2008 Cabo 38 Express

$439,000

Used

Boat in Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274 US

builtBuilt in 2008
Year the boat was built
model

38 Express

Boat model
engine

2 Engines (2x CAT)

Engine type and count
length

38 feet

Overall boat length
fuel

Diesel

Fuel type
material

Fiberglass/Reinforced

Hull material
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
CAT
Engine Model
C12
Total Power
715hp
Engine Hours
3650
Engine Type
inboard
Fuel Type
diesel
Engine 2
Engine Make
CAT
Engine Model
C12
Total Power
715hp
Engine Hours
3650
Engine Type
inboard
Fuel Type
diesel
Tower
Ac
Summary
For Sale
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)
BROKER’S REMARKS

This 38 Cabo Express stands out from other boats on the market due to its comprehensive mechanical and systems overhaul, top-tier electronics, unmatched bait capacity, and long-range fishing upgrades. With a Seakeeper, watermaker, ice chipper, Starlink, and a premium bait system, she is equipped for multi-day offshore trips and tournament-level fishing. Her interior and exterior cosmetic upgrades make her equally impressive for cruising and guest comfort. A rare opportunity to acquire a truly turnkey Cabo 38 with all the right equipment and recent major services already completed.

Generators
Generator 1
Make
Phasor
KW
12
RPM
0
Hours
0
Detail
Phasor, 12 KW

Price History

DateEventPrice
1/7/26Price decreased$439,000(-1.3%)
12/18/25Price decreased$445,000(-3.1%)
10/17/25Initial price$459,000

Videos from Galati Yacht Sales 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, making it a favorite among serious anglers

Many highlight its spacious and well-designed cockpit, which provides ample room for fishing activities and comfort. The boat’s powerful engine options deliver impressive speed and smooth handling, even in challenging sea conditions. Owners also appreciate the quality of the onboard amenities, including comfortable seating and practical storage solutions. Overall, the 2008 Cabo 38 Express is recognized for combining rugged durability with thoughtful design, making it a standout choice for both fishing enthusiasts and those seeking a versatile express cruiser.

The Biggest Pros and Cons

The 2008 Cabo 38 Express is a popular choice among anglers and boating enthusiasts, known for its blend of performance, comfort, and functionality. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros

Performance: Equipped with powerful twin diesel engines, the Cabo 38 Express offers excellent speed and fuel efficiency, making it ideal for offshore fishing and cruising.

Build Quality: Cabo boats are renowned for their solid construction and durability, and the 38 Express is no exception, featuring a robust fiberglass hull designed to handle rough seas.

Fishing Features: The boat includes ample fishing amenities such as a spacious cockpit, rod holders, live wells, and fish boxes, catering to serious anglers.

Comfort: The cabin is well-appointed with comfortable sleeping quarters, a galley, and a head, providing a good level of comfort for overnight trips.

Handling: The 38 Express is praised for its smooth and stable ride, with excellent maneuverability and seaworthiness.

Cons

Size: While spacious for its class, the 38-foot length may be limiting for those seeking larger living or entertaining spaces.

Maintenance Costs: As with many high-performance sportfishing boats, maintenance and upkeep can be relatively costly, especially for the diesel engines and specialized fishing equipment.

Fuel Consumption: Although efficient for a boat of its size and power, fuel consumption can still be significant during extended outings.

Limited Headroom: The cabin headroom may feel somewhat confined for taller individuals, which could impact comfort during longer stays onboard.

Made For

The 2008 Cabo 38 Express is designed for avid anglers and boating enthusiasts who seek a versatile and high-performance sportfishing yacht. Ideal for those who enjoy offshore fishing adventures as well as comfortable cruising, this boat offers a blend of rugged durability, advanced fishing features, and stylish accommodations. Whether you're a professional fisherman or a weekend warrior, the Cabo 38 Express provides the perfect balance of functionality and luxury for serious fishing and leisure on the water.

Finance your dream boat!

Use our boat payment calculator to estimate monthly payments for 2008 Cabo 38 Express. Enter your down payment, choose a loan term, and adjust the interest rate to see an instant payment estimate — ideal if you're calculating boat payments before you enquire. Wondering how much does a Express Cruiser cost in today's market, or how much does a Cabo cost for similar models? This boat financing calculator helps you compare scenarios in seconds, whether you're considering used boat financing or a new purchase.
Monthly payment
$4,982.52/mo
$
$
Loan amount$ 439,000
OR
%

Finance your dream boat!

Use our boat payment calculator to estimate monthly payments for 2008 Cabo 38 Express. Enter your down payment, choose a loan term, and adjust the interest rate to see an instant payment estimate — ideal if you're calculating boat payments before you enquire. Wondering how much does a Express Cruiser cost in today's market, or how much does a Cabo cost for similar models? This boat financing calculator helps you compare scenarios in seconds, whether you're considering used boat financing or a new purchase.
Monthly payment
$4,982.52/mo
$
$
Loan amount$ 439,000
OR
%

Contact Galati Yacht Sales

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

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1551 Shelter Island Drive
Suite 103
San Diego, CA 92106
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