Built during the late 1970s and early 1980s, this 38-foot sailboat emerged from an era when American boatbuilders were refining their approach to coastal cruising designs. Liberty Marine focused on creating practical sailing vessels that balanced performance with comfort for serious cruising sailors. With its moderate displacement hull and traditional layout, the Liberty 38 appeals to sailors seeking a capable coastal cruiser with occasional offshore potential. The design emphasizes seaworthiness over pure speed, making it well-suited for extended coastal passages and weekend cruising adventures. Its proportions suggest a boat that handles weather well while maintaining reasonable sailing performance in moderate conditions. The Liberty 38 has developed a quiet reputation among cruising sailors who appreciate straightforward, honest sailing characteristics without unnecessary complexity. While not as well-documented as some contemporaries, owners typically praise the boat's solid construction and dependable nature. The design represents the practical American cruising philosophy of its era—emphasizing durability, comfort, and seamanship over cutting-edge performance. For sailors considering a Liberty 38 today, it represents an opportunity to own a capable cruising boat with classic lines and proven seaworthiness at typically reasonable prices in the used boat market.
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What is the Liberty 38's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Liberty 38 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 17.98. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Liberty 38's comfort ratio?
The Liberty 38 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 38.18. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Liberty 38 safe for offshore sailing?
The Liberty 38 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.67. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Liberty 38?
The theoretical hull speed of the Liberty 38 is 7.42 knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Liberty 38 weigh?
The Liberty 38 has a displacement of 21,000.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 38.00 ft.
Who designed the Liberty 38?
The Liberty 38 was designed by Joe Fennell, first built in 1983.