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Compass 38
Designer: Claude Allen Smith  ·  Builder: Compass Yachts  ·  First built: 1970
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About the Compass 38

Designed by Claude Allen Smith and built by Compass Yachts from 1970 to 1979, this 38-footer represents a classic era of American sailboat design. With only 50 hulls produced during its nine-year production run, the Compass 38 has become a relatively rare find in today's market. The boat's substantial displacement of over 16,000 pounds and generous ballast-to-displacement ratio create a stable, seaworthy platform well-suited for coastal cruising and moderate offshore passages. Her traditional fin keel with rudder mounted on a skeg provides reliable tracking and enhanced protection for the rudder system—a reassuring feature for cruising sailors. The masthead sloop rig offers straightforward sail handling, while the moderate sail area keeps the boat manageable in various conditions. With a comfort ratio of 31.2, she delivers the motion characteristics that long-distance cruisers appreciate, though this comes at the expense of racing performance. The hull's fiberglass construction has proven durable over the decades, and many examples continue sailing today as testament to the solid engineering of the era. For sailors seeking a capable, traditional cruising boat with proven seakeeping abilities, the Compass 38 offers an appealing blend of comfort and offshore capability in a size that remains manageable for a small crew.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 37.73 ft / 11.50 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 30.48 ft / 9.29 m
Beam 11.08 ft / 3.38 m
Max Draft 5.97 ft / 1.82 m
Displacement 16,226.00 lb / 7,360 kg
Ballast 7,055.00 lb / 3,200 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 577.00 ft² / 53.61 m²
Headroom 6.23 ft / 1.90 m
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FRP
Designer Claude Allen Smith
Builder Compass Yachts
First Built 1970
Last Built 1979
Number Built 50
Associations Compass Yacht Group
Owner Reviews

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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
 14.46
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
 43.48
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
 255.81
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
 31.2
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
 1.75
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. 7.40 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 1.87
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. 1,206.70 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 14.46
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 44.00 ft / 13.41 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 15.60 ft / 4.75 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 39.00 ft / 11.89 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 12.00 ft / 3.66 m
SA Fore 343.20 ft² / 31.88 m²
SA Main 234.00 ft² / 21.74 m²
SA Total (100%) 577.20 ft² / 53.62 m²
Est. Forestay Length 46.68 ft / 14.23 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Type Diesel
Fuel Capacity 30 gals / 114 L
Water Capacity 100 gals / 379 L
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