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5data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this HERRESHOFF 38 CAT KETCH buyer’s report
HERRESHOFF 38 CAT KETCH

HERRESHOFF 38 CAT KETCH

Cat Ketch Corp.πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈΒ· Design: Halsey Herreshoff
from 1982
$2.8K – $7.3K est. annual maintenance
Offshore CruisermonoCat Ketch (unstayed)Fin

Specifications

Hull

LOA37.79 ft
LWL34 ft
Beam11.5 ft
Draft4.5 ft
Displacement13,080 lb
Ballast5,500.1 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL7.8 kn

About the HERRESHOFF 38 CAT KETCH

Thanks to 'mclouse' for providing information.

Sailpages Buyer's Take

The Herreshoff 38 Cat Ketch is a distinctive vessel designed by Halsey Herreshoff and built by Cat Ketch Corp. (USA) in 1982. With a production run limited to a single year and an unknown total build count, this boat represents a specific iteration of the classic Cat Ketch line, featuring a 37.79 ft LOA and a unique unstayed rig.

Best for:
This boat is best suited for experienced sailors who value the traditional aesthetics and handling characteristics of a Cat Ketch rig, particularly those interested in coastal cruising or protected waters where its 4.5 ft max draft is manageable.
Bluewater capability:
With a displacement of 13080.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.96, the boat exhibits a heavy, stable hull form that suggests good offshore potential, though its unstayed rig requires specialized maintenance and handling skills for extended bluewater passages.
Comparables:
Comparable vessels include other Herreshoff Cat Ketch models (such as the 33 or 43) and similarly sized ketch-rigged cruisers from the early 1980s, as they share the same designer philosophy, unstayed rig configuration, and heavy displacement characteristics.

Performance

Comfort22.2
Capsize1.96
SA/Disp17.1
Disp/Len149
Bal/Disp42.0

Pricing

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

Estimated Cost of Ownership

Based on 37.79ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$2.8K – $7.3K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Annual Insurance
N/A
No price data available

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

We don't have enough data on the HERRESHOFF 38 CAT KETCHyet to publish model-specific findings we'd stand behind β€” but here's a free general inspection checklist, built from our research into what actually goes wrong on boats of this kind.

Drawn from 7,029 documented issues across 2,391 models, ordered so the areas that most often turn up problems come first.

1Structural & Bulkheads9732Standing Rigging6403Deck & Topsides6404Keel & Keel Bolts5535Rudder & Steering5086Hull & Bottom377
Free general pre-purchase checklist
25 survey areas β€” hull, keel, rig, engine, electrical and more. Take it aboard when you view any boat.

Own a HERRESHOFF 38 CAT KETCH? Reports from owners are what turn this into a model-specific checklist β€” and they're the reason the boats above it have one.

Similar Sailboats

Which engine powers your HERRESHOFF 38 CAT KETCH?

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

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

Used sails that fit the HERRESHOFF 38 CAT KETCH

Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…