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Cabo Rico 38 Ph
Designer: W.i.b. Crealock  ·  Builder: Cabo Rico Custom Yachts, Inc. (Cr)  ·  First built: 1976
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About the Cabo Rico 38 Ph

Designed by the renowned W.I.B. Crealock and built by Cabo Rico Custom Yachts beginning in 1976, this traditional cutter represents classic bluewater cruising philosophy at its finest. The Ph model showcases Crealock's signature approach to offshore sailing, emphasizing seaworthiness over speed with its full long keel configuration and moderate sail plan. With a displacement of 21,500 pounds and a substantial ballast-to-displacement ratio, this 38-footer delivers the stability and motion comfort that made Cabo Rico's reputation among serious cruisers. The long keel design provides excellent directional stability and protects the propeller and rudder, though at the cost of maneuverability in tight quarters. Her cutter rig offers versatility in changing conditions, allowing for balanced sail combinations from light air to heavy weather. The boat's comfort ratio of 40.3 indicates exceptional motion comfort in seaway conditions, while the capsize screening formula of 1.66 falls well within accepted parameters for offshore sailing. Built with fiberglass construction to exacting standards, these boats earned respect for their solid craftsmanship and ability to handle extended ocean passages. While not fast by modern standards, the Cabo Rico 38 Ph appeals to cruisers who prioritize safety, comfort, and traditional sailing qualities over racing performance.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 38.00 ft / 11.58 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 29.25 ft / 8.92 m
Beam 11.50 ft / 3.51 m
Max Draft 5.00 ft / 1.52 m
Displacement 21,500.00 lb / 9,752 kg
Ballast 7,000.00 lb / 3,175 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long Keel
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction FG
Designer W.I.B. Crealock
Builder Cabo Rico Custom Yachts, Inc. (CR)
First Built 1976
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
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
32.56
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
383.54
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
40.3
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
1.66
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. 7.25 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. 1,201.90 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Perkins
Engine Type Diesel
How It Compares

vs. Cape George 38, Ingrid 38, Island Packet 38

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Cabo Rico 38 Ph ★
38.0 ft
Cape George 38
38.0 ft
Ingrid 38
38.0 ft
Island Packet 38
38.0 ft
LWL
Cabo Rico 38 Ph ★
29.3 ft
Cape George 38
35.0 ft
Ingrid 38
32.0 ft
Island Packet 38
33.0 ft
Beam
Cabo Rico 38 Ph ★
11.5 ft
Cape George 38
11.6 ft
Ingrid 38
11.3 ft
Island Packet 38
12.7 ft
Displacement
Cabo Rico 38 Ph ★
21 lbs
Cape George 38
30 lbs
Ingrid 38
26 lbs
Island Packet 38
21 lbs
Ballast
Cabo Rico 38 Ph ★
7 lbs
Cape George 38
10 lbs
Ingrid 38
8 lbs
Island Packet 38
10 lbs
Sail Area
Cabo Rico 38 Ph ★
Cape George 38
820 sq ft
Ingrid 38
815 sq ft
Island Packet 38
870 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Cabo Rico 38 Ph ★
Cape George 38
159 s/nm
Ingrid 38
213 s/nm
Island Packet 38
162 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Cabo Rico 38 Ph ★
Cape George 38
13.6
Ingrid 38
14.9
Island Packet 38
18.1
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Cabo Rico 38 Ph ★
32.6 %
Cape George 38
35.0 %
Ingrid 38
30.8 %
Island Packet 38
46.5 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Cabo Rico 38 Ph ★
40.3
Cape George 38
49.5
Ingrid 38
46.9
Island Packet 38
32.7
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Cabo Rico 38 Ph ★
1.66
Cape George 38
1.49
Ingrid 38
1.53
Island Packet 38
1.83
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Cabo Rico 38 Ph ★
383
Cape George 38
312
Ingrid 38
354
Island Packet 38
267
Hull Speed
Cabo Rico 38 Ph ★
7.3 kts
Cape George 38
7.9 kts
Ingrid 38
7.6 kts
Island Packet 38
7.7 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Cabo Rico 38 Ph ★
Cape George 38
1.4
Ingrid 38
Island Packet 38
1.9
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