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Sailboat Specifications

Seafarer 38C

Cutter · Long Keel

Designed by Philip L. Rhodes · Built by Seafarer Yachts · First built 1972

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LOA 37.75 ft  ·  Beam 10.50 ft  ·  Displacement 16,500.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 489.00 ft²  ·  Cutter  ·  Long Keel
About the Seafarer 38C Sailboat

Designed by renowned naval architect Philip L. Rhodes and built by Seafarer Yachts beginning in 1972, this classic cutter represents traditional blue-water cruising at its finest. Rhodes, famous for his seaworthy offshore designs, created a vessel that prioritizes safety and comfort over speed, evident in the boat's substantial displacement of 16,500 pounds and long keel configuration. The 37.75-foot overall length provides generous interior volume while maintaining manageable size for a cruising couple. Her cutter rig offers excellent sail handling flexibility, allowing sailors to reduce sail area progressively in deteriorating conditions while maintaining balance. The long keel design, though sacrificing some maneuverability in tight quarters, delivers exceptional directional stability and seakindly motion in rough seas. With a comfort ratio of 36.6, this boat excels at extended offshore passages where crew comfort becomes paramount. The capsize screening formula of 1.65 indicates good stability characteristics for ocean sailing, while the moderate sail area to displacement ratio suggests she's built more for steady progress than speed records. Her fiberglass construction ensures durability with reasonable maintenance requirements, making her an attractive choice for serious cruisers seeking a proven offshore platform with classic styling and dependable performance.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 37.75 ft / 11.51 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 27.25 ft / 8.31 m
Beam 10.50 ft / 3.20 m
Max Draft 4.50 ft / 1.37 m
Displacement 16,500.00 lb / 7,484 kg
Ballast 5,500.00 lb / 2,495 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 489.00 ft² / 45.43 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long Keel
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction FG
Designer Philip L. Rhodes
Builder Seafarer Yachts
First Built 1972
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Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Perkins
Engine Model 108
Engine Type Diesel
Fuel Capacity 60 gals / 227 L
Water Capacity 150 gals / 568 L
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Seafarer 38C's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Seafarer 38C 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 Seafarer 38C's comfort ratio?

The Seafarer 38C 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 Seafarer 38C safe for offshore sailing?

The Seafarer 38C 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 Seafarer 38C?

The theoretical hull speed of the Seafarer 38C is 7.00 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Seafarer 38C weigh?

The Seafarer 38C has a displacement of 16,500.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 37.75 ft.

Who designed the Seafarer 38C?

The Seafarer 38C was designed by Philip L. Rhodes, first built in 1972.