Designed by Bruce King and built by Ericson Yachts between 1979 and 1987, the Ericson 38 earned a strong reputation as a capable and well-balanced cruiser-racer that continues to attract serious sailors today. With its fin keel and spade rudder configuration, the hull delivers responsive handling and solid upwind performance, making it equally at home on weekend coastal passages or longer offshore adventures. The masthead sloop rig paired with a generous sail area gives the Ericson 38 an impressive sail area-to-displacement ratio, meaning it moves well in light air — a trait cruisers and club racers alike appreciate. The relatively modest draft makes the boat accessible to sailors navigating shallower coastal waters without sacrificing stability or seakeeping ability. Built from fiberglass, these boats have proven durable over decades of use, and a healthy used market reflects their lasting appeal. The comfort ratio suggests a motion at sea suited to coastal and moderate offshore sailing rather than heavy bluewater passages. For buyers seeking a versatile, well-designed sloop with a proven track record, the Ericson 38 remains one of the more compelling options from its era.
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What is the Ericson 38's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Ericson 38 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 19.6. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Ericson 38's comfort ratio?
The Ericson 38 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 24.21. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Ericson 38 safe for offshore sailing?
The Ericson 38 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Ericson 38?
The theoretical hull speed of the Ericson 38 is 7.4 knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Ericson 38 weigh?
The Ericson 38 has a displacement of 14000 and a length overall (LOA) of 37.67.
How much does a used Ericson 38 cost?
Based on 3 recent market listings, used Ericson 38 sailboats typically sell for between $24,900 and $48,500, with a median asking price of $39,500. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Ericson 38?
The Ericson 38 was designed by Bruce King, first built in 1979.