Back to Search
Ohlson 38
Designer: Einar Ohlson  ·  Builder: Tyler Boat Co. Ltd. (Uk) /Malo Yachts  ·  First built: 1969
+ Add to Compare
About the Ohlson 38

Designed by the renowned Swedish naval architect Einar Ohlson, the Ohlson 38 carries a well-regarded reputation among sailors who appreciate thoughtful Scandinavian design sensibility. Ohlson was known for producing boats with excellent seakeeping ability, and the 38 reflects that heritage with a hull shape well suited to both coastal cruising and more demanding offshore passages. Sailors who have owned or sailed the Ohlson 38 frequently praise its balanced helm and comfortable motion in a seaway, qualities that make longer passages genuinely enjoyable rather than merely manageable. The boat strikes a practical balance between performance and liveability, appealing to those who want a capable bluewater cruiser without sacrificing the pleasure of spirited sailing in coastal conditions. As with many classic designs from this era, the Ohlson 38 attracts a loyal following, and examples that have been well maintained remain competitive and seaworthy. For the prospective buyer researching a serious passagemaker with proven design roots and a strong community of knowledgeable owners, the Ohlson 38 is a vessel well worth investigating further.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 37.06 ft / 11.30 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 27.58 ft / 8.41 m
Beam 10.05 ft / 3.06 m
Max Draft 5.60 ft / 1.71 m
Displacement 14,900.00 lb / 6,759 kg
Ballast 6,000.00 lb / 2,722 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 586.00 ft² / 54.44 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Einar Ohlson
Builder Tyler Boat Co. Ltd. (UK) /Malo Yachts
First Built 1969
Last Built 1980
Owner Reviews

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

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
 152
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
 15.54
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
 35.01
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
 1.64
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. 7.04
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
 1.53
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. 990.39
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 44.78
J (Foretriangle Base) 14.44
P (Mainsail Luff) 39.44
E (Mainsail Foot) 13.58
SA Fore 323.31
SA Main 267.8
Find a Ohlson 38 For Sale
Y YachtWorld Brokerage listings S Sailboat Listings Sailboats only C Craigslist National search F Facebook Marketplace Local listings B boats.com Global marketplace