1981 Catalina 38 Sparkman & Stephens Sold Boat in Charleston, SC US
38 Sparkman & Stephens
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38 feet
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Fiberglass/Reinforced
Other Catalina boats for sale in South Carolina, United States
.A CLASSIC Sparkman & Stephen's hull design with the Catalina attention to detail and layout of the interior. You will find, listed, many upgrades recently accomplished. Several thousands were spent in upgrades before cruising plans had to be canceled. Someone is going to benefit from the costly work accomplished with little left to do.
.A CLASSIC Sparkman & Stephen's hull design with the Catalina attention to detail and layout of the interior. You will find, listed, many upgrades recently accomplished. Several thousands were spent in upgrades before cruising plans had to be canceled. Someone is going to benefit from the costly work accomplished with little left to do.
1981 Catalina 38 Sparkman & Stephens Video Tours
Overview from around the web 1981 Catalina 38 Sparkman & Stephens
Customers praise the 1981 Catalina 38 Sparkman & Stephens for its classic design and solid construction, appreciating its blend of performance and cruising comfort
Many highlight its spacious interior layout, making it ideal for extended voyages and liveaboard use. The boat's handling and sailing characteristics receive positive remarks, with sailors noting its responsiveness and balanced helm. Owners also value the quality craftsmanship and timeless aesthetics that have kept the Catalina 38 popular among cruising enthusiasts for decades. Overall, feedback underscores the boat’s reputation as a reliable and enjoyable vessel for both coastal cruising and offshore adventures.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1981 Catalina 38 Sparkman & Stephens is a classic cruiser-racer sailboat known for its blend of performance and comfort. Here are some of the pros and cons of this model:
Pros
Timeless Design: Designed by the renowned Sparkman & Stephens, the Catalina 38 features elegant lines and a balanced hull that offers good sailing performance.
Solid Construction: Built with quality materials and craftsmanship, providing durability and longevity.
Comfortable Interior: Spacious layout with ample headroom, a well-equipped galley, and comfortable accommodations suitable for extended cruising.
Good Performance: The boat performs well both upwind and downwind, making it suitable for both racing and cruising.
Easy Handling: Equipped with a manageable sail plan and responsive helm, making it accessible for sailors of various skill levels.
Strong Community and Support: Being a popular model, there is a strong owner community and availability of parts.
Cons
Older Design Features: While classic, some aspects of the design may feel dated compared to modern sailboats, such as interior finishes and rigging technology.
Maintenance Needs: As a boat from 1981, it may require ongoing maintenance and occasional upgrades to systems and equipment.
Weight: Heavier than some contemporary performance cruisers, which might affect light wind sailing.
Limited Tank Capacities: Freshwater and fuel tank sizes may be smaller than those found on newer cruising boats, potentially limiting extended cruising range without frequent resupply.
Made For
The 1981 Catalina 38 Sparkman & Stephens is ideal for sailing enthusiasts who appreciate classic design combined with reliable performance. Perfect for both cruising and club racing, it suits sailors looking for a well-crafted, comfortable, and versatile yacht that handles well in a variety of conditions. Whether you're planning coastal adventures or weekend getaways, this boat offers a balanced blend of speed, stability, and timeless style.
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Charleston, SC


















