1983 Catalina 38 Dealer listing

The Catalina 38 has a rich history. From exhilarating regattas to leisurely coastal cruises, this sailboat has been a steadfast companion for adventurers seeking thrilling experiences on the water. Catalina built 365 of these beauties, a tribute to her performance capability. She’s so fast she won the Newport to Ensenada race the first year in production. In a 2014 issue of Cruising World, Michael Robertson noted, “with its pedigree, it’s no surprise that owners report the Catalina 38 sails to windward like it’s on rails and also sails beautifully in light air. That superior upwind performance comes with a draft that approaches 7 feet.” Whether you’re racing against the wind or cruising at a leisurely pace, this vessel’s exceptional performance will leave you in awe.

“Mundays Off” is a proven racer and cruiser. She has been raced on the Columbia River, cruised the Pacific Northwest of the USA, and sailed down the PNW coastline south into Pacific Mexico and the Sea of Cortez. The Catalina 38 is a great option for sailors looking for a versatile boat that can handle both comfortable cruising and racing. It is particularly well-suited for a couple or small crew who value a blend of performance and comfort. The vessel’s popularity and the availability of community support make it a solid choice for those who want to be able to find information and assistance for their boat.

The interior arrangement is as good as it gets for a 38-foot live-aboard, coastal cruiser. Features include a large master V-berth forward, private head, full galley, generous salon seating, sizeable navigation chart table, aft quarterberth, and solid teak finishes throughout.

Conveniently located in the incredible cruising grounds of San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico, this timeless cruiser – with its illustrious history and unwavering performance – is waiting to take you on the adventure of a lifetime.

Special Features

• Dinghy with outboard included
• Engine rebuilt (2019)
• Solar array for off grid charging
• B&G electronics

/// Dimensions

Builder: Catalina Yachts (USA)

Designer: Sparkman & Stephens / Butler

LOA: 38.08 ft / 11.61 m

LWL: 30.25 ft / 9.22 m

Beam: 11.2 ft / 3.41 m

Draft: 7 ft / 2.13 m

Displacement: 15,900 lb / 7,212 kg

Bridge Clearance: 42 ft / 12.8 m

Ballast: 6,850 lb / 3,107 kg

Ballast Material: Lead

Keel: Fin w/spade rudder

Hull Material: Fiberglass

/// Propulsion

Engine Make: Westerbeke

Engine Model: 38B 4-cylinder

Engine Power: 37 hp @ 3600 rpm

Engine Hours: 2000

Engine Type: Inboard

Engine Fuel: Diesel

Drive Type: Direct Drive

Propeller: 3-Blade Folding, Bronze

Max Speed: 7.5 k

Cruising Speed: 5.5 k

Gal / Hr (Max): 0.5

Other: Engine underwent complete rebuild in 2019

/// Tanks

Fuel Tankage: 1 x 30 Gal (Aluminum)

Water Tankage: 1 x 32 Gal (Poly blend fabric)

/// Accommodations

The Catalina 38 is an ideal blend of performance, comfort, and thoughtful design that stands out in its class. Crafted with an uncluttered fiberglass deck, this vessel ensures safe and easy movement for both seasoned sailors and newcomers alike. Designed by Frank Butler of Catalina Yachts, the boat features the proven Sparkman & Stephens IOR racing hull (originally the Yankee 38), enhanced with a spacious cabin house and the signature “Catalina deck” to perfectly suit coastal cruising enthusiasts.

Step aboard and you’ll appreciate practical touches such as a large, molded-in anchor locker for secure below-deck chain and rode storage, and elegantly crafted wooden handrails along the cabin top, offering both safety and classic style. The roomy, ergonomic T-shaped cockpit is designed for maximum comfort, with contoured coamings that make gatherings or solo sailing equally enjoyable. Molded-in non-skid deck surfaces deliver confident footing throughout your time on deck.

Below deck, the inviting saloon greets you with abundant natural light and a welcoming atmosphere. Relax on the comfortable C-shaped settee to port, complete with a mounted Smart TV for entertainment, or stretch out on the adjacent bench settee to starboard. Safety is considered at every turn, with overhead wooden handrails running the length of the cabin, while Hella fans ensure cool breezes and air circulation throughout the interior. Thoughtfully designed storage abounds, thanks to double shelves, cupboards behind the settees, and dedicated book and magazine holders with stylish overhead reading lights.

The galley, located aft to port, is small-yet-functional C-shaped layout, with electric Engel refrigerator/freezer, double stainless-steel sink, and gimballed Force 10 stove with oven for meal preparation underway. Opposite is the navigation station with electric panel and a cozy quarterberth, ideal for two adults to relax or rest.

Moving forward, you’ll find an enclosed wet head to port and additional storage cabinets and drawers to starboard to hold clothing and other accessories. The owner’s cabin, situated in the spacious V-berth, offers generous storage beneath and a tranquil retreat for restful nights at anchor.

/// Galley

Refrigerator / Freezer: Engel

Stove: Force 10 compact two-burner propane, on gimbal

Sink: Double stainless-steel

Water System: Fresh water, pump delivery

Other: SeaBCue propane grill

Electronics: & Navigation Equipment

Chartplotter: B&G

Radar: B&G (2019)

VHF: Yes (2024), plus 2 handhelds

Autopilot: CPT

GPS: Yes

Compass: Yes

Depth Sounder: B&G Triducer

Wind Speed & Direction: B&G (2022)

TV: Smart TV

Wi-Fi / Starlink: Yes

Electrical: Systems

Batteries: House Bank (400 amp-hours): two 6V LTH (sealed) and two 6V LTH (flooded), wired in series to make 12V
One start battery

Battery Switch: Yes

Battery Monitor: Renogy

Inverter: Renogy 1000W (2024)

Battery Charger: Renogy

Solar Panels: x2 Renogy (2025) plus third 100W panel

Alternator: Yes

/// Sails

Main: Air Force, well-protected, ~20 years

Jibs: Needs minor repairs along edge and new sun cover, ~20 years

Mainsheet Traveler: Yes

Roller Furling: Yes

Winches: Yes, manual

Boom Vang: Yes

Mast: Yes

Standing Rigging: Yes

Whisker Pole: Yes

/// Deck

Anchors: 33 lb Bruce
30 lb CQR
20 lb folding stern anchor
100 ft galvanized chain
200 ft nylon rode (extra in locker)

Bow Rollers: Yes

Nav Lights: Yes

Lifelines: Yes

Ladders: Yes

Rails: Yes

Bow Rollers: Yes

Dinghy: West Marine roll-up, 9 feet

Dinghy Outboard: Yamaha 6.6 HP (2024)

Deck Shower: Expanding hose from bilge

Covers & Curtains: Dodger
Bimini
Mainsail
Outboard cover

/// Mechanical

Air Conditioner: Yes

Bilge Pump: Manual and electric

Raw Water Sea Strainer: Yes

Fire Extinguishing: Yes

Head Type: 1 x Chemical

Watermaker: Rainman portable, 12V

Thru Hulls: PVC, approx. 4 or 5

/// Safety Equipment

Lifejackets: Yes

Harnesses: Yes

Flares: Yes