MAXI 38+
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 37.73 ft |
| LWL | 32.81 ft |
| Beam | 12.3 ft |
| Draft | 5.74 ft |
| Displacement | 17,637 lb |
| Ballast | 6,172.9 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.7 kn |
About the MAXI 38+
SA = main + furling Genoa. Between 1998 - 2001, Maxi built 12 maxi 38+ called Maxi 1200. These are different from the Maxi 1200 first introduced in 2014. Thank you to Bengt Falkenberg for updates and corrections.
Designed by Pelle Petterson and built by Maxi yachts (SWE) between 1995 and 2001, the Maxi 38+ is a performance-oriented cruiser with a total production run of 51 hulls. This limited series combines Scandinavian design sensibilities with robust construction, resulting in a vessel that balances speed with comfort for its era.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and active racers who prioritize performance and handling over heavy bluewater expedition capabilities. Its fractional sloop rig and moderate displacement make it ideal for sailors who enjoy frequent sailing in moderate to strong winds rather than long-term liveaboard isolation.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 17637.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.89, the Maxi 38+ is suitable for coastal and nearshore passages but lacks the heavy displacement and extreme stability margins preferred for serious transoceanic bluewater cruising.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include the Nauticat 38 and the Hallberg-Rassy 38, as they share similar fractional sloop rigs and performance-focused hull forms from the mid-1990s. These boats offer similar beam and length characteristics, appealing to sailors seeking a blend of racing pedigree and cruising comfort.
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 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 3.8 | 5.1 | 6.0 | 6.7 | 7.1 | 7.3 | 7.4 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| 60° | 4.0 | 5.4 | 6.3 | 6.9 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.6 | 7.7 | 7.8 |
| 75° | 4.2 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 7.1 | 7.4 | 7.7 | 7.8 | 8.1 | 8.2 |
| 90° | 4.0 | 5.5 | 6.6 | 7.3 | 7.6 | 7.9 | 8.0 | 8.3 | 8.6 |
| 110° | 4.1 | 5.6 | 6.8 | 7.4 | 7.8 | 8.2 | 8.5 | 8.9 | 9.2 |
| 120° | 4.0 | 5.5 | 6.6 | 7.3 | 7.8 | 8.1 | 8.5 | 9.2 | 9.8 |
| 135° | 3.5 | 4.9 | 6.0 | 6.9 | 7.5 | 7.8 | 8.2 | 9.0 | 9.9 |
| 150° | 2.9 | 4.1 | 5.2 | 6.2 | 6.9 | 7.4 | 7.8 | 8.4 | 9.2 |
| Beat VMG | 2.4 | 3.3 | 4.0 | 4.6 | 5.0 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Run VMG | 2.5 | 3.6 | 4.5 | 5.3 | 6.0 | 6.6 | 7.1 | 7.9 | 8.5 |
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 37.73ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
2 reported issues across 2 systems for the MAXI 38+, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a MAXI 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 2 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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