1984 Ohlson 38 Boat in Blaine, WA 98230 US
38
1 Engine (Yanmar)
38 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
Ohlson 38 - Classic Ocean Racer Cruiser - Craftsmanship - Well Maintained
Located in Blaine, Washington, North of Seattle, South of British Columbia, in the Pacific Northwest
*** Long-term sublease is available at Semiahmoo Marina, Blaine, WA, which is a short distance from the San Juan Islands ***
Zephyr is the result of a tremendous design, built to exacting European standards, then methodically refined over 15 years by a meticulous shipwright. There is little, if anything, left to improve upon in this boat. If you appreciate an easily driven, timeless hull shape, heavy-duty construction, and meticulous attention to detail, Zephyr stands out.
The Ohlson 38 was designed by Einer Ohlson. Many of the 38's were built or finished in Ohlson's home country of Sweden, while others, like Zephyr, were built and finished at Tyler Yachts in England. When the design was first built in the late 1960s, the imperative was still to create a relatively narrow, easily driven hull that went through the water. While the rudder and keel are separated, the keel is long enough to provide excellent tracking and directional stability.
The cockpit is secure and comfortable, with storage in cockpit lockers and a large lazarette. The side decks are wide with excellent handholds all the way forward. It's an easy deck to move around in, particularly on a bouncing sea.
Below decks, the interior is beautifully finished, particularly where the owner has rebuilt it. The forepeak, for instance, was gutted and rebuilt and is now a luxurious owner's cabin. The shower stall to starboard was replaced by a counter and sink. The spaces and storage are clearly designed to work at sea.
The original Tyler construction is impressive, with substantial stringers running along the hull sides. Combined with the vinyl-ester solid fiberglass layup of both the hull and decks, this makes the Ohlson 38 an amazingly strong boat. The entire deck and hull have been thoroughly insulated.
- New fully enclosed Bimini (2025)
- Mack Pack Mainsail Cover system
- New teak seats and floor in cockpit (2020)
- New electrical panels (2020)
- Current electronics (2018)
- Engine mounts, transmission, and PSS seal replaced (2020)
- New Lewmar Ocean hatches (2018)
Zephyr’s interior is inviting and cozy, with traditional carpentry defining the space. Starting forward is a comfortable V-berth with a fitted, spring mattress. The head is to port and a vanity to starboard, with plenty of storage and room to move around. The main cabin features a settee to starboard and a dinette to port, which can extend to accommodate guests at the dinner table or be lowered to create a double berth. Storage is accessible and abundant. The navigation station is to starboard at the base of the companionway with a quarter berth extending aft. The galley is to port.
- Spring mattress in forepeak
- LED lights throughout
- Original Wedgewood China
- Fitted pans
- MasterFlush electric macerating head
- Electric raw water pump and sea-strainer
- TW discharger pump
- Tank master discharge panel
- Force 10 propane 10000 BTU cabin heater
- Force 10 3-burner propane stove and oven
- S2-A solenoid and propane fume detector
- Autohelm 3000 autopilot
- Garmin 3210 chart plotter with AIS at navigation station
- Garmin 3205 chart plotter at helm
- Garmin 180 in forepeak used as anchor watch
- Garmin GMR 18 radar antenna
- Garmin network hub
- Garmin depth, speed, and wind indicator (2018)
- (2) ICOM M422 VHF radio
- Shakespeare VHF auto antenna splitter
- Shakespeare VHF antenna
- 12 volt DC and 120 volt AC
- 50' shore power cord
- Blue Seas Vessel Monitoring System 442
- Blue Seas 40 amp P12 battery charger (2020)
- Blue Sea 7520 battery charger remote panel (2020)
- Blue Seas Automatic Charging Relay
- Blue Seas Battery disconnect panel and 12V sub-panel
- Blue Seas 12v distribution panel
- House batteries AGM - 200 amp hours (2019)
- Starting battery – AGM - (2015)
- Galvanic isolation system
- Separated main ground bus
- 90-watt Solavolt model SV8500 solar panel
- Solar charge controller (2011)
- Renewed battery cabling
- Yanmar 3GM30F (2000) 2514 hours
- New transmission (Yanmar, KM2P) (2020)
- New engine mounts and brackets (2020)
- Rear Engine PSS seal replaced (2020)
- Racor primary fuel filter
- Lido fuel gauge and sender
- New cockpit engine access hatch
- 6” Henry Browne Sestrel compass
- Engine tachometer, oil gauges at helm
The deck has been modernized with modern stoppers and winches, but otherwise retains the same character as when she was launched: elegant simplicity and uncompromising quality. The dorade boxes were built from wood aged in San Francisco from Alameda Shipyards. The rail-mounted propane box was built to extraordinarily tight tolerances and coated with 8 coats of varnish.
- Blue Dodger & Bimini fully enclosed
- New teak cockpit seats and floor (2020)
- New LPU paint in cockpit
- (6) opening ports
- Kiwigrip nonskid and LPU on deck (2018)
- Custom helm seat
- Hot and cold shower in cockpit
- All cockpit teak replaced (2020)
- Cockpit combing redone (2020)
- Cockpit well repainted with epoxy
- Cockpit drain strainers re-chromed
- Gas lifts installed on cockpit hatches
- (2) Lewmar Ocean hatches (2018)
- New cockpit engine access hatch
- Full cockpit cushions
- Maxwell 1200 windlass (rebuilt 2018)
- Anchor washdown on deck
- 33# Bruce Anchor
- Single spreader mast
- (8) Lewmar D2 stoppers
- (2) Lewmar 46ST primary self-tailing winches
- (2) Lewmar 36ST cabin top self-tailing winches
- Standing rigging renewed (2000)
- Backstay replaced (2008)
- Harken roller furling
- 110% furling headsail
- 130% furling headsail
- Mainsail
- Spare mainsail
- Working Jib
- Gennaker
- Spinnaker
- Trysail
- Storm Jib
- Fire extinguishers at Nav station and Head
- Engine room blower
- Magma barbeque
- Rule automatic bilge pump
- Whale Gusher 10 Mk3 manual bilge pump in cockpit with renewed bellows
- 10' fiberglass RIB with 6hp Mercury outboard and trailer
- No Dinghy included
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
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 6/3/26 | Initial price | $79,000 |
1984 Ohlson 38 Video Tours
Overview from around the web 1984 Ohlson 38
The Ohlson 38, built in 1984, has garnered a reputation among sailing enthusiasts for its robust construction and classic design
Customers frequently praise its seaworthiness, making it a reliable choice for both coastal cruising and longer voyages. Owners often highlight the spacious and well-appointed interior, which features comfortable accommodations for extended stays on the water. The layout typically includes a galley equipped for meal preparation and a cozy salon perfect for relaxing after a day of sailing. The sailing performance of the Ohlson 38 is well-regarded, with many testimonies mentioning its responsive handling and excellent stability, even in challenging conditions. The combination of a solid hull and well-designed sail plan contributes to a fulfilling sailing experience for both novices and experienced sailors alike. Many users appreciate the classic aesthetic, as the Ohlson 38 embodies timeless elegance, with craftsmanship that reflects the quality of its era. Enthusiasts note that these boats maintain their value and continue to be sought after in the used boat market. In summary, the 1984 Ohlson 38 is often celebrated for its sailing performance, comfort, and classic design, making it a favored choice among dedicated sailors.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
Ohlson 38 (1984) - Pros and Cons
Pros
Timeless Design: The Ohlson 38 features a classic Scandinavian design combining both aesthetic appeal and functionality. Its sleek lines and balanced proportions make it a head-turner in any marina.
Solid Construction: Built with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, the Ohlson 38 boasts a strong fiberglass hull that offers durability and longevity, making it suitable for both coastal cruising and open sea voyages.
Good Sailing Performance: With a well-thought-out hull shape and an efficient rig, the Ohlson 38 delivers excellent sailing performance. It handles well in a variety of weather conditions, providing a rewarding experience for sailors of all skill levels.
Spacious Interior: The interior layout offers ample living space, featuring comfortable accommodations for extended cruising. The generous headroom, well-equipped galley, and practical storage solutions enhance on-board living.
Self-Contained Systems: The Ohlson 38 typically comes equipped with solid systems for water, electrical, and waste management, making it ideal for long trips and extended stays on the water.
Established Reputation: The Ohlson brand has a reputation for building reliable and capable cruising vessels, which is reinforced by a community of owners who share advice, tips, and support.
Cons
Age Considerations: Being a 1984 model, potential buyers should be aware of the need for maintenance and updates to systems and equipment that may become outdated over time.
Limited Availability of Parts: Due to the age of the boat, finding specific replacement parts or components may be challenging, requiring custom solutions or modifications.
Performance vs. Comfort Trade-off: While the Ohlson 38 performs well under sail, some may find that its focus on sailing characteristics compromises certain luxury aspects that more modern boats might prioritize.
Weight and Stability: The solid construction makes the boat relatively heavy, which can be an advantage in terms of stability but may also affect speed compared to lighter designs.
Market Value Fluctuations: As with any older vessel, the market value can vary significantly based on condition, upgrades, and local demand, impacting resale considerations.
Made For
The 1984 Ohlson 38 is designed for sailing enthusiasts who appreciate a blend of classic craftsmanship and modern performance. This vessel is ideal for individuals or families looking for a reliable offshore cruiser that offers both comfort and functionality. With its robust construction and seaworthy design, it's perfect for adventurers eager to explore distant shores or simply enjoy weekends on the water. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or a novice looking to elevate your sailing experience, the Ohlson 38 accommodates a variety of lifestyles. Its spacious interior provides ample room for entertaining, while the well-designed cockpit ensures enjoyable outings with friends or family. Emphasizing safety and stability, this boat is also a favorite among those who prioritize long-distance cruising. Designed for both leisurely sails and more challenging voyages, the 1984 Ohlson 38 is a versatile choice for anyone passionate about the sailing lifestyle.
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| $79,000 | $79,000 | $84,500 | $68,000 | $49,900 | $44,500 |
| Blaine | Cathlamet | Seattle | Bremerton | Seattle | Coupeville |
| 38' | 40' | - | 37' | 39' | 40' |
| 10' | - | - | - | - | - |
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| - | 55 hp | 85 hp | 38 hp | 40 hp | 44 hp |
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Meet the Broker

Address
Boat Location
Contact Marine Servicenter - Bellingham Sales Center about 1984 Ohlson 38
1801 Roeder Ave #128, Bellingham, WA, 98225






