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Odyssey 38 Cole
Designer: Peter Cole & Associates  ·  Builder: Ho Hsing Frp Co. Ltd., Taiwan  ·  First built: 1982
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About the Odyssey 38 Cole

Designed for sailors who want a capable and comfortable bluewater cruiser, the Odyssey 38 Cole is a mid-sized sailboat built with serious passage-making in mind. While detailed specifications on this model remain relatively scarce, the boat has earned a quiet reputation among cruising communities as a solid offshore performer that balances seakeeping ability with livable interior accommodations. The Cole's hull design reflects the priorities of extended voyaging — a stable, seaworthy platform that inspires confidence in open water conditions while remaining manageable for short-handed crews. Her size places her comfortably in the category of boats suited for coastal cruising, offshore passages, and even bluewater adventures for experienced sailors looking for a trustworthy companion on longer journeys. For prospective buyers, the Odyssey 38 Cole represents an appealing option in the used market, particularly for those prioritizing seaworthiness and cruising comfort over racing performance. As with any vessel where documentation is limited, a thorough survey and sea trial are strongly recommended to fully assess the individual boat's condition and suitability for your intended sailing plans.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 37.58 ft / 11.45 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 31.75 ft / 9.68 m
Beam 12.12 ft / 3.69 m
Max Draft 5.50 ft / 1.68 m
Displacement 20,000.00 lb / 9,072 kg
Ballast 8,300.00 lb / 3,765 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 681.00 ft² / 63.27 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Peter Cole & Associates
Builder Ho Hsing FRP Co. Ltd., Taiwan
First Built 1982
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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
14.84
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
33.27
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
1.79
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. 7.55
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
1.73
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) 47.5
J (Foretriangle Base) 16.0
P (Mainsail Luff) 41.5
E (Mainsail Foot) 14.5
SA Fore 380.0
SA Main 300.88
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