150° | 3.9 | 4.9 | 5.8 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 7.9 |
| Beat VMG | 3.4 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.9 | 5.1 | 5.2 | 5.3 |
| Run VMG | 3.4 | 4.2 | 5.0 | 5.7 | 6.3 | 6.8 | 7.3 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the GAMBLER 38 yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 38ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
10 reported issues across 7 systems for the GAMBLER 38, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a GAMBLER 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 10 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 GAMBLER 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.
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the GAMBLER 38
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…