HUNTER 38
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 38.17 ft |
| LWL | 34.67 ft |
| Beam | 12.92 ft |
| Draft | 6.5 ft |
| Displacement | 18,342 lb |
| Ballast | 6,563.9 lb |
| Material | 36’ 8”11.18 m |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.9 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 46.65 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 12.07 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 47.41 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 17.75 ft |
| FLforestay | 12.1 ft |
| MHmast height | 60.58 ft |
| Mainsail | 736 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 281.5 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 478.6 sq ft |
Accommodation
| Cabins | 2 |
| Berths | 4 |
| Heads | 6 |
| Water | 75 L |
| Fuel | 34.9 L |
| CE category | N/A€ |
About the HUNTER 38
Draft – Shoal 5'/1.53 m. Displacement – Shoal 18,326 lbs/8320 kg. Ballast – Shoal 6552 lbs/2975 kg. Sail Area – Actual (Furling mainsail) 833 ft sq/77.39 m2. Sail Area – Actual (Furling mainsail w/Vertical Battens) 892 ft sq/82.87 m2. P – Furling 48.83'/14.88 m. E – Furling 19.5'/5.94 m. Furling mast height: 60.58 ft/18.47 m. Optional 40hp engine available.
The Hunter 38, designed by Glenn Henderson and built by Hunter Marine in the USA, was produced in a single model year of 2004. As the data indicates an unknown hull count, owners should verify individual production records, but the boat is recognized for its performance-oriented design featuring a B&R rig and fin keel.
- Best for:
- This vessel suits coastal cruisers and performance-oriented sailors who prioritize speed and interior volume, as evidenced by the high frequency of upgrades like bow thrusters, davits, and solar panels for extended weekend or short-term cruising comfort.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 18342.0 lb, a capsize ratio of 1.96, and a comfort ratio of 26.28, the Hunter 38 is moderately capable offshore, though its relatively light displacement and fin keel suggest it is better suited for protected waters than heavy-weather bluewater passages.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Hunter 410 and Beneteau First 36.7, which share similar performance-focused hull forms, beamy interiors, and the same era of production, appealing to owners seeking a balance of racing capability and liveaboard amenities.
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° | 4.6 | 5.5 | 6.3 | 6.8 | 7.1 | 7.2 | 7.3 |
| 60° | 5.0 | 6.0 | 6.7 | 7.1 | 7.4 | 7.5 | 7.6 |
| 75° | 5.3 | 6.3 | 7.0 | 7.4 | 7.6 | 7.8 | 8.1 |
| 90° | 5.3 | 6.4 | 7.1 | 7.5 | 7.8 | 7.9 | 8.3 |
| 110° | 5.2 | 6.3 | 7.1 | 7.5 | 7.8 | 8.2 | 8.7 |
| 120° | 5.0 | 6.1 | 7.0 | 7.4 | 7.7 | 8.0 | 8.7 |
| 135° | 4.4 | 5.5 | 6.4 | 7.1 | 7.5 | 7.8 | 8.4 |
| 150° | 3.7 | 4.8 | 5.7 | 6.5 | 7.1 | 7.5 | 8.0 |
| Beat VMG | 2.9 | 3.6 | 4.0 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 4.8 |
| Run VMG | 3.2 | 4.2 | 5.0 | 5.7 | 6.4 | 7.0 | 7.7 |
Estimated Value
High ConfidenceAsking price by model year
49 listings · boat years 2004–2009 · median $109,000
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 38.17ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
13 reported issues across 6 systems for the HUNTER 38, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a HUNTER 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 13 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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