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Hinckley 38
Designer: Sparkman & Stephens  ·  Builder: Henry R. Hinckley & Co.  ·  First built: 1968
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About the Hinckley 38

Built by Maine's prestigious Hinckley Company, this 38-foot sailboat represents the yard's commitment to traditional craftsmanship and thoughtful design. Known for their meticulous attention to detail and use of premium materials, Hinckley has long been synonymous with quality construction and elegant aesthetics in the sailing world. While detailed specifications remain limited, the Hinckley 38 likely embodies the yard's philosophy of creating versatile cruising sailboats that excel in coastal waters while maintaining the capability for extended passages. Hinckley designs typically feature well-balanced sail plans, comfortable accommodations, and robust construction methods that inspire confidence in varying conditions. The boat would appeal to sailors seeking a refined cruising experience, with the build quality and reputation that comes with the Hinckley name. These vessels traditionally offer excellent resale value and attract owners who appreciate classic styling combined with modern sailing performance. Given Hinckley's heritage, the 38 would be well-suited for New England coastal cruising, weekend getaways, and potentially longer voyages for experienced sailors who value the security of proven construction and thoughtful engineering over cutting-edge racing technology.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 37.50 ft / 11.43 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 27.50 ft / 8.38 m
Beam 10.50 ft / 3.20 m
Max Draft 5.67 ft / 1.73 m
Displacement 13,920.00 lb / 6,314 kg
Ballast 6,000.00 lb / 2,722 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 618.00 ft² / 57.41 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Sparkman & Stephens
Builder Henry R. Hinckley & Co.
First Built 1968
Last Built 1970
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 156
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
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
 30.78
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. 7.03
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
 1.77
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. 1.0
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 45.0
J (Foretriangle Base) 15.0
P (Mainsail Luff) 40.0
E (Mainsail Foot) 14.0
SA Fore 337.5
SA Main 280.0
Find a Hinckley 38 For Sale
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