Designed by the renowned Swedish naval architect Einar Ohlson, the Ohlson 38 carries a well-regarded reputation among sailors who appreciate thoughtful Scandinavian design sensibility. Ohlson was known for producing boats with excellent seakeeping ability, and the 38 reflects that heritage with a hull shape well suited to both coastal cruising and more demanding offshore passages. Sailors who have owned or sailed the Ohlson 38 frequently praise its balanced helm and comfortable motion in a seaway, qualities that make longer passages genuinely enjoyable rather than merely manageable. The boat strikes a practical balance between performance and liveability, appealing to those who want a capable bluewater cruiser without sacrificing the pleasure of spirited sailing in coastal conditions. As with many classic designs from this era, the Ohlson 38 attracts a loyal following, and examples that have been well maintained remain competitive and seaworthy. For the prospective buyer researching a serious passagemaker with proven design roots and a strong community of knowledgeable owners, the Ohlson 38 is a vessel well worth investigating further.
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What is the Ohlson 38's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Ohlson 38 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 15.54. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Ohlson 38's comfort ratio?
The Ohlson 38 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 35.01. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Ohlson 38 safe for offshore sailing?
The Ohlson 38 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.64. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Ohlson 38?
The theoretical hull speed of the Ohlson 38 is 7.04 knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Ohlson 38 weigh?
The Ohlson 38 has a displacement of 14,900.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 37.06 ft.
Who designed the Ohlson 38?
The Ohlson 38 was designed by Einar Ohlson, first built in 1969.