List Your Boat — Free
Home/ Boats/ Hallberg-Rassy/ Hallberg Rassy 38
Sailboat Specifications

Hallberg Rassy 38

Masthead Sloop · Fin With Rudder On Skeg

Designed by Olle Enderlein · Built by Hallberg-Rassy · First built 1977

+ Add to Compare
LOA 37.96 ft  ·  Beam 11.42 ft  ·  Displacement 18,739.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 651.20 ft²  ·  Masthead Sloop  ·  Fin With Rudder On Skeg
About the Hallberg Rassy 38 Sailboat

Swedish craftsmanship meets serious cruising capability in this well-regarded offshore sailboat from the renowned Hallberg-Rassy yard. Designed by Olle Enderlein and built from 1977 to 1986, this 38-footer earned its reputation as a go-anywhere cruiser with exceptional build quality and seaworthiness. With a displacement of 18,739 pounds and substantial ballast ratio, the HR38 delivers the stability and comfort expected from a true bluewater cruiser. The fin keel with rudder on skeg configuration provides excellent tracking and directional stability, while the masthead sloop rig offers versatile sail handling options. A comfort ratio of 34.03 indicates this yacht prioritizes seakindly motion over pure speed, making extended passages more pleasant for crew. The design philosophy emphasizes safety and reliability over racing performance, evident in conservative proportions and robust fiberglass construction. Hallberg-Rassy's attention to detail and premium hardware became legendary during this era, contributing to strong resale values. Only 202 hulls were produced, making this a relatively exclusive choice among serious cruising sailors. This yacht excels at coastal and offshore cruising, with the strength and accommodations needed for extended voyaging while remaining manageable for couples or small crews.

Videos
Known Issues View all 8 issues →
High
The teak deck overlay, fitted on many HR 38s, is prone to leaking where the bungs and caulking compound deteriorate with age. Water tracks down through the teak into the fiberglass subdeck and surrounding core, causing delamination and rot in any balsa-cored sections near stanchion bases and chainplates.
High
The fin keel on early HR 38s is attached with a relatively small number of large-diameter steel keel bolts that are prone to corrosion in the wet bilge environment typical of this era of construction. Keel bolt inspection should include probing for rust weeping at the base of the bolts inside the bilge and checking for any movement or cracking in the keel-to-hull joint fillet.
High
Chainplate knees are glassed to the hull liner and not always accessible for full inspection. Compression cracks or staining around the chainplate deck exit plates are common on heavily sailed examples and indicate potential water intrusion into the structural laminate.
+ 5 more issues — see full list →
Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 37.96 ft / 11.57 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 31.17 ft / 9.50 m
Beam 11.42 ft / 3.48 m
Max Draft 5.75 ft / 1.75 m
Displacement 18,739.00 lb / 8,500 kg
Ballast 8,157.00 lb / 3,700 kg
Ballast Type Iron
Sail Area (Reported) 651.20 ft² / 60.50 m²
Headroom 6.08 ft / 1.85 m
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Olle Enderlein
Builder Hallberg-Rassy
First Built 1977
Last Built 1986
Number Built 202
Related Sailboats Contest 38 · Cabo Rico 38 · Northshore 38 · Catalina 38 · Tartan 3800
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Volvo Penta
Engine Model MD 21
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 55
Fuel Capacity 93 gals / 350 L
Water Capacity 106 gals / 400 L
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hallberg Rassy 38's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Hallberg Rassy 38 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 14.82. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Hallberg Rassy 38's comfort ratio?

The Hallberg Rassy 38 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 34.03. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Hallberg Rassy 38 safe for offshore sailing?

The Hallberg Rassy 38 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.72. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Hallberg Rassy 38?

The theoretical hull speed of the Hallberg Rassy 38 is 7.48 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Hallberg Rassy 38 weigh?

The Hallberg Rassy 38 has a displacement of 18,739.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 37.96 ft.

Who designed the Hallberg Rassy 38?

The Hallberg Rassy 38 was designed by Olle Enderlein, first built in 1977.

Resources & Community
⚓ Class Association Hallberg-Rassy Owners 💬 Owners Forum Owners Forum & Discussion