Designed by renowned naval architect Philip L. Rhodes and launched in 1971, this traditional cruising sailboat exemplifies the classic design principles that made Rhodes a legend in yacht design. Built by Seafarer Yachts with fiberglass construction, the Rhodes 38 features a long keel configuration that provides excellent tracking and seakeeping abilities, making it well-suited for serious coastal and offshore cruising. The boat's conservative design philosophy shines through in its impressive comfort ratio of 36.6, indicating exceptional stability and motion comfort in rough seas. With a capsize screening formula of 1.65, she falls well within the range considered appropriate for ocean passages. The cutter rig configuration offers versatility in sail handling and the ability to maintain balanced sail plans in various wind conditions. At 16,500 pounds displacement with 5,500 pounds of ballast, this substantial yacht carries herself with authority through challenging conditions. The long keel design, while sacrificing some maneuverability in tight quarters, rewards sailors with predictable handling and the ability to track straight on long passages. Rhodes 38 owners often praise the boat's seaworthiness and traditional sailing characteristics, making it a respected choice among cruisers seeking a proven, time-tested design for serious voyaging.
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What is the Rhodes 38 Seafarer's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Rhodes 38 Seafarer has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 12.12. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Rhodes 38 Seafarer's comfort ratio?
The Rhodes 38 Seafarer has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 36.6. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Rhodes 38 Seafarer safe for offshore sailing?
The Rhodes 38 Seafarer has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.65. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Rhodes 38 Seafarer?
The theoretical hull speed of the Rhodes 38 Seafarer is 7.00 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Rhodes 38 Seafarer weigh?
The Rhodes 38 Seafarer has a displacement of 16,500.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 37.75 ft.
How much does a used Rhodes 38 Seafarer cost?
Based on 1 recent market listings, used Rhodes 38 Seafarer sailboats typically sell for between $29,000 and $29,000, with a median asking price of $29,000. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Rhodes 38 Seafarer?
The Rhodes 38 Seafarer was designed by Philip L. Rhodes, first built in 1971.