2008 Cabo 38 Express

$439,000

Used

Boat in Newport Beach, CA 92660 US

builtBuilt in 2008
Year the boat was built
model

38 Express

Boat model
engine

2 Engines (Caterpillar, Caterpillar)

Engine type and count
length

38 feet

Overall boat length
fuel

Diesel

Fuel type
material

Fiberglass/Reinforced

Hull material
Nominal Length
38ft
Length Overall
38ft
Beam
15ft
Max Draft
3.5ft
Displacement
26000lb
Cruising Speed
26kn
Max Speed
38kn
Cabins
1
Heads
1
Fresh Water Tanks
95gal
Fuel Tanks
500gal
Holding Tanks
35gal
Hull Material
fiberglass
Engine 1
Engine Make
Caterpillar
Engine Model
C12
Total Power
715hp
Engine Hours
3650
Engine Type
inboard
Fuel Type
diesel
Engine 2
Engine Make
Caterpillar
Engine Model
C12
Total Power
715hp
Engine Hours
3650
Engine Type
inboard
Fuel Type
diesel
MECHANICAL & SYSTEMS – MAJOR OVERHAUL
  • Full engine service on both Caterpillar C-12s (715 hp) (2024)
  • New turbo cartridge on starboard engine (housing retained) (2023)
  • New aftercoolers (2025)
  • Engine room fully detailed (2025)
  • Shafts and props balanced (2025)
  • Bottom job completed (2024)
  • New brass below-waterline fittings & intake screens (major replacement)
  • New hot water heater (2019)
  • New Volvo Penta Interceptor trim tabs (2020)
  • Phasor 12kW generator (2019) – serviced 2024
  • Seakeeper 5 Gyro (installed 2019, serviced 2024)
  • Upgraded bilge, freshwater, raw water & bait pumps (2023)
  • Installed watermaker
  • Installed ice chipper
  • Installed offshore 110-gallon bait tank (2024)
  • Two Hooker bait pumps (new bait system) (2024)
HELM & ELECTRONICS
  • Full new Garmin navigation suite (2023)
  • (2) Garmin 8212 GPSMAP displays + trackpad controller (2023)
  • Garmin tower display (2023)
  • Furuno sonar system (added upgrade)
  • Furuno RD30 repeater
  • Simrad AP26 autopilot (helm + tower)
  • Icom M504 VHF + new VHF antennas (2023)
  • CAT backup control panel
  • USB ports at helm
  • Full LED lighting conversion throughout (2023)
  • Custom 48" forward-facing LED bar (2023)
  • (2) 30" side LED bars (port & starboard) (2023)
  • Baja Designs cockpit LED package (2023)
  • Underwater lights (2023)
  • New wiper motors (2019)
  • Kenwood/KVH stereo (2022)
  • Fusion stereo system + Fusion speakers (cockpit, bridge, tower)
  • JL Audio speakers (interior & helm 2019)
  • Intellian S6 satellite dome + tracking box (2023)
  • Starlink with Starmounts flat-mount dish
  • SEADEK helm deck (2022)
  • Custom tackle storage box (2020)
  • New helm window gaskets (2019)
  • Starlink HD (2024)
TOWER
  • Garmin tower screen (2023)
  • Engine gauges, trim tab controls & autopilot
  • USB chargers
  • Pipewelders tower & outriggers
  • Repainted tower bucket (2024)
  • Revere 6-person life raft (repacked)
COCKPIT & FISHING SYSTEMS
  • (2) Kodiak tuna tubes (new pumps 2023)
  • 110-gallon offshore bait tank (2024)
  • Dual Hooker bait pumps (new system 2024)
  • Cockpit freezer + in-deck freezer box
  • Fishbox w/ freezer plate (rebuilt control unit 2023)
  • Fresh & saltwater washdowns
  • Sink + rigging center
  • Outlets for electric reels/dredges
  • Release Marine rocket launcher (installed 2024)
  • Pipewelders outriggers + center rigger (rigged for 3 lines/side)
  • Cockpit shade
  • Cockpit bolster pads (new 2023)
  • Underwater LEDs for night fishing
SALON & INTERIOR
  • Stovetop, refrigerator, freezer, sink
  • Sylvania microwave
  • Teak dinette table w/ cover (faux teak upgrade installed)
  • Samsung 42" TV (2023)
  • LED TV + upgraded LED lighting throughout
  • JL Audio interior speakers (2019)
  • New carpet in salon
  • Wallpaper added throughout interior
  • Updated cabin AC system (2019)
  • Custom rod storage behind salon sofa (2024)
FORWARD STATEROOM
  • Double berth w/ wrap-around upper bunks (sleeps 3)
  • Rod lockers + clothing lockers
  • Under-berth storage
  • Teak cabinetry throughout
  • New soft Goods
MECHANICAL & ENGINE ROOM
  • Twin Caterpillar C-12 715 hp engines (3650 hours)
  • Full engine service completed (2024)
  • New turbo cartridge on starboard engine (2023)
  • New aftercoolers (2019)
  • Engine room detailed to professional standards (2025)
  • Shafts and props balanced (2024)
  • Bottom job completed (2024)
  • New brass below-waterline fittings & intake screens (2024)
  • Phasor 12 kW generator (2019) – fully serviced
  • Seakeeper 5 Gyro (2019, serviced 2024)
  • New Volvo Penta Interceptor trim tabs (2020)
  • New hot water heater (2019)
  • Upgraded bilge, raw water, freshwater & bait pumps (2023)
  • Watermaker installed (2023)
  • Ice chipper installed (2024)
  • 110-gallon offshore bait tank (2024)
  • Dual Hooker bait pumps (2024)
DECK & EXTERIOR
  • Repainted window frame (2024)
  • New cockpit bolsters (2023)
  • Non-skid decks + SEADEK at helm
  • Anchor, chain & rode with pulpit
  • Custom forward & side LED light bars (2024)
HIGHLIGHTS & NOTABLE UPGRADES
  • Twin Caterpillar C-12 (715 hp) – complete service (2024)
  • Seakeeper 5 Gyro – installed 2019, serviced 2024
  • Phasor 12kW generator (2019) – fully serviced
  • Full Garmin electronics package + Furuno sonar
  • Dual Hooker pump bait system + 110-gallon offshore tank
  • Watermaker + Ice chipper installed
  • New refrigeration systems throughout (cockpit, fridge, freezer)
  • Extensive LED lighting upgrades, including underwater & forward bars
  • Starlink + Intellian S6HD satellite TV (2024)
  • New upholstery, carpets, wallpaper & interior finishes (2024)
  • Engine room detailed, shafts & props balanced, bottom job completed
  • Release Marine rocket launcher installed (2024)

Price History

DateEventPrice
1/7/26Price decreased$439,000(-1.3%)
12/12/25Price decreased$445,000(-3.1%)
11/25/25Initial price$459,000

Videos from Galati Yacht Sales California, Inc. – San Diego on this 2008 Cabo 38 Express

Overview from around the web 2008 Cabo 38 Express

Customers praise the 2008 Cabo 38 Express for its exceptional build quality and reliable performance

Many highlight its spacious and well-designed cockpit, ideal for both serious fishing and comfortable cruising. The boat's powerful engines deliver impressive speed and handling, making it a favorite among anglers who appreciate offshore capabilities. Additionally, owners often commend the quality of the interior accommodations, noting the practical layout and comfortable living spaces. Overall, the 2008 Cabo 38 Express is recognized for combining durability, functionality, and style, making it a sought-after choice for those looking for a versatile sportfishing yacht.

The Biggest Pros and Cons

The 2008 Cabo 38 Express is a well-regarded sportfishing boat known for its blend of performance, comfort, and fishing capability. Here are some of the key pros and cons:

Pros

Performance: Equipped with powerful engines, the Cabo 38 Express delivers excellent speed and handling, making it ideal for offshore fishing and fast cruising.

Build Quality: Cabo boats are known for their solid construction and durability, with a robust hull design that handles rough seas confidently.

Fishing Features: The 38 Express offers ample fishing amenities, including a spacious cockpit, built-in rod holders, live wells, and fish boxes, enhancing the overall fishing experience.

Comfort: The cabin is well-appointed with comfortable seating, a functional galley, and sleeping accommodations, suitable for overnight trips.

Classic Design: The sleek profile and practical layout appeal to anglers looking for a traditional express sportfisher.

Cons

Age: As a 2008 model, some systems and electronics may be outdated unless upgraded, which might require additional investment.

Fuel Consumption: With powerful engines, fuel efficiency can be lower compared to smaller or more modern designs.

Limited Cabin Space: While comfortable for its size, the cabin space is more basic and compact compared to larger sportfishing yachts.

Maintenance: Like any older boat, maintenance and upkeep can be more demanding, especially if the boat has been heavily used.

Made For

The 2008 Cabo 38 Express is ideal for avid anglers and boating enthusiasts who seek a versatile and reliable sportfishing vessel. Designed for those who value performance and comfort, this boat is perfect for serious offshore fishing trips as well as leisurely cruises. Its spacious cockpit, robust construction, and advanced fishing features make it well-suited for experienced fishermen looking to tackle big game, while the comfortable interior accommodations also appeal to families and friends wanting to enjoy a day on the water in style.

Contact Galati Yacht Sales California, Inc. – San Diego

1551 Shelter Island Drive, Suite 103, San Diego, CA, 92106

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Suite 103
San Diego, CA 92106

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