Built from 1974 to 1985 by Alajuela Yacht Corp., this distinctive 38-footer represents a fascinating blend of two legendary naval architects' influences. Drawing inspiration from Colin Archer's renowned Norwegian pilot boat designs and refined through William Atkin's interpretive lens, the Alajuela 38 embodies the rugged seaworthiness and classic aesthetics of traditional working vessels. With her full long keel and transom-hung rudder configuration, this fiberglass cruiser prioritizes directional stability and sea-kindly motion over racing performance. The substantial 10,000-pound ballast ratio and impressive 44.07 comfort ratio signal a boat designed for serious offshore passages, capable of handling heavy weather with confidence. Her cutter rig provides versatile sail handling options, particularly valuable when conditions deteriorate. Only 72 hulls were produced during the eleven-year production run, making these boats relatively rare finds on today's market. The design's moderate sail area and conservative proportions create a forgiving platform for extended cruising, though her traditional underbody means she won't keep pace with modern fin-keel designs in light air. For sailors seeking a proven offshore cruiser with classic character and bulletproof construction, the Alajuela 38 offers time-tested reliability over contemporary speed.
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What is the Alajuela 38's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Alajuela 38 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 15.71. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Alajuela 38's comfort ratio?
The Alajuela 38 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 44.07. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Alajuela 38 safe for offshore sailing?
The Alajuela 38 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.54. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Alajuela 38?
The theoretical hull speed of the Alajuela 38 is 7.65 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Alajuela 38 weigh?
The Alajuela 38 has a displacement of 27,000.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 46.00 ft.
How much does a used Alajuela 38 cost?
Based on 1 recent market listings, used Alajuela 38 sailboats typically sell for between $24,500 and $24,500, with a median asking price of $24,500. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Alajuela 38?
The Alajuela 38 was designed by Colin Archer/William Atkin, first built in 1974.