1986 Catalina 38 Boat in Charleston, SC 29401 US

$39,900

Used
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
Nominal Length
38ft
Length Overall
39.08ft
Length at Waterline
30ft
Beam
11.08ft
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
10/29/26Initial price$39,900

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 1986 Catalina 38 has garnered a diverse range of feedback from sailing enthusiasts and owners alike

Many customers praise its solid construction and reliability, noting that the craftsmanship stands the test of time. Sailors often comment on the boat’s exceptional performance under sail, highlighting its responsive handling and agility in various wind conditions, making it a joy to sail both in inland waters and offshore. Owners often appreciate the comfortable cockpit and spacious interior, providing a great balance between performance and livability. The layout is frequently described as practical, with good storage solutions and a functional galley, making longer trips enjoyable. Additionally, customers frequently mention the Catalina 38’s excellent stability and the ease of maneuverability, which is especially valued by those who may be newer to sailing. Many also enjoy the community of Catalina owners, sharing knowledge and advice that enhance the overall ownership experience. Overall, the 1986 Catalina 38 is celebrated for its durability, sailing performance, and comfortable living space, making it a favored choice among cruising sailors and racing enthusiasts alike.

The Biggest Pros and Cons

The 1986 Catalina 38 is a well-regarded sailing vessel known for its performance and comfort. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of this classic boat:

Pros

Sailing Performance: The Catalina 38 is designed for excellent performance under sail. Its balanced hull and effective keel design provide good speed and maneuverability, making it suitable for both racing and cruising.

Spacious Interior: With a thoughtful layout, the interior offers generous living space for a 38-foot yacht. It features a comfortable saloon, well-equipped galley, and a functional navigation area, ideal for extended trips.

Sturdy Construction: Known for its durable construction, the Catalina 38 is built with solid materials that enhance its longevity and seaworthiness. Many owners appreciate the boat's ability to handle various sea conditions.

Versatile Design: The Catalina 38 can be enjoyed for both day sailing and long-term cruising. Its versatility makes it appealing to a wide range of sailors, from novices to seasoned mariners.

Community and Parts Availability: As a popular model, there’s a strong community of Catalina 38 owners, and parts and resources for maintenance and repairs can be relatively easy to find.

Cons

Age-Related Wear: Being a 1986 model, boats of this age may exhibit wear and tear. Owners should be prepared for potential upgrades or repairs on systems like electrical, plumbing, or rigging.

Limited Headroom: While the interior is spacious, some users might find the headroom in the cabin a bit limited, which could be a consideration for taller individuals.

Weight and Draft: The Catalina 38 is heavier than some of its competitors in the same size range, which can affect its performance in light winds. Additionally, its draft may limit access to shallow harbors or anchorages.

Maintenance Costs: Older boats can require more upkeep compared to newer models. Potential buyers or owners should be aware of the time and financial investment that goes into maintaining a vessel of this age.

Outdated Technology: Features and technology found on the 1986 Catalina 38 may be dated compared to modern boats, possibly requiring upgrades for users seeking the latest navigation equipment or conveniences.

Made For

The 1986 Catalina 38 is designed for sailing enthusiasts who appreciate a blend of performance and comfort. This model is ideal for both experienced sailors seeking a capable racer and newcomers looking for a well-rounded cruising yacht. With its sleek lines and robust construction, the Catalina 38 offers a thrilling sailing experience while maintaining a comfortable space for relaxation. Its spacious interior is perfect for weekend getaways or longer voyages, accommodating families or small groups. The Catalina 38 is well-suited for those who enjoy exploring coastal waters, as well as for those who participate in local racing events. In essence, this boat appeals to a wide range of sailors, from competitive racers to leisure cruisers who value reliability and performance on the water.

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$33,915
Total Payment$60,638.76
Monthly payment
$252.66/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$33,915
Total Payment$60,638.76
Monthly payment
$252.66/mo

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Meet the Broker

Address

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

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