ISLANDER 38 C
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 38 ft |
| LWL | 27.5 ft |
| Beam | 12 ft |
| Draft | 5.25 ft |
| Displacement | 17,000 lb |
| Ballast | 7,699.3 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.0 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 46.75 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 15.5 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 41.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 15 ft |
| FLforestay | 15.5 ft |
| Mainsail | 698.5 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 362.3 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 615.9 sq ft |
About the ISLANDER 38 C
Also known as FREEPORT 38C. A re-design of the ISLANDER FREEPORT 36 and from the same molds.
Designed by Robert Perry and built by Islander Yachts (USA), the Islander 38 C is a rare production with only 22 hulls built in 1983. This limited run represents a specific iteration of the Islander line, characterized by its fin keel and masthead sloop rig.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and those seeking a comfortable, stable platform with a high comfort ratio of 31.32, though its age requires diligent maintenance. It is well-suited for owners willing to invest in modern electronics and propulsion upgrades, as evidenced by the high prevalence of Raymarine and Yanmar installations.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 17000.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.87, the boat possesses the stability and mass for offshore passages, provided critical structural issues like keel smiles and deck core integrity are resolved.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other 1980s American cruising sloops like the Cal 34 or O'Day 38, the Islander 38 C offers similar displacement and beam dimensions. It shares the era's emphasis on interior volume and ease of handling, distinguishing itself with Robert Perry's design influence.
Direct variant of the ISLANDER 38 C
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
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 38ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
15 reported issues across 8 systems for the ISLANDER 38 C, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a ISLANDER 38 C? 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 15 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 ISLANDER 38 C?
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.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Bukh, Universal, Perkins — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the ISLANDER 38 C
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…