1977 Alajuela Mark I Cutter Sold Boat in Apollo Beach, FL US

Diva is a 1977 Alajuela 38 MK I Cutter in above-average condition that has improved with age under the loving care of her knowledgeable and experienced second owners since 2001. This bluewater cruiser is a true ocean voyager with classic styling, sweeping full keel for sea-kindliness and speed at sea, unsurpassed accommodations comfort, and quality built to take you anywhere with timeless unpretentious styling. Designed by Collin Archer and William Atkin and built in California with American Pride (and without the typical Taiwanese quality issues associated with electrical, plumbing, tankage, hull coring, and teak-decking), she is powerful, rugged and enduring.

In a recent book by John Kretschmer, delivery skipper and author he recognized the Alajuela 38 on a very short list of what he called ââ?¬Å?sailboats for a serious ocean.ââ?¬ï¿½ Kretschmer, who reviews boats for Sail Magazine and whose most recent book ââ?¬Å?Sailing a Serious Oceanââ?¬ï¿½ details why the Alajuela and a dozen other bluewater sailboats warrant the attention of any serious sailor who wants to cruise the oceans of the world. Here are the boats Kretschmer suggests: Contessa 32, Pacific Seacraft 34, Pretorien 35, Cape Dory/Robinhood 36, Valiant/Esprit 37, Prout Snowgoose 37, Alajuela 38, Privelege 39, Freya 39, Passport 40, Caliber 40, Baba 40, Hallberg Rassy 42, Taswell 43, Hylas 44, Norseman 447, Beneteau 456, Outbound 44, Hylas 46, Kaufman 47, Tayana 48, Hylas 49, Amel Maramu 53, and the Sundeer 60/64.

Here's what Kretschmer has to say about the Alajuela 38 on his Website: "Alajuela 38 - The pedigree of this boat traces an arc through Colin Archer, Wm Atkins, the success of the West Sail 32 and finally through Don Chapman and Alajuela Yachts in S. California. Three things are true about the Alajuela 38, it's beautiful, it's surprisingly fast, it's well loved by a cult following and yes, did I mention it's beautiful? It is. Some have called the A 38 a refined Westsail 32. That's not quite right. Sure it's a double ender but it is a different animal. It's lean and graceful, not stout and pugnacious. Don't get me wrong, I love the Westsail 32, truly, but the Alajuela will sail circles around it. Always interesting boats on the used market - and that's not always a good thing. The kit boats on the market undermine value but that also means that there are some steals out there. So much for not liking full keel boats."

Cutter-Rigged with roller furling systems for the headsail and staysail, and a Mack Stack Pack Mainsail system, this bluewater cruiser displaces 27,000 lbs.. Diva has a total working sail area of 880 sq. ft.; giving her an impressive sail area to displacement ratio of 15.7, very similar to the Valiant 40, another well-respected performance bluewater cruiser. Following a marine survey that was done in mid-2017, the Sellers remedied all but a few minor recommendations from the experienced and competent marine surveyor; so we do not expect any surprises at Diva's next survey.

In addition to all of the inherent built-in bluewater features and renowned qualities of the 38 Alajuela, her owners have made the following thoughtful and practical improvements and upgrades that make Diva, the only Alajuela 38 Cutter you should consider if you plan to use her as a serious extended cruising home. The only major, (really minor) repairs she needs soon include a new cutlass bearing and some minor headliner repairs in the forward cabin area, caused by condensation, not leaks. These are the highlights of some of her notable upgrades, so if you like this short list; you�ll love the detailed specs and additional equipment and features you�ll find further in this listing:

• Adler-Barbour 12V Super Cold Machine Refrigeration with SS PowerPlate (2017)
• Hull painted w. Awlgrip Oyster White, 6-Coats (2006)
• Decks & Cabintop painted w. Perfection 2-Part Polyurethane (In Progress: 2018)
• Standing Rigging & Vinyl-Coated SS Lifelines Replaced (2006)
• Mast Painted, New SS Mast Base w. Nylon Pad Separator (2006)
• All Mast Fittings were R&R with Nylon Pads for dissimilar metal separation (2006)
• Mack Full-Battened Mainsail, Staysail & 115% Jib (2006)
• Cold molded hardtop Cockpit Enclosure with hinged solid opening windshield ( 1995)
• ISUZU 56 HP Diesel, (nearly 2X the HP of some Sisterships) (1997)
• Dual Engine Raw Water Intakes on either side of keel
• Dual Racor filters & Fuel Polishing System
• SS Shaft Replaced (2008)
• 120 Amp Powerline Series 23 Alternator, (& Spare)
• Balmar MC 612 Max Charge Regulator
• KISS Wind Generator & Trace C-Series DC Controller
• Heart Interface Freedom 1000W Inverter/Charger
• 740 Amp-hrs of 6V Deep Cycle Batteries & Custom Battery Boxes
• Custom Aluminum Radar & Antenna Arch w. Outboard Motor Hoist
• SSB, Autopilot, 16 mile Radar, VHF Radios, & Laptop Navigation Software
• 1,200 # Powerwinch 12V Windlass w. Chain & Rope Gypsies
• 2 @ 45# CQR Anchors; One with 200ââ?¬â?¢ Chain, 2nd w. 250ââ?¬â?¢ Rope & Chain Rode
• Large folding Cockpit Table with built in storage
• Upholstered dense foam Cockpit Cushions
• Enlarged Sofas with added bookshelves and cabinet storage instead of Pilot-Berths
• Fold-up Bulkhead-Mounted Dining Table w. drop leaf & Mirrored Enclosure
• Custom Dish Cabinet above Galley forward Countertop
• Refrigeration Box lined with Urethane Foam & Vacuum Insulated Panels (2004)
• Ocean Breeze 6,500 BTU A/C & Heater
• Hull Lined w. Thermal Insulation above water-line
• West Marine 9ââ?¬â?¢ Inflatable RIB with a 9.9HP Yamaha 4-Stroke Outboard (2003)

If you are looking for a proven bluewater cruiser outfitted for a couple to easily handle with all the right stuff to ensure safety and comfort, then call today to schedule a personal inspection. This 1977 Alajuela 38 Mark I Cutter will not disappoint you!