1979 Catalina 38
$36,000
Boat in San Pedro, CA 90731 US
Built in 1979
38
1 Engine (Yanmar)
38 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
Turnkey Catalina 38 - New Engine, Rigging, New Genoa, Modern Electronics, Air Conditioning
Fully upgraded and ready to sail, this Catalina 38 stands out with a new Yanmar engine (2023), standing rigging (2021), genoa and stack pack (2022), updated electronics, and 16,000 BTU air conditioning. A rare opportunity to own a dialed-in cruiser/racer with major expenses already completed.
The interior is bright, spacious, and finished in rich teak cabinetry with excellent upholstery throughout.
Forward, the private V-berth stateroom offers a large double berth with ample storage to port and starboard. Just aft is a fully upgraded head featuring a marine toilet, sink, shower, custom tilework, and modern fixtures. Opposite is a dedicated storage area with hanging lockers and drawers.
The main salon is designed for both comfort and versatility. A long starboard settee is complemented by cabinetry and shelving, while the port side features a custom teak dinette with wraparound seating. The table lowers with a custom filler to create a true queen-size berth. A flat-screen TV is mounted on the main bulkhead with hidden wiring for a clean, modern look.
Aft to port, the U-shaped galley is well-appointed with granite countertops, dual stainless sinks, a stove with oven, refrigeration, and a flip-up counter extension for added workspace.
To starboard, the navigation station is followed by a generous quarter berth. A 16,000 BTU marine air conditioning system is neatly integrated below the nav station for optimal climate control.
Galley
- Adler Barbour 12V refrigeration
- Seaward Hillerange 2-burner propane stove with oven
- Dual stainless steel sinks with new pull-down faucet
- Pressurized and manual freshwater systems
- 6-gallon water heater
- Black & Decker toaster oven
- All new plumbing, hot water heater, and pump (2021)
Electronics & Navigation
- B&G Triton2 wind, speed, depth, and distance instruments (2021)
- Garmin GPS and 7” chartplotter at helm (2021)
- CPT autopilot
- Icom M502 VHF radio
- Vesper XG-8000 AIS transponder
- Sharp flat-screen TV
- Bronze clock and barometer
Electrical
- 12V DC / 110V AC systems
- (4) 6V Trojan house batteries (420Ah)
- (1) Group 27 start battery (NEW 2024)
- Xantrex TrueCharge 20A battery charger with remote
- Link 10 battery monitor
- Shore power with cord
- All AC wiring professionally redone
Deck & Cockpit
- Stainless steel anchor with bow roller
- 300’ new galvanized chain
- Maxwell electric windlass with remote and chain counter
- Bimini, hatch covers, and companionway cover
- Mainsail stack pack
- Full navigation and deck lighting
- Lifelines, stanchions, bow pulpit, and boarding gates
- Cockpit with fold-down teak table and cushions
- Swim ladder and cockpit BBQ
- Dock lines and fenders included
Hull
- LOA: 39’
- Bottom paint: April 2021
Sails & Rigging
Major Updates Completed in 2021
- All standing rigging replaced
- Sail track replaced (Rigworks)
Sails (2022)
- Ullman mainsail with Quantum sail pack
- 135% Quantum tri-radial Contender Pro hybrid genoa
- 150% Ullman roller furling genoa
Rigging & Hardware
- Garhauer rigid boom vang
- Garhauer mainsheet traveler
- Facnor LX 180 roller furling (2019)
- Aluminum keel-stepped mast
- All lines led aft to cockpit
Winches
- (2) Andersen 46 ST primary winches (NEW 2021)
- (2) Andersen 40 ST cabin-top winches
Engine & Mechanical
- Freshwater-cooled engine
- 3-blade folding Max-Prop
- PSS dripless shaft seal
- Engine alarm system
- Raw water strainer and fuel filter
- Cockpit engine controls
- Insulated engine compartment (thermal & acoustic)
Systems
- (1) manual and (2) electric bilge pumps
- Manual wheel steering
- Raritan manual head with macerator
Plumbing (2021 Upgrades)
- Head converted to freshwater flush
- New plumbing throughout
Tankage
- 17-gallon holding tank
- (3) freshwater tanks
Climate Control
- Dometic 16,000 BTU air conditioning
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 4/14/26 | Initial price | $36,000 |
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 classic design, which offers a perfect balance between performance and comfort
Many appreciate its spacious interior layout, making it an excellent choice for cruising and extended stays aboard. Sailors often highlight the boat’s handling and stability, noting that it performs well both in coastal waters and offshore conditions. The combination of traditional styling with practical features has made the Catalina 38 a favorite among sailors looking for a reliable and timeless cruiser. Overall, owners value the boat’s durability, ease of maintenance, and the enjoyable sailing experience it provides.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1979 Catalina 38 is a classic cruiser-racer sailboat that offers a blend of performance, comfort, and solid construction. Here are some of the key pros and cons of this model:
Pros
Sturdy Construction: Built with a solid fiberglass hull and a well-engineered deck layout, the Catalina 38 is known for its durability and longevity.
Balanced Performance: Designed by Sparkman & Stephens, it offers good sailing performance for both cruising and club racing, with responsive handling and respectable speed.
Spacious Interior: Compared to many boats of its size and era, the Catalina 38 provides a roomy cabin with comfortable sleeping accommodations, a functional galley, and ample storage.
Good Upwind Ability: The design features a deep fin keel and a balanced sail plan that help the boat point well into the wind, making it suitable for coastal cruising and weekend racing.
Strong Community: Being a popular model, there’s a solid owner community and availability of parts, which can be helpful for maintenance and upgrades.
Cons
Older Systems: As a 1979 model, many boats may require updates to electrical, plumbing, and rigging systems, which can add to maintenance costs.
Weight: The Catalina 38 is relatively heavy compared to more modern designs, which can affect light-wind performance.
Limited Interior Headroom: While spacious for its size, the cabin headroom may feel a bit low for taller individuals.
Outdated Styling: Some may find the interior and exterior styling dated compared to newer designs, although this also contributes to its classic charm.
Keel and Rudder Maintenance: The keel bolts and rudder bearings on older boats often require inspection and maintenance to ensure safety and performance.
Made For
The 1979 Catalina 38 is ideal for sailing enthusiasts seeking a versatile and reliable cruiser-racer. Designed to offer a perfect balance between comfortable cruising and competitive performance, it suits individuals or families who want a spacious, well-built sailboat capable of weekend getaways as well as spirited club racing. Its thoughtful design and solid construction make it a great choice for both experienced sailors and those looking to step up their sailing adventures.
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No image available 1979 Catalina 38 | |
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| $36,000 | $20,000 |
| San Pedro | Dana Point |
| 38' | 38' |
| 12' | - |
| 7' | - |
| Yanmar | Universal |
| 30 hp | 35 hp |
| 22 | 28 |
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Meet the Broker
Address
Boat Location
Contact The Shoreline Yacht Group about 1979 Catalina 38
Cabrillo Marina, 210 Whaler's Walk, Suite 123, San Pedro, CA, 90731
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