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Sun Shine 38 Jeanneau
Designer: Groupe Finot  ·  First built: 1990
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About the Sun Shine 38 Jeanneau

Designed by Jeanneau as part of their performance-oriented Sun Shine series, this 38-footer represents the French builder's approach to combining racing-inspired design with practical cruising capabilities. The Sun Shine line gained recognition in the 1980s for delivering spirited sailing performance without sacrificing the comfort features that make extended cruising enjoyable. This model features the characteristic French design philosophy of maximizing interior volume while maintaining clean deck lines and efficient sail handling systems. The hull design emphasizes speed and responsiveness, making it well-suited for coastal cruising, weekend racing, and longer passages where performance matters. Jeanneau's reputation for solid construction quality and thoughtful interior layouts is evident throughout the boat. The Sun Shine 38 appeals to sailors seeking a versatile platform that can handle both spirited day sailing and comfortable overnight cruising. Its size strikes an ideal balance for couples or small families wanting a boat that's manageable shorthanded yet spacious enough for extended adventures. The design reflects Jeanneau's understanding of sailors who refuse to compromise between sailing performance and onboard comfort, making it a compelling choice in the competitive 38-foot market segment.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 38.22 ft / 11.65 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 33.14 ft / 10.10 m
Beam 12.80 ft / 3.90 m
Max Draft 6.07 ft / 1.85 m
Displacement 16,535 lb / 7,500 kg
Ballast 5,732 lb / 2,600 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 720 ft² / 66.89 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Groupe Finot
First Built 1990
Last Built 1995
Owner Reviews

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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
 17.72
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.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 34.67
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
 202.81
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
 24.53
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
 2.01
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. 7.71 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. 9.09 pounds/inch
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