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264data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this HALLBERG-RASSY 38 buyer’s report
HALLBERG-RASSY 38

HALLBERG-RASSY 38

Hallberg-Rassy🇸🇪· Design: Olle Enderlein
$75,753 avg$44,450 – $114,056 (11 listings)1977–1986202 built
$2.3K – $6.3K est. annual maintenance
Bluewater CruisermonoMasthead SloopFin

Specifications

Hull

LOA37.96 ft
LWL31.17 ft
Beam11.42 ft
Draft5.75 ft
Displacement18,739 lb
Ballast8,157.1 lb
Material38’11.57 m
Hull speed1.34·√LWL7.5 kn

Rig & Sails

Iforetriangle height46 ft
Jforetriangle base14.8 ft

Accommodation

Cabins2
Berths6
Heads6
Water105.7 L
Fuel92.5 L
CE categoryN/A€

About the HALLBERG-RASSY 38

Sailpages Buyer's Take

Designed by Olle Enderlein and built by Hallberg-Rassy, the Hallberg-Rassy 38 is a classic cruising sloop with a production run of 202 hulls constructed between 1977 and 1986. This model is renowned for its robust construction and comfortable interior, representing a significant portion of the brand's legacy from that era.

Best for:
This boat is ideally suited for coastal and offshore cruisers who prioritize comfort, stability, and traditional sailing characteristics over high-performance racing metrics. Its heavy displacement and spacious layout make it a strong candidate for long-term liveaboards and family cruising.
Bluewater capability:
With a displacement of 18739.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.72, the HR38 is well-regarded for bluewater cruising due to its heavy, stable hull form and proven offshore pedigree.
Comparables:
Comparable vessels include the Hallberg-Rassy 36 and 40, which share similar design philosophies and build quality within the same production window. Other contemporaries like the Tartan 38 or O'Day 38 offer similar displacement and beam dimensions but often lack the HR38's specific reputation for interior volume and build solidity.

Performance

Comfort34.0
Capsize1.72
SA/Disp14.8
Disp/Len276
Bal/Disp43.5

Estimated Value

Low Confidence
Based on 7 listings
Low
$42,342
Estimated Value
$63,401
High
$72,935
Inflation-adjusted to 2026 USD

Asking price by model year

11 listings · boat years 19781986 · median $65,289

$0$50k$100kmedian $65,289198019851979 Hallberg Rassy HR 38 · $114,000 · GB1979 38 · $100,000 · MI, US1986 HALLBERG RASSY 38 · $52,9001978 Hallberg-Rassy 38 · $35,000 · Hampshire, United Kingdom1979 Hallberg Rassy 38 · $65,289 · Catalonia, Spain1979 Hallberg Rassy 38 · $75,0001979 Hallberg-Rassy 38 · $96,120 · Croatia, Kvarner1978 Hallberg-Rassy 38 · $35,0001978 1978 Hallberg-Rassy 38 · $44,4501978 Hallberg-Rassy 38 · $44,450 · United Kingdom1979 Hallberg Rassy 38 · $114,056 · FranceAsking price (USD)Boat model year

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 37.96ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$2.3K – $6.3K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Articles & Reviews

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

10 reported issues across 6 systems for the HALLBERG-RASSY 38, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

5 critical2 major3 minor
Hull3Structural3Deck1Rudder1Keel1Engine1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a HALLBERG-RASSY 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

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