1979 Catalina 38 Sold Boat in San Diego, CA 92106 US
Built in 1979
38
1 Engine (Yanmar)
38 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
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 1979 Catalina 38 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $34,500 | $33,000 | $29,900 | $29,500 |
| Location | San Diego | Emeryville | Alameda | San Diego |
| Nominal Length | 38' | 39' | 30' | 34' |
| Beam | 12' | - | - | - |
| Draft | 7' | - | - | - |
| Engine Make | Yanmar | Quiet Torque | Yanmar | Universal |
| Total Engine Power | 30 hp | - | 18 hp | 23 hp |
| Days on Market | 451 | 800 | 12 | 184 |
| Get in touch |
Other Catalina 38 boats for sale in California, United States
Other Catalina boats for sale in California, United States
38' Catalina 38 '79 "Latest Caper"
A RECENT $14,000 PRICE REDUCTION MAKES THIS VESSEL ABSOLUTELY ONE OF THE BEST DEALS ON THE MARKET!
LATEST CAPER is probably the best Catalina 38 you will ever see. The upgrades are extensive and they include: a new Yanmar 30hp engine in September 2023, new 135% Pro-hybrid Genoa and a Quantum Sail Pack in 2022, all new standing rigging, stainless steel self-tailing winches and B&G Triton instruments in 2021 and the list goes on.
She really must be seen to appreciate the efforts extended. The interior is roomy, warm and inviting.
Don't miss this opportunity to own this fine vessel.
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.
Roomy and spacious with 6’ 2" headroom, the Catalina 38 is a comfortable cruiser/racer. Her interior boasts abundant teak paneling and cabinetry with upholstery in excellent condition throughout.
All the way forward is the master V-berth stateroom with a large berth and storage both port and starboard.
Next aft on the port side is the clean and organized head compartment, with marine toilet, sink, shower, custom tiles and new high-end fixtures. Across from the head is the forward storage area with hanging lockers and drawers for clothing and gear.
The main cabin has a long settee on starboard with nice cabinetry and storage shelves outboard. On the port side there is a beautiful custom teak dining table with wraparound seating and more storage outboard. There is a flat-screen TV on the main bulkhead with hidden cables that run to a media shelf. The table can be lowered and there is a custom extension and filler to create a real queen-size berth.
Aft of the seating area on the port side of the companionway there is a U-shaped galley with built in refrigerator/freezer, granite countertops, stove with oven, and double sinks with brand new pull down faucet. There is a flip-up counter extension for when the chef needs some extra room.
Across from the galley is the nav station followed by a generous quarter berth. Below the nav desk is a built-in 16,000 BTU marine air conditioning system to keep the cabin cool and fresh on those hot days.
Adler Barbour 12V refrigeration
2-burner Seaward Hillerange propane stove with oven
Black & Decker toaster oven
Pressure and manual fresh water
6-gal water heater
(2) stainless steel sinks
All new plumbing, hot water heater and Jabsco pump added in 2021
B&G Triton2 wind speed and direction (2021)
B&G Triton2 speed and distance logs (2021)
B&G Triton2 depth sounder (2021)
CPT autopilot
Garmin GPS
Garmin 7” chart plotter at helm (2021)
Icom M502 VHF radio
Vesper XG-8000 Class B ASIS transponder
Bronze clock and barometer
Sharp TV
12V DC and 110V AC
(4) 6V Trojan house batteries (420 amp hrs)
(1) Group 27 engine start battery (125 amp hrs) – New 2024
Battery parallel switch
Link 10 battery monitor
Xantrex True Charge 20-amp battery charger with remote panel
Shore power cord
All AC wiring redone by a professional electrician
Stainless steel anchor with matching bow roller
300’ of new 5/16” high tensile galvanized chain
Maxwell electric windlass with remote control and chain counter
Bimini, companionway cover, (2) deck hatch covers
Mainsail stack pack
Anchor and steaming lights
Running lights
Spreader light
Bow pulpit and rails
Lifelines and stanchions
Boarding gates
Dock lines and fenders
Swim ladder
BBQ
Windex
Roomy cockpit with fold-down teak table and seat cushions
Actual LOA: 39’
Last bottom paint – 4/29/2021
Garhauer rigid manual boom vang
Wire standing rigging (2021)
Manual backstay adjuster
Aluminum keel-stepped mast
Garhauer mainsheet traveler
Facnor LX 180 roller furling on headsail (2019)
Winches:
(2) Andersen 46 stainless steel self-tailing primary winches in cockpit (2021)
(2) Anderson 40 stainless steel self-tailing cabin top utility winches
Sails:
Ullman main sail in new Quantum Sail Pack (2022)
135% Quantum Tri-radial Contender Pro-hybrid Genoa (2022)
150% Ullman roller-furling Genoa
All standing rigging and sail track replaced by Rigworks in 2021
All lines led back to cockpit thru cabin top clutches
Fresh water cooled engine
3-blade folding Max Prop
PSS dripless shaft seal
Engine alarm
Fuel filter
Raw water sea strainer
Stove fuel shut-off valve
Cockpit engine controls
Thermal and acoustic engine area insulation
(1) manual and (2) electric bilge pumps
Manual wheel steering
Raritan manual head with macerator and overboard discharge
Head converted to fresh water with all new plumbing in 2021
17-gal fiberglass holding tank
(3) plastic water tanks
Dometic 16,000Btu air conditioning
(4) life jackets
(2) fire extinguishers
Emergency tiller
Horn
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 10/17/25 | Price decreased | $34,500(-30.3%) |
| 6/28/25 | Initial price | $49,500 |
1979 Catalina 38 Video Tours
Overview from around the web 1979 Catalina 38
Customers consistently praise the 1979 Catalina 38 for its solid construction and reliable performance
Many appreciate its spacious interior layout, which offers comfort for extended cruising. Owners often highlight the boat’s balanced sailing characteristics and ease of handling, making it suitable for both seasoned sailors and those newer to offshore sailing. The classic design combined with practical features continues to make the Catalina 38 a favored choice among cruising enthusiasts.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1979 Catalina 38 is a classic cruiser-racer sailboat known for its solid construction and balanced performance. Here are some of the pros and cons of this model:
Pros
Sturdy Build: The Catalina 38 features a robust fiberglass hull and deck, offering durability and longevity.
Balanced Performance: Designed with a good blend of speed and handling, it performs well both in coastal cruising and club racing.
Spacious Interior: For a 38-foot boat, it offers a comfortable and well-laid-out cabin with ample headroom and storage.
Easy Handling: The sail plan and rigging make it manageable for short-handed crews, ideal for weekend sailors.
Good Resale Value: Due to its reputation and build quality, the Catalina 38 maintains respectable market value.
Cons
Older Design: As a 1979 model, some design features may feel dated compared to modern sailboats, including less advanced ergonomics and amenities.
Maintenance Requirements: Being a boat over four decades old, it may require ongoing maintenance or upgrades to systems such as rigging, electronics, and plumbing.
Moderate Draft: The keel draft can limit access to shallow waters, which might be a consideration depending on cruising grounds.
Weight: Heavier than some contemporary designs, which can affect light wind performance.
Made For
The 1979 Catalina 38 is ideal for sailors seeking a versatile and reliable cruiser-racer sailboat. It appeals to those who want a vessel that combines comfortable accommodations for weekend or extended cruising with the performance capabilities to compete in club racing or coastal regattas. Whether you're a seasoned sailor looking for a well-balanced boat with classic lines or a cruising enthusiast wanting a sturdy and spacious yacht for family adventures, the Catalina 38 offers a blend of speed, handling, and onboard comfort to suit a wide range of sailing needs.
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Address
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Boat Location
Contact Yachtfinders Windseakers about 1979 Catalina 38
2330 Shelter Island Drive, Suite 207, San Diego, CA, 92106
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