1984 Catalina 38
$39,000
Boat in Portland, CT 06480 US
Built in 1984
38
1 Engine (Universal)
38.2 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
Moxie is in exceptional condition and is owned by a very skilled owner.
Moxie is one those boats that people can not take their eyes off of. The Sparkman and Stephens design was purchased by Catalina's Frank Butler and finished with a warm and inviting cabin. The design was eventually used in Long Beach Yacht Club's Congressional Cup series and has stood the test of time as a thoroughbred sailing vessel. Moxie has had some upgrades along the way, most recently, a thorough re-wiring and new refrigeration.
Anyone who has sailed one of these boats will tell you that they simply sail like a dream.
One look at its sleek lines and round tumblehome and you can tell it's an S&S IOR design from the 1970s. Some years later, Catalina bought the molds and Frank Butler made several changes including replacing the flush deck with a cabin house to make the sailboat more appealing to a coastal cruising market.
The hull was originally a two-piece construction with a poured lead keel. It was two pieces, because unlike the designs of today, that kind of a tumblehome made it impossible to get the boat out of the mold. The broad beam (over 11 feet) was swept gracefully back to a narrow wineglass transom. The original S&S design included a very sleek swept-back keel that maximized good performance to weather. Catalina later offered an optional shoal-draft version to expand the market to areas with skinny water. The keel-stepped, double-spreader, high-aspect ratio rig and fine entry made the 38 extremely fast to weather and able to outpoint many competitors of its time.
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.
Stanchions re-bedded with new 5/16" stainless life lines 2018.
New "Life Sling" retrieval preserver stern rail mount 2018
Top sides painted with 2 part urethane paint system
Cabin top teak safety rail replaced 2023
Maxwell vertical windless 600 watts 12V relay and wiring 2018
Rocnor plow style anchor #35 with 5/16" gal, chain & 8 plait nylon rode
CQR plow style stern anchor with 5/16" gal, chain with 8 plait nylon rode
The chain plates were removed as a matter of caution due to tarnish only NO RUST
The format to refurbish the chain plates was thoroughly followed after removal to include cleaning passivating followed by re-bedding with sealant, elastomeric polysulfide sealant. sealant was allowed to set before final tightening of stays. Polysulfide was chosen for this particular repair because they are excellent re-bonding agents that have elastomeric properties for higher stress areas.
Universal Diesel 5424 3 cylinder 24hp and drivetrain 1440 hours 2018
New diesel 5052 aluminum fuel tank and with new vent and supply lines.
Replaced heat exchanger with new identical product and Navaloy anode.
Engine removed, stripped, primed and repainted with new engine mounts.
Replaced coolant impeller, new oil pressure gauge.
Replaced cutlass bearing.
Batteries (2) 80 Ah AGM for house
(1) 80 Ah for start 2019
Solar Panel expandable 50 watts with remote monitor and charging relay.
Solar powered hatch exhaust fan.
Xantre remote inverter and panel monitor.
LED lighting and emergency floor lights installed.
LED lighting mast and deck lights with new marine tin stranded copper wiring.
CPT autopilot.
Cabin heat Esberpacher Espar Airtronoic S2 D2L diesel fired forced air and thermostat.
Electric head.
B&G electronic suite included 9"MFD with split screen,4G radar with instant start, depth sounder, knot meter, wind speed indicator, GPS.
DVR player with speakers and remote.
Blue tooth stereo DVD/AM/FM radio with speakers.
VHF radio.
2 burner gimballed stove with oven.
Microwave.
Ice box with cold plate refrigeration.
New Rule bilge pump.
New Teak & Holly sole in cabin.
The keel was removed and shipped to the foundry in Burlington Canada for replacement with OEM "J" style keel bolts and recast. The keel was reinstalled at the yard and set in Polyurethane adhesive.
For added safety factor, the new bolts were tightened to torque (75-80 ft lbs.) against 1/4" stainless steel back up plates in the bilge.
North Mainsail with Doyle Stack-Pak
150% North Roller Furling Genoa
Harken Roller Furler
Navtec Hydraulic Backstay Adjuster
Lewmar 48 Primary Winches
Lewmar 30 Secondary Winches
Lewmar 16 Halyard Winches
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 3/31/26 | Initial price | $39,000 |
Overview from around the web 1984 Catalina 38
Customers appreciate the 1984 Catalina 38 for its solid construction and classic design, highlighting its spacious interior that offers comfortable accommodations for extended cruising
Many praise its reliable sailing performance, noting that it handles well in a variety of conditions, making it suitable for both coastal cruising and longer passages. Owners often mention the boat’s ease of handling and well-thought-out layout, which includes ample storage and practical features. Overall, the 1984 Catalina 38 is regarded as a dependable and versatile sailboat that combines traditional aesthetics with functional design, appealing to sailors seeking a balanced and enjoyable sailing experience.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1984 Catalina 38 is a well-regarded sailboat that combines classic design with solid performance. Here are some of the key pros and cons of this model:
Pros
Spacious Interior: The Catalina 38 offers a roomy and comfortable cabin layout, making it suitable for extended cruising and liveaboard use.
Solid Construction: Built with a sturdy fiberglass hull, the boat is known for its durability and reliability in various sailing conditions.
Good Performance: With a well-designed keel and sail plan, the Catalina 38 provides balanced handling and respectable speed, appealing to both cruisers and club racers.
Ample Storage: The boat features plenty of storage compartments, which is a plus for longer trips.
Classic Styling: Its traditional lines and teak accents give the Catalina 38 a timeless and attractive appearance.
Cons
Older Design: As a boat from the mid-1980s, some aspects of the design and onboard systems may feel dated compared to more modern models.
Weight: The boat is on the heavier side, which can impact light-wind performance.
Maintenance: Being an older vessel, potential buyers should be prepared for regular maintenance and possible updates to electrical, plumbing, and rigging systems.
Limited Headroom: While spacious, headroom in the cabin might be restricted for taller individuals.
Sail Handling: Some sailors find the original sail handling setup less convenient, which might require upgrades for easier single or short-handed sailing.
Made For
The 1984 Catalina 38 is ideal for sailing enthusiasts who seek a versatile and reliable cruiser-racer. It’s perfect for sailors looking for a well-balanced boat that combines comfortable cruising accommodations with competitive performance on the racecourse. Whether you're a weekend adventurer planning coastal cruises or an experienced skipper aiming for club racing, the Catalina 38 offers the right blend of speed, handling, and onboard comfort. Its sturdy construction and thoughtful design make it suitable for both day sailing and extended voyages.
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Meet the Broker
Address
Boat Location
Contact Yachts New England about 1984 Catalina 38
38 Bayside Ave, Groton, CT, 06340
Contact Yachts New England
38 Bayside Ave, Groton, CT, 06340
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