Designed by renowned naval architect Philip L. Rhodes and launched in 1971, this traditional cruising sailboat exemplifies the classic design principles that made Rhodes a legend in yacht design. Built by Seafarer Yachts with fiberglass construction, the Rhodes 38 features a long keel configuration that provides excellent tracking and seakeeping abilities, making it well-suited for serious coastal and offshore cruising.
The boat's conservative design philosophy shines through in its impressive comfort ratio of 36.6, indicating exceptional stability and motion comfort in rough seas. With a capsize screening formula of 1.65, she falls well within the range considered appropriate for ocean passages. The cutter rig configuration offers versatility in sail handling and the ability to maintain balanced sail plans in various wind conditions.
At 16,500 pounds displacement with 5,500 pounds of ballast, this substantial yacht carries herself with authority through challenging conditions. The long keel design, while sacrificing some maneuverability in tight quarters, rewards sailors with predictable handling and the ability to track straight on long passages. Rhodes 38 owners often praise the boat's seaworthiness and traditional sailing characteristics, making it a respected choice among cruisers seeking a proven, time-tested design for serious voyaging.
Market Price Estimate
Beta
Small sample size. This estimate is based on fewer than 5 listings and may not be representative of the true market. Use with caution.
$29,000 – $29,000
typical asking price
Median $29,000 ·
1 listing used
All listings
$29,000 – $29,000 1
Rate a listing price
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About this estimate
Prices are based on recent asking prices from public listings — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
Condition is not factored in. A well-maintained boat with new sails and engine can be worth significantly more than a project boat of the same model.
Location affects price. Boats in landlocked states or areas with fewer buyers often sell for less than those on the coast.
Year of manufacture is not filtered. Older examples of this model will generally be priced lower than newer ones.
Included equipment varies widely. A boat with a full suite of electronics, dodger, and new standing rigging may command a large premium.
Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering to improve accuracy, but some bad data may remain.
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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
12.12
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.
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
364.03
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
36.6
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
1.65
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.
7.00 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
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.
1,022.36 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.
12.11
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height)
36.80 ft / 11.22 m
J (Foretriangle Base)
14.70 ft / 4.48 m
P (Mainsail Luff)
31.20 ft / 9.51 m
E (Mainsail Foot)
14.00 ft / 4.27 m
SA Fore
270.48 ft² / 25.13 m²
SA Main
218.40 ft² / 20.29 m²
SA Total (100%)
488.88 ft² / 45.42 m²
Est. Forestay Length
39.63 ft / 12.08 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make
Perkins
How It Compares
vs. Ericson 38, Irwin 38 1, Morgan 38, Sabre 38, Seafarer 38 Ketch
