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Sadler 38
Designer: Stephen Jones  ·  Builder: Sadler International (Uk)  ·  First built: 1990
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About the Sadler 38

Designed by Stephen Jones and built by Sadler International in the UK starting in 1990, this 38-footer represents the British builder's commitment to creating practical cruising yachts with solid construction and reliable performance. The fiberglass hull stretches 38.67 feet overall with a waterline length of 31.33 feet, while the 12.50-foot beam provides comfortable interior space without sacrificing sailing characteristics. The fin keel and spade rudder configuration, combined with a moderate displacement of 16,370 pounds, delivers responsive handling that appeals to both coastal cruisers and those venturing offshore. With 713 square feet of sail area in a masthead sloop rig, the boat offers versatile sail handling options and good light-air performance. The SA/Displacement ratio of 17.76 indicates spirited sailing ability, while the comfort ratio of 26.11 suggests a motion that balances performance with onboard livability. Built during an era when British boatbuilders were refining their approach to modern cruising designs, the Sadler 38 incorporates practical features that owners appreciate for extended cruising. The 56-horsepower engine provides reliable auxiliary power, and the overall design philosophy emphasizes seaworthiness and comfort over pure racing performance, making it well-suited for serious coastal and offshore cruising adventures.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 38.67 ft / 11.79 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 31.33 ft / 9.55 m
Beam 12.50 ft / 3.81 m
Max Draft 5.08 ft / 1.55 m
Displacement 16,370.00 lb / 7,425 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 713.00 ft² / 66.24 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Stephen Jones
Builder Sadler International (UK)
First Built 1990
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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
 17.76
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
 237.64
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
 26.11
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
 1.97
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. 7.50 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. 1,399.32 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 56
Water Capacity 64 gals / 242 L
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