Designed by renowned naval architect William Tripp III and first launched in 1989, this 38-footer represents a thoughtful balance between performance and comfort for serious coastal cruising. Built by Holby Marine and Mark Lindsay, the Tripp 38 features a modern fin keel with bulb and spade rudder configuration that delivers excellent sailing characteristics while maintaining reasonable draft for accessing popular cruising destinations. With its masthead sloop rig and generous sail area of 672 square feet, this yacht offers spirited performance in light to moderate conditions. The SA/Displacement ratio of 22.5 indicates a boat that will move well in lighter winds while remaining manageable for couples or small crews. The hull's moderate displacement of 10,500 pounds, combined with 5,800 pounds of ballast, provides good stability without sacrificing speed. The comfort ratio of 16.83 suggests relatively quick motion at sea, making this design better suited for coastal cruising and weekend sailing rather than extended offshore passages. However, the capsize screening formula of 2.26 indicates adequate stability for coastal waters and occasional offshore ventures. Fiberglass construction ensures durability, while the fin keel design maximizes interior volume and sailing efficiency. This yacht appeals to sailors seeking performance-oriented coastal cruising with the ability to handle moderate offshore conditions.
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What is the Tripp 38's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Tripp 38 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 22.5. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Tripp 38's comfort ratio?
The Tripp 38 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 16.83. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Tripp 38 safe for offshore sailing?
The Tripp 38 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.26. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Tripp 38?
The theoretical hull speed of the Tripp 38 is 7.61 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Tripp 38 weigh?
The Tripp 38 has a displacement of 10,500.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 38.00 ft.
Who designed the Tripp 38?
The Tripp 38 was designed by William Tripp Iii, first built in 1989.