38' Cabo Rico 38 Cruisers

The Cabo Rico was built as a high-quality cruiser with finely crafted beautiful woodwork below. Known for their kind seakeeping, and sturdy build, this full keel cruiser has been proven in the Sea of Cortez and Southern California.  Maintenance log 2011-2020 is available.

Sailing Magazine:

"Cabo Rico 38...Timeless design and sturdy build are the hallmarks of this accomplished cruiser. Crealock stated in his design notes, "The Cabo Rico 38 hull shape is the one in which everything came together best."

Cabo Rico is an unlikely success story. The company was founded in the mid-60s by John Schofield, who managed British Leyland's Rover Plant in San Jose, Costa Rica. Cabo Rico came of age when Edi and Fraser Smith took over the company in the late 1980s. It has a timeless quality. The sweep of the hull includes a clipper-style bow with a sprit and handsome teak carved trailboards, and a fair bit of overhang. The counter stern is narrow and no doubt seakindly in a following sea. If you appreciate traditional boats you'll find the Cabo Rico's sheerline a thing of beauty."

Boats We Love:

"Nearly 200 Cabo Rico 38s were built between 1978 and 2008."

Used Boat Review:

"This boat succeeds because she never pretends to be anything but what she is--a serious cruising boat for serious cruisers. Among common features, they have ample capacity for fuel and fresh water, a strong rig and manageable sail plans, and accommodations and features that consider the safety of the crew and guests above all else. The overall length of the Cabo Rico 38 is actually 41 feet due to a three foot bowsprit. Waterline length is 29'3"; beam is 11'6"; draft is listed by the manufacturer at an even five feet; and displacement is 21,500 pounds. The Cabo Rico 38 hull is constructed of fiberglass laminates. Although some balsa core is used in the hull sides above the static waterline, the core is intended for thermal and sound insulation rather than for strength. Decks and cabin structures are built with half-inch balsa wood core between fiberglass laminates, although core materials are eliminated in the area of through-bolted hardware. Cabo Rico uses solid fiberglass for structural reinforcement below the waterline...There are plenty of deck hatches, opening ports and dorades for good ventilation of cabin spaces. With a full keel and its associated high wetted surface area, the Cabo Rico 38 has a whopping displacement/length ratio of 375, a sail area/displacement ratio of 15.2, and rigging shroud chain plates at the deck edge. When all the pros and cons are considered, this is still a tough boat to beat if you're looking for a serious cruising boat in this size range."