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20data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this KADEY-KROGEN 38 buyer’s report
KADEY-KROGEN 38

KADEY-KROGEN 38

$56,190 avg$25,000 – $79,900 (5 listings)1980–199185 built
$2.3K – $6.1K est. annual maintenance
Bluewater CruisermonoCutterVariableFull/Long

Specifications

Hull

LOA38.16 ft
LWL32.08 ft
Beam12.67 ft
Draft6.67 ft/ 3.16 ft min
Displacement24,000 lb
Ballast7,000.8 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL7.6 kn

Rig & Sails

Iforetriangle height45 ft
Jforetriangle base22 ft
Pmainsail luff41.5 ft
Emainsail foot16.5 ft
FLforestay22 ft
Mainsail864.8 sq ft
Jib (100%)495 sq ft
Spinnaker841.5 sq ft

About the KADEY-KROGEN 38

Tandem centerboards. Long keel version draws 5'. Over all length with bowsprit: 44.42'. Also called KROGEN 38.

Sailpages Buyer's Take

Designed by James S. Krogen and built by Kadey-Krogen Yachts, Inc. (TAIWAN), the Kadey-Krogen 38 is a robust cutter-rigged cruiser with 85 hulls built between 1980 and 1991. Its substantial 24000.0 lb displacement and 37.18 comfort ratio reflect a design philosophy prioritizing stability and seakeeping over speed.

Best for:
This boat is ideally suited for coastal and offshore cruisers who value a heavy, stable platform and the versatility of a cutter rig for short-handed sailing. It appeals to owners seeking a well-proven, turnkey vessel with a strong reputation for durability and comfort.
Bluewater capability:
With a low capsize ratio of 1.76 and a high displacement-to-length ratio of 324.53, the Kadey-Krogen 38 is inherently stable and well-suited for offshore passages. Its full/long keel design and proven track record support its classification as a capable bluewater cruiser.
Comparables:
Comparable vessels include the Hallberg-Rassy 38 and the Tartan 38, which share similar displacement, beam, and cutter configurations from the same era. These boats offer similar heavy-displacement performance and bluewater credentials, making them direct competitors in the used market.

Performance

Comfort37.2
Capsize1.76
SA/Disp16.8
Disp/Len325
Bal/Disp29.2

Estimated Value

Limited Data
Based on 2 listings
Low
$24,087
Estimated Value
$28,749
High
$33,411
Inflation-adjusted to 2026 USD

Asking price by model year

5 listings · boat years 19821987 · median $57,150

$0$50kmedian $57,15019851987 Kadey Krogen 38 · $25,000 · Florida, US1987 Kadey Krogen 38R · $49,000 · Florida, US1985 Kadey-Krogen kadey krogen 38 · $79,900 · FL1982 Kadey-Krogen kadey krogen 38 · $69,900 · FL1986 Kadey Krogen 38 Cutter 1986 · $57,150Asking 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 38.16ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$2.3K – $6.1K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

9 reported issues across 5 systems for the KADEY-KROGEN 38, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

3 critical6 minor
Deck3Structural3Rudder1Hull1Keel1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a KADEY-KROGEN 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 9 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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Used sails that fit the KADEY-KROGEN 38

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