Compass 38

Designed by Claude Allen Smith and built by Compass Yachts from 1970 to 1979, this 38-footer represents a classic era of American sailboat design. With only 50 hulls produced during its nine-year production run, the Compass 38 has become a relatively rare find in today's market. The boat's substantial displacement of over 16,000 pounds and generous ballast-to-displacement ratio create a stable, seaworthy platform well-suited for coastal cruising and moderate offshore passages. Her traditional fin keel with rudder mounted on a skeg provides reliable tracking and enhanced protection for the rudder system—a reassuring feature for cruising sailors. The masthead sloop rig offers straightforward sail handling, while the moderate sail area keeps the boat manageable in various conditions. With a comfort ratio of 31.2, she delivers the motion characteristics that long-distance cruisers appreciate, though this comes at the expense of racing performance. The hull's fiberglass construction has proven durable over the decades, and many examples continue sailing today as testament to the solid engineering of the era. For sailors seeking a capable, traditional cruising boat with proven seakeeping abilities, the Compass 38 offers an appealing blend of comfort and offshore capability in a size that remains manageable for a small crew.

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