Bayliner 3888 Boats For Sale

The Bayliner 3888 is an aft-cabin motor yacht produced through 1994, with the model also badged as the 388 and known as the Bayliner 38 flybridge cruiser. It measures just over 38 feet in length with a beam of almost 13.5 feet, and across the model run from the early 1980s through the mid-1990s it kept the same core layout: two staterooms, two heads, a galley-down arrangement, and both an inside lower helm and a flybridge. Used examples have changed hands around $78,000, with one twin-diesel, low-hours 1991 boat listed at that figure in Jacksonville, Florida. The hull feels solid and stable for its size, holding steady at the dock and underway rather than pivoting sharply at the bow and stern.

Power comes from twin diesels, commonly a pair of 210-horsepower Hino engines, and the 3888 is an economical cruiser that sips fuel. Cruising speed runs around 10 knots with a top speed in the 15 to 16 knot range. Fuel capacity is 304 gallons, fresh water is 80 gallons, and the holding tank holds 40 gallons, giving the boat genuine range for extended cruising or living aboard. Engine hours on well-kept examples are often low for their age, with documented service records and individual engines showing well under 1,500 hours.

The helm is duplicated, which suits year-round cruising. The flybridge carries the primary station and is where most owners drive from, fitted with three helm seats, a large Bimini, and wraparound canvas that can fully enclose; the Radar Arch and Bimini fold down for height-restricted routes such as the Great Loop. Electronics seen across boats include Raymarine multifunction displays and radar, a Garmin GPS chartplotter, autopilot, VHF, and fish finder, with full engine instrumentation at both stations. The inside lower helm to starboard sits behind large wraparound windows with sliding panes for ventilation.

The deck and cockpit are built for fishing and tender carrying. The open cockpit has direct access to the engine room from the aft deck, with a large lazarette beneath the seating. Boats are commonly rigged with Scotty downriggers, a Dickinson barbecue, an electric windlass and bow pulpit, fender baskets on the bow, and a deck crane or davit to lift and cradle an inflatable dinghy on the foredeck. The swim platform is a useful size, and grab rails run along the walk-around side decks.

Inside, the main salon has a settee that converts to a berth, a wet bar with a sink, ice maker, and blender, and a flat-screen TV. Three steps down, the galley is well equipped with a three- or four-burner stove and oven, convection microwave, double stainless sinks, and a fridge-freezer; some boats add a dishwasher. The forward owner's stateroom has an island queen berth accessible from both sides with a hanging locker, drawers under the bed, and an ensuite head. A second double stateroom sits amidships opposite the galley, a comfortable berth at anchor. A Jack-and-Jill tub-and-shower compartment connects between the two heads, and overhead hatches throughout bring in natural light and air.

When evaluating a 3888 for sale, age matters: these are 1980s and early-1990s boats, so canvas, upholstery, carpets, and cosmetic woodwork vary widely by example. A boat with recently renewed canvas, replaced carpets, fresh bottom paint and zincs, and a documented maintenance history commands a premium and avoids costly catch-up work. A standard sea trial and survey, including hauling the boat to inspect the running gear, is worthwhile, as is confirming the generator (6 to 7.6 kW Westerbeke on these boats), refrigeration, and head systems all function before purchase.