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Alajuela 38 Mkii
Designer: Colin Archer/William Atkin  ·  Builder: Alajuela Yacht Corp. (Usa)  ·  First built: 1977
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About the Alajuela 38 Mkii

Built from 1977 by Alajuela Yacht Corp., this 38-footer represents a thoughtful interpretation of classic Colin Archer and William Atkin design principles, embodying the seaworthy characteristics these legendary naval architects championed. The fiberglass construction translates traditional double-ender sensibilities into a modern production boat suitable for serious cruising. With its long keel and transom-hung rudder configuration, the Alajuela 38 Mkii prioritizes directional stability and heavy-weather performance over racing speed. The substantial 10,000-pound ballast and 27,000-pound displacement create a stiff, comfortable platform that excels in offshore conditions. Her impressive comfort ratio of 47.17 indicates exceptional motion characteristics in seaways, while the conservative capsize screening formula of 1.54 reflects inherent stability and seaworthiness. The cutter rig with 880 square feet of sail area provides versatile sail handling options, particularly valuable when sailing shorthanded or in challenging conditions. This configuration allows for effective sail reduction while maintaining balance and control. The boat's moderate sail area-to-displacement ratio of 15.71 suggests steady, predictable performance rather than thrilling speed. Ideal for coastal and offshore cruising, the Alajuela 38 Mkii appeals to sailors seeking a traditional, seaworthy vessel capable of handling extended passages with confidence and comfort.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 38.00 ft / 11.58 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 32.58 ft / 9.93 m
Beam 11.50 ft / 3.51 m
Max Draft 5.58 ft / 1.70 m
Displacement 27,000.00 lb / 12,247 kg
Ballast 10,000.00 lb / 4,536 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 880.00 ft² / 81.75 m²
Headroom 6.42 ft / 1.96 m
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long keel w/trans. hung rudder
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction FG
Designer Colin Archer/William Atkin
Builder Alajuela Yacht Corp. (USA)
First Built 1977
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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
15.71
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
37.04
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
348.55
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
47.17
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
1.54
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 7.65 kn
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 1,338.74 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Pisces
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 40
Fuel Capacity 75 gals / 284 L
Water Capacity 100 gals / 379 L
How It Compares

vs. Cabo Rico 38, Downeaster 38, Island Packet 38

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Alajuela 38 Mkii ★
38.0 ft
Cabo Rico 38
38.0 ft
Downeaster 38
38.0 ft
Island Packet 38
38.0 ft
LWL
Alajuela 38 Mkii ★
32.6 ft
Cabo Rico 38
29.3 ft
Downeaster 38
29.0 ft
Island Packet 38
33.0 ft
Beam
Alajuela 38 Mkii ★
11.5 ft
Cabo Rico 38
11.5 ft
Downeaster 38
11.8 ft
Island Packet 38
12.7 ft
Displacement
Alajuela 38 Mkii ★
27 lbs
Cabo Rico 38
21 lbs
Downeaster 38
19 lbs
Island Packet 38
21 lbs
Ballast
Alajuela 38 Mkii ★
10 lbs
Cabo Rico 38
7 lbs
Downeaster 38
8 lbs
Island Packet 38
10 lbs
Sail Area
Alajuela 38 Mkii ★
880 sq ft
Cabo Rico 38
Downeaster 38
735 sq ft
Island Packet 38
870 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Alajuela 38 Mkii ★
Cabo Rico 38
180 s/nm
Downeaster 38
Island Packet 38
162 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Alajuela 38 Mkii ★
15.7
Cabo Rico 38
Downeaster 38
16.3
Island Packet 38
18.1
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Alajuela 38 Mkii ★
37.0 %
Cabo Rico 38
37.1 %
Downeaster 38
Island Packet 38
46.5 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Alajuela 38 Mkii ★
47.2
Cabo Rico 38
Downeaster 38
35.4
Island Packet 38
32.7
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Alajuela 38 Mkii ★
1.54
Cabo Rico 38
Downeaster 38
1.76
Island Packet 38
1.83
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Alajuela 38 Mkii ★
348
Cabo Rico 38
374
Downeaster 38
Island Packet 38
267
Hull Speed
Alajuela 38 Mkii ★
7.7 kts
Cabo Rico 38
Downeaster 38
7.2 kts
Island Packet 38
7.7 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Alajuela 38 Mkii ★
Cabo Rico 38
Downeaster 38
1.3
Island Packet 38
1.9
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