1986 Catalina 38

$53,350

Used

Boat in Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 US

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
39.07ft
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
4/30/26Initial price$53,350

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

Customers are raving about the 1986 Catalina 38, highlighting its exceptional build quality and performance on the water

Many sailors appreciate its sturdy construction, which has withstood the test of time, making it a reliable choice for both cruising and racing. Users frequently mention the spacious and comfortable interior, with its well-designed layout that includes a generous salon, a fully equipped galley, and ample storage. The cabin’s natural light and ventilation contribute to a pleasant onboard experience. Performance-wise, sailors praise the Catalina 38 for its impressive handling, pointing out that it provides a balanced and responsive sailing experience, whether in calm seas or more spirited conditions. Its design allows for versatility, making it suitable for both family outings and competitive races. Overall, feedback emphasizes the Catalina 38’s combination of comfort, performance, and durability, making it a beloved choice among sailors who appreciate tradition alongside modern capabilities.

The Biggest Pros and Cons

The 1986 Catalina 38 is a well-regarded cruising sailboat known for its balance of performance and comfort. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros

Solid Performance: The Catalina 38 is known for its good sailing performance, with a moderate displacement and well-designed hull that offers stability and speed.

Spacious Interior: The cabin layout is generous for a boat of its size, featuring ample headroom, comfortable seating, and a well-equipped galley. The design accommodates up to six guests, making it suitable for family outings or entertaining.

Quality Construction: Catalina Yachts has a good reputation for building durable boats. The 1986 model benefits from high-quality materials and craftsmanship, contributing to longevity and reliability.

Versatile Use: It performs well as both a cruiser and a racer, allowing owners to switch between leisure sailing and competitive racing without major modifications.

Good Storage: The boat offers plenty of storage options, including lockers and compartments, providing practicality for long trips or weekend getaways.

Sailing Community: Being part of the Catalina family means access to a large community of owners. This can be helpful for sharing experiences, advice, and resources.

Cons

Older Design: As a boat from 1986, some may find that its design and technology do not match the latest innovations found in newer models. Upgrades may be necessary for modern amenities.

Maintenance Requirements: With age comes the need for maintenance. Depending on how well the boat has been cared for, some systems may require more attention and replacement.

Limited Speed Compared to Modern Designs: While it performs well, more recent sailboats may have advancements in hull design, sail materials, and rigging that allow for better speed and performance.

Sailing Characteristics: Some sailors may find the Catalina 38 can lose performance in lighter winds due to its heavier build compared to lighter, more modern designs.

Potential for Layout Limitations: While the interior is spacious, some may find the layout not as optimized as newer designs, potentially affecting daily living or longer trips. Considering these factors will help you determine if the Catalina 38 1986 suits your sailing needs and preferences. Whether for day trips or longer excursions, it's important to assess both its strengths and areas for improvement.

Made For

The 1986 Catalina 38 is an ideal choice for sailing enthusiasts seeking a well-designed and versatile cruiser. Known for its robust construction and excellent sailing performance, this sailboat appeals to a variety of sailors—from seasoned mariners to those new to cruising. The Catalina 38 offers spacious accommodations, making it suitable for families or couples looking to spend weekends on the water or embark on longer adventures. Its comfortable layout provides a cozy living space, complete with a galley, dinette, and sleeping quarters, ensuring that you can enjoy life on the water in style. With its performance-oriented design, the Catalina 38 is perfect for those who enjoy racing as well as cruising. Sailors can appreciate the well-balanced sailing characteristics, making it responsive and enjoyable to handle in various wind conditions. Whether you're exploring local waters or planning offshore passages, the Catalina 38 stands ready to meet your sailing ambitions. Overall, the 1986 Catalina 38 is for anyone who values a blend of performance, comfort, and practicality in their sailing experience.

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.
Monthly payment
$337.83/mo
$
$
%
Principal Loan Amount$ 45,347
Total Payment$81,078.75

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.
Monthly payment
$337.83/mo
$
$
%
Principal Loan Amount$ 45,347
Total Payment$81,078.75

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Meet the Broker

Address

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

Boat Location

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