Back to Search
Herreshoff 38 Cat Ketch
Designer: Halsey Herreshoff  ·  Builder: Cat Ketch Corp. (Usa)  ·  First built: 1982
+ Add to Compare
About the Herreshoff 38 Cat Ketch

Designed by Halsey Herreshoff and first launched in 1982, this distinctive 38-footer represents a modern interpretation of traditional cat ketch sailing. Built by Cat Ketch Corp. with fiberglass and Airex core construction, the design emphasizes simplicity and self-sufficiency through its unstayed rig configuration. The cat ketch rig eliminates the complexity of standing rigging while providing excellent balance and easy handling, making this vessel particularly appealing to shorthanded sailors and those seeking low-maintenance cruising. With 593 square feet of sail area distributed across two masts, the boat offers versatile sail combinations for varying conditions. The fin keel with rudder on skeg configuration provides good tracking and maneuverability while maintaining the moderate 4.5-foot draft suitable for exploring shallow anchorages. At 13,080 pounds displacement with 5,500 pounds of ballast, the Herreshoff 38 strikes a balance between stability and performance. The comfortable 22.24 comfort ratio and conservative 1.96 capsize screening value indicate this is primarily a cruising design suited for coastal and offshore passages rather than racing. The moderate beam of 11.5 feet provides reasonable interior volume while maintaining seaworthy proportions that reflect the Herreshoff family's legendary design sensibilities.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 37.79 ft / 11.52 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 34.00 ft / 10.36 m
Beam 11.50 ft / 3.51 m
Max Draft 4.50 ft / 1.37 m
Displacement 13,080.00 lb / 5,933 kg
Ballast 5,500.00 lb / 2,495 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 593.00 ft² / 55.09 m²
Headroom 6.33 ft / 1.93 m
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Cat Ketch (unstayed)
Construction FG w/Airex core
Designer Halsey Herreshoff
Builder Cat Ketch Corp. (USA)
First Built 1982
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

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
17.15
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
42.05
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
148.57
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
22.24
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
1.96
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. 7.81 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. 1,397.09 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Nanni
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 32
Fuel Capacity 38 gals / 144 L
Water Capacity 100 gals / 379 L
Find a Herreshoff 38 Cat Ketch For Sale