1977 Alajuela 38 Mk1
$74,950
Boat in Oak Harbor, WA 98277 US
38 Mk1
1 Engine (Beta)
38 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
Proven, double-ender Bluewater heavy cruiser in excellent condition. Major refit preceding 2022 circumnavigation included significant upgrades in addition to regularly performed maintenance.
Originally designed by William Atkin and fitted out by Warren Tweedy; a Shipwright at Port Townsend Boat Works in WA. Current owner is the third for the vessel, who completed or oversaw extensive upgrades detailed below.
Recent surveys (2022, 2023) available for review dockside.
Electronics:
- Raymarine suite installed 2019 - 2022, including:
- Axiom Pro 12 RVX Chartplotter
- Raymarine VHF
- Raymarine AIS 700
- Raymarine i70 Displays (2ea)
- Raymarine Real Vision Chirp Sonar
- Raymarine Wind Instruments
- Furuno DST-810 speed/depth/temperature transducer
Engine:
- 2017 - Beta 43 HP installed new. 1450 hrs as of March 2025. Complete record of oil analysis.
- Transmission: original velvet drive; reconditioned during repower in 2017
- 4 blade MaxProp produces thrust in forward & reverse, then feathers under sail (installed 2021)
Standing Rig:
- Spars removed, inspected, repainted; mast rewired 2020-2021 with new masthead/navigation lights, radar, and spreader lights. All LED.
- All standing rigging replaced 2022. Chainplates inspected.
Running Rig:
- Lines replaced prior to circumnavigation in 2022. Installed lazy-jacks. Dynema backstays.
Electrical:
- AGM house and start batteries with two solar panels / Victron controller and CEBO monitoring. Total AH 475.
- All base electrical wire was replaced along with new charger/inverter, isolation transformer, shore power connection, battery monitor at shunt. Grounding wire was replaced tying all through hulls, other metallic components to ground plane.
- Interior lighting all LED (2017)
- DC panel rewired / replaced 2022
Hull:
- Topsides repainted (Awlgrip) including nonskid surfaces
- Maintenance and repairs to teak trim
- Hull coating includes 5 coats barrier coat and Seahawk (Red) bottom paint Aug 2023
Canvas:
- All new 2021 covers for dodger, cap rail, and sails
Sails:
- Main and Staysail new 2021
- Genoa (new in 2018) and headstay furler (Schafer) installed 2018
- Original Yankee and storm trysail retained.
- Light air Drifter
Anchor Gear:
- 250' 3/8 chain forward.
- 100' 3/8 stowed in aft locker
- Two CQR (spade) anchors
- Manual anchor windlass (repair to capstan remains for accomplishment): wildcat and windlass fully functional.
- 300' Manila line (2x) for additional anchor rode or heavy weather rigging.
Safety:
- EPIRB / Iridium Go /Safety Equipment (deck lines/safety harnesses)
Capacities:
- 75 gal water in two tanks
- 80 gal diesel in two tanks
Other:
- Mariner propane two burner stove/oven
- Foot pump water service
- Air Head composting head
- Diesel Heater / Burner
- Additional items: Self climbing rigging; sail and hull repair kits: tools; miscellaneous nuts and bolts: small stuff, spare line, parachute type drogue, Avon Dingy (no motor - oars), personal EPIRB and AIS beacon, life vest, safety harness, jack lines, fishing gear, library of cruising atlas, repair manuals.
Pending:
- Installation of a new diesel heater (new heater purchased and onboard)
- Locating and installing a capstan drum on the Port side of windlass
- New batteries will be installed with purchase or credit applied if Lithium Ion is preferred
2025jun6
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 12/18/25 | Initial price | $74,950 |
Overview from around the web 1977 Alajuela 38 Mk1
Customers consistently praise the 1977 Alajuela 38 Mk1 for its exceptional craftsmanship and solid construction
Many highlight its classic design combined with a robust, seaworthy hull that inspires confidence on long passages. Owners appreciate the spacious and well-thought-out interior layout, which offers ample storage and comfortable living quarters. The boat's sailing performance is often described as steady and reliable, making it a favorite among bluewater cruisers. Overall, the Alajuela 38 Mk1 is celebrated for blending timeless aesthetics with practical functionality, making it a trusted choice for serious sailors.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1977 Alajuela 38 Mk1 is a classic cruising sailboat known for its sturdy construction and traditional design. Here are some of the pros and cons of this model:
Pros
Solid Construction: Built with a heavy displacement and robust fiberglass hull, the Alajuela 38 Mk1 offers excellent durability and safety for extended cruising.
Seaworthy Design: Its full keel and moderate beam provide good stability and tracking, making it well-suited for offshore passages.
Spacious Interior: The layout is designed for comfortable liveaboard cruising, with ample storage and a practical arrangement of living spaces.
Traditional Aesthetics: Classic lines and teak woodwork give the boat a timeless, attractive appearance.
Good Tankage: Generous fuel and water capacity support long-range cruising without frequent stops.
Cons
Heavier and Slower: The heavy displacement and full keel design mean the boat is not particularly fast, especially in light winds.
Older Systems: As a 1977 model, some mechanical and electrical systems may be outdated and require upgrades or maintenance.
Limited Maneuverability: The full keel can make tight docking and maneuvering in marinas more challenging compared to fin keel designs.
Interior Layout: While spacious, the interior styling and amenities reflect the era and might feel dated compared to modern cruising yachts.
Maintenance: Traditional wood trim and older fittings may require more upkeep to keep the boat in good condition.
Made For
The 1977 Alajuela 38 Mk1 is ideal for sailors seeking a sturdy, classic cruising sailboat built for long-distance voyaging. Its robust construction, traditional design, and ample storage make it perfect for experienced cruisers who value seaworthiness and comfort on extended offshore passages. Whether planning coastal adventures or bluewater expeditions, this boat offers reliability and timeless appeal for those dedicated to serious sailing.
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Meet the Broker

Address
Boat Location
Contact Olympic View Yachts
Liberty Bay Marina, 17791 Fjord Drive NE, Suite # 210, Poulsbo, WA, 98370














































