1980 Catalina 38

$17,750

Used

Boat in Hull, MA 02045 US

builtBuilt in 1980
Year the boat was built
model

38

Boat model
engine

1 Engine (Yanmar)

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
Length at Waterline
30ft
Beam
11.67ft
Max Draft
6.83ft
Displacement
15887.7lb
Dry Weight
15900lb
Cabins
2
Fresh Water Tanks
40gal
Fuel Tanks
25gal
Hull Material
fiberglass
Hull Shape
fin-keel
Engine 1
Engine Make
Yanmar
Total Power
30hp
Engine Type
Inboard
Fuel Type
diesel
Engine Year
1980
Drive Type
direct
Boarding Ladder On Stern
Deck Light On Mast
Deck Liners
Double Rail Bow
Guard Brake
Masthead Lights
Non Skid Deck
Stern Pulpit
Cabin Curtains
Cabin Lighting
Carpet Cabin
Interior Night Lighting
Opening Ports
Pillow Type Cushions
Shower
50 Shore Power Cord
Ac Volt Dockside Power
Battery Condition Meter
Circuit Breaker Panel
Dc Electrical System
Boom
Boom Vang
Forestay
Jib Halyard Winch
Lifelines
Mast
Mast And Boom
Running Rigging
Sloop Rig
Standing Rigging
Internal Halyards
Jiffy Reefing For Main
Reefing Mainsail
Winch Handle
2 Blade Propeller
Pump For Ice Box
Rudder
Salt Water Pump
Throttle/shift: Mech
Water Tanks
Compass
Navigation Lights
Traveler Control System
Double Lifelines
Grab Rails
Bottom Paint Antifouling
Tagline
38' performance cruiser! Fast, seaworthy sloop designed by Sparkman and Stephens!
Condition detail
Cushions are detached and stored elsewhere but will be replaced shortly. Ne w photos coning soon! The bottom of the boat is repainted. The interior doesn't have a funky smell but needs deep cleaning. New batteries installed recently.
Selling reason
Not using enough

Price History

DateEventPrice
7/16/25Price decreased$17,750(-18.4%)
6/16/25Initial price$21,750

Overview from around the web 1980 Catalina 38

Customers consistently praise the 1980 Catalina 38 for its excellent balance of performance and comfort

Many highlight its spacious and well-designed interior, making it ideal for extended cruising. Sailors appreciate the boat’s solid construction and reliable handling, noting that it performs well both in coastal waters and offshore. The Catalina 38’s classic styling and ease of maintenance also receive positive remarks, making it a favorite among those seeking a versatile and dependable sailboat from this era. Overall, owners value the 1980 Catalina 38 for its enduring quality and enjoyable sailing experience.

The Biggest Pros and Cons

The 1980 Catalina 38 is a classic cruiser-racer that offers a blend of performance, comfort, and solid construction. Here are some of the pros and cons to consider:

Pros

Solid Build Quality: The Catalina 38 is known for its sturdy fiberglass construction, providing durability and reliability in various sailing conditions.

Balanced Performance: Designed as a racer-cruiser, it offers good sailing performance with respectable speed and handling, making it enjoyable for both competitive sailing and leisurely cruising.

Comfortable Interior: The interior layout is well thought out, offering ample headroom, a functional galley, and comfortable accommodations for extended trips.

Spacious Cockpit: The cockpit is roomy and practical, allowing for easy handling and comfortable seating for crew and guests.

Good Reputation: Catalina Yachts has a strong reputation for quality and customer support, which adds to the appeal of owning a Catalina 38.

Cons

Older Design Elements: Being a design from 1980, some aspects of the boat may feel dated compared to more modern designs, such as rigging and interior finishes.

Maintenance Requirements: As with many boats of this age, ongoing maintenance can be necessary to keep systems and structures in good condition.

Performance Limitations: While balanced, it may not match the speed and agility of newer, more performance-oriented racer-cruisers.

Weight: The boat is relatively heavy, which can affect light wind performance and trailerability.

Limited Upgrades: Depending on previous owners, some boats may require upgrades to navigation electronics, sails, or other equipment to meet current standards.

Made For

The 1980 Catalina 38 is ideal for sailors seeking a well-balanced cruiser-racer that combines comfortable liveaboard features with strong sailing performance. It's perfect for couples or small families looking to enjoy coastal cruising, weekend getaways, or competitive club racing. Its versatile design appeals to both cruising enthusiasts who value spacious accommodations and sailors who appreciate responsive handling and solid construction.

Finance your dream boat!

Use our boat payment calculator to estimate monthly payments for 1980 Catalina 38. 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 Sail Cruiser cost in today's market, or how much does a Catalina 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
$201.46/mo
$
$
Loan amount$ 17,750
OR
%

Finance your dream boat!

Use our boat payment calculator to estimate monthly payments for 1980 Catalina 38. 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 Sail Cruiser cost in today's market, or how much does a Catalina 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
$201.46/mo
$
$
Loan amount$ 17,750
OR
%

Contact Pop Yachts

5717 Bessie Drive, Sarasota, FL, 34233

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5717 Bessie Drive
Sarasota, FL 34233

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