1982 Catalina 38

The Catalina 38 has a reputation for feeling bigger than her numbers, and this one delivers that same roomy cockpit and wide side decks that make line-handling and short-handed sailing less of a dance. The Sparkman & Stephens underbody gives you that sweet, predictable groove upwind, while the balanced helm keeps long passages comfortable instead of tiring. Down below, the traditional layout means good sea berths and plenty of secure handholds underway, not just dockside comfort. Her moderate displacement and fine entry help her slice through a chop rather than pound, and that deep fin keel rewards a skipper who likes to tweak sail trim and feel the boat accelerate. She’s a sailor’s cruiser, not just a floating cottage.

A Catalina 38 is a smart fit for local conditions where you may see changeable breeze, afternoon gusts, and the occasional short, confused chop. The efficient hull and deep fin keel give you confident tracking on longer legs, yet the boat still tacks crisply through tight channels and crowded approaches. Her secure cockpit, high coamings, and solid deck layout make it easier to move around safely when things pipe up, and the interior offers enough storage and tankage for extended weekends or short cruises along the coast. With a dependable auxiliary and easily handled sailplan, this model suits both seasoned sailors and those moving up to a more performance-oriented cruiser.