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1986 Catalina 38 Sold Boat in Charleston, SC 29401 US

$53,330

Used
We will let you know when another 1986 Catalina 38 is available in Charleston, SC
builtBuilt in 1986
Year the boat was built
model

38

Boat model
engine

1 Engine (Universal)

Engine type and count
length

38 feet

Overall boat length
fuel

Diesel

Fuel type
material

Fiberglass/Reinforced

Hull material

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1986 Catalina 38
Price$53,330$53,350$54,500$59,950
LocationCharlestonCharlestonNorth Myrtle BeachAnderson
Nominal Length38'38'33'37'
Beam11'---
Draft7'---
Engine MakeUniversalUniversalWesterbeakeYanmar
Total Engine Power30 hp30 hp28 hp36 hp
Days on Market38018921337
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Other 1986 Catalina 38 For Sale in South Carolina, United States

Other Catalina 38 boats for sale in South Carolina, United States

Nominal Length
38ft
Length Overall
39.07ft
Length at Waterline
30.02ft
Beam
11.07ft
Max Draft
6.67ft
Displacement
15900lb
Ballast
6850lb
Fresh Water Tanks
35gal
Hull Material
fiberglass
Engine 1
Engine Make
Universal
Engine Model
3 Cylinder
Total Power
30hp
Engine Type
inboard
Fuel Type
diesel
Sailboat Specifications

L.O.A                                                 38′  2″

L.W.L.                                                30′  3″

Beam                                                  11′  10″

Draft         STD                                    6′  9″              SHOAL             4′  11″

Ballast      STD                                   6850 LBS       SHOAL              7650 LBS

Displacement  STD                            15,900 LBS     SHOAL             16,700 LBS

Displ/Length    STD                               257              SHOAL                269

SA/Displ          STD                               16.2             SHOAL                 15.6

Theoretical Hull Speed  –  7.4 knots

Sail Area, Rated (SQ. FT.)                                     P    44.00

Mainsail                    253                                    I     49.80

100% foretriangle     386                                    J     15.50

Total (100% fore)     639                                    E    11.50

Weight of Sail Cloth (Recommended)

Main                     7.75 oz

130% genoa         7.25 oz

150% genoa         7.25 oz

spinnaker   tri-radial       0.75 oz

1.5 oz

Ice Box Capacity                                          5.5 cu. ft.

Water Tank Capacity Std                             35 gal + 6 gal water heater = 41 gal

Holding Tank Capacity                                21 gal

Fuel Tank Capacity                                      35 gal

Est. Consumption    .75 gph

Distance From Waterline(DWL) To Masthead   56.0

Common Ratings:   PHRF     114       IOR    28.8 EST

Berths:     2 Doubles     2 Singles

Headroom Main Cabin        6’3″

Std. Engine – Universal model 30, 68 cu. in., 3 cylinder r.w. cooled,

2:1 reduction gear, std. propeller – 15″D x 13″P

2 blade, 1″ shaft

Theoretical Hull Speed – 7.5 knots

Std Pedestal Steering w/32″ diameter wheel

Ritchie Sp. 5 Compass, engine controls

General Description

The boat was originally designed as Sparkman & Stephens design #2094-C2 for Yankee Yachts and produced as the Yankee 38, but that company only produced 30 examples between 1972 and 1975, before going out of business. Frank V. Butler purchased the molds and modified the design for production by his company, Catalina Yachts. The changes Butler incorporated included a new deck and cabin roof design, a taller rig and a balanced spade rudder, replacing the original skeg-mounted rudder.

The Catalina 38 is a recreational keelboat, built predominantly of fiberglass, with wood trim. It has a masthead sloop rig with aluminum spars, a raked stem, a raised counter reverse transom, an internally mounted spade-type rudder controlled by a wheel and a fixed fin standard draft or shoal draft keel. It displaces 15,900 lb (7,212 kg) and carries 6,850 lb (3,107 kg) of ballast.

The boat has a draft of 6.80 ft (2.07 m) with the standard keel and 4.90 ft (1.49 m) with the optional shoal draft keel.

The boat is fitted with a Universal 30HP - 3 Cylinder diesel engine for docking and maneuvering. The fuel tank holds 25 U.S. gallons (95 L; 21 imp gal) and the fresh-water tank has a capacity of 55 U.S. gallons (210 L; 46 imp gal).

The design has sleeping accommodation for five or six people. There is a bow cabin with a "V"-berth, two settee berths in the main cabin, including a U-shaped dinette settee and an optional quarter berth aft on the starboard side. The galley is U-shaped and is on the port side, at the foot of the companionway steps. It includes a two-burner stove, an icebox and a double sink, with a pressurized water supply. The navigation station is to starboard, opposite the galley. The head is forward on the port side and features a shower, with a teak grating. The cabin features oiled teak trim.

Ventilation is provided by a main cabin skylight and a bow cabin hatch.

There is an anchor locker in the forepeak. The halyards are hoisted by two winches on the cabin roof. There is a mainsheet traveler also mounted on the cabin roof. The genoa has sheet tracks on the bulwarks and primary winches in the cockpit.



Disclaimer

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

DateEventPrice
9/30/25Price decreased$53,330(-11.0%)
8/29/25Initial price$59,950

Contact Intracoastal Yacht Sales of Charleston S.C.

@ Charleston City Marina, 17 Lockwood Dr., Charleston, SC, 29401

Overview from around the web 1986 Catalina 38

The Catalina 38 from 1986 has garnered positive feedback from boat enthusiasts and sailors alike

Here are some common themes that customers highlight in their reviews: 1. Sailing Performance: Many users praise the Catalina 38 for its excellent sailing capabilities, noting its balanced design and responsiveness in various wind conditions. Sailors appreciate the boat's ability to maintain speed while also being stable and reliable. 2. Spacious Interior: Customers often comment on the roomy interior, which provides comfortable living space for weekend getaways or extended trips. The design typically includes a well-appointed galley, ample storage, and cozy sleeping quarters, making it a favorite for families and crews. 3. Build Quality: Users frequently mention the robust construction of the Catalina 38, appreciating the attention to detail and durable materials used in its creation. The boat's reputation for longevity is often noted, with many owners reporting that their vessels remain in excellent condition even after decades of use. 4. Ease of Handling: Many sailors find the Catalina 38 to be easy to manage, both under sail and at the dock. This ease of handling makes it an appealing choice for both seasoned sailors and those new to cruising. 5. Community and Support: Owners often mention the strong community surrounding the Catalina brand, which offers a wealth of resources, advice, and camaraderie among fellow Catalina 38 enthusiasts. In summary, the 1986 Catalina 38 stands out for its sailing performance, spacious interior, solid build quality, and ease of handling, making it a cherished choice for sailing aficionados.

The Biggest Pros and Cons

1986 Catalina 38: Pros and Cons

Pros

Design and Performance: The Catalina 38 features a well-respected design that balances speed and comfort. With its proven hull shape and sail plan, it offers excellent performance both in light breezes and heavier winds.

Spacious Interior: The layout of the Catalina 38 provides ample living space, making it ideal for weekend getaways or extended cruising. The cabin typically includes comfortable seating, a functional galley, and well-designed sleeping quarters.

Strong Build Quality: Catalina yachts are known for their sturdy construction, and the 1986 model is no exception. Its solid fiberglass hull and quality hardware contribute to durability and longevity.

Sail Handling: The placement of winches and the sail plan make for easy handling, allowing for a more enjoyable sailing experience, whether you’re a novice or an experienced sailor.

Community and Aftermarket Support: The Catalina brand has a strong community of owners and enthusiasts, providing great resources for support, upgrades, and shared experiences.

Cons

Age of the Vessel: As a 1986 model, the Catalina 38 may require ongoing maintenance and updates to systems and equipment that could be outdated or worn.

Weight: While it adds to stability, the heavier build might not provide the same responsiveness as lighter, performance-oriented yachts, especially in racing scenarios.

Limited Headroom: Although the interior is spacious, some owners might find headroom cramped, particularly in areas like the cabin and head, which might be a concern for taller individuals.

Outdated Amenities: Depending on the specific boat’s condition and any upgrades made, some features may feel dated compared to newer models that come equipped with modern conveniences and technologies.

Market Competition: In the used boat market, the Catalina 38 competes with many other options, which means potential buyers should be diligent in assessing condition and value compared to similarly sized yachts.

Made For

The 1986 Catalina 38 is a versatile and well-regarded choice for a variety of sailing enthusiasts. This model appeals to those who are looking for a performance-oriented cruising yacht that excels in both comfortable day sailing and extended voyages. Its balanced design makes it suitable for experienced sailors who appreciate the sportier side of sailing, while still being accessible enough for less experienced sailors who want to learn on a reliable vessel. Families and couples will find the Catalina 38 to be an excellent option, thanks to its spacious interior and accommodating layout that provides ample living space for weekend getaways or longer excursions. The design includes comfortable sleeping quarters, a functional galley, and a well-appointed salon, making it ideal for relaxing after a day on the water. Racing enthusiasts will also enjoy this boat's performance capabilities, as the Catalina 38 is known for its competitive edge in regattas. The sturdy construction and thoughtful engineering contribute to its agility and speed, allowing skilled sailors to harness its potential on the racecourse. In essence, the 1986 Catalina 38 is for anyone who values a blend of comfort, performance, and reliability, whether they are seasoned sailors seeking adventure or newcomers eager to embark on their sailing journey.

Finance your dream boat!

Use our boat payment calculator to estimate monthly payments for 1986 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 Sloop 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.
$
$
510152025
%
Principal Loan Amount$ 45,330
Total Payment$81,048.36
Monthly payment
$337.70/mo

Finance your dream boat!

Use our boat payment calculator to estimate monthly payments for 1986 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 Sloop 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.
$
$
510152025
%
Principal Loan Amount$ 45,330
Total Payment$81,048.36
Monthly payment
$337.70/mo

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Meet the Broker

Address

@ Charleston City Marina
17 Lockwood Dr.
Charleston, SC 29401

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