Admiral 38 (Lavranos) Information, Review, Specs

The Admiral 38 commenced production in 1998, preceding the official founding of Admiral Yachts by David Bird in Cape Town, South Africa, in 1999. From its inception, Admiral Yachts focused on building high-quality cruising catamarans, emphasizing craftsmanship and a luxurious experience tailored for the blue water market. The company's collaboration with Angelo Lavranos was pivotal, underscoring their commitment to well-engineered and capable sailing vessels. Lavranos, who previously worked with notable firms like Angus Primrose and Sparkman & Stephens, brought a design philosophy aimed at maximizing both interior volume and sailing performance, encapsulating his motto of "Space, Pace and Grace." The Admiral 38 exemplified this approach, designed to offer an unusually open and airy interior while maintaining commendable sailing characteristics. While specific variations like MkI or MkII are not widely noted, the Admiral 38 was available in different interior configurations, including owner's and charter versions, offering flexibility in layout.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Admiral 38, with a length overall of just over 38 feet and a beam of nearly 23 feet, presents a substantial platform for a cruising catamaran. Its twin keel and twin rudder configuration, combined with a fractional sloop rig and a reported sail area of 990.28 sq ft, contribute to its sailing prowess. The boat's design results in a theoretical hull speed of 7.83 knots, suggesting a respectable cruising speed under sail. Powered originally by a single Yanmar engine, later models often featured twin 30hp saildrives, enhancing maneuverability and propulsion reliability. Owners and reviewers frequently praise the Admiral 38 for its seaworthiness, stability, and comfortable motion in various sea states, attributes crucial for blue water cruising. It is often described as a boat that "sails well," with a balanced feel at the helm, a testament to Lavranos' design and Admiral Yachts' construction.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Admiral 38 is a significant highlight, renowned for its spaciousness and clever layout that creates an open and airy atmosphere. The broad beam of 22.97 feet allows for expansive living areas rarely found on monohulls of similar length. The typical interior arrangement features a "galley-up" design, positioned within the main salon, which is praised for being well-laid out, practical for cooking, and easy to maintain.

The Admiral 38 was offered in various configurations to suit different needs. The owner's version commonly features three double bedrooms and two large bathrooms, with a particularly spacious master cabin often boasting a fore/aft layout for the bed. The salon is designed for comfort and entertaining, capable of seating up to eight people at a dining table, with one owner even noting that they hosted 26 fellow cruisers aboard. Charter versions typically offer a four-cabin layout, maximizing accommodation capacity. Throughout the interior, the general finish quality reflects Admiral Yachts' commitment to high-quality craftsmanship, incorporating durable materials suitable for extended cruising. Ample storage is usually integrated, and the large windows and hatches contribute to good natural light and ventilation.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Admiral 38 consistently commend its robust construction and the comfortable motion it provides in a seaway, highlighting its suitability for offshore passages. The vessel's stability and seaworthiness are frequently cited as major strengths, instilling confidence during longer voyages. The generous interior space, including the spacious cockpit, salon, and staterooms, is also a universally appreciated feature, making the boat ideal for both extended living aboard and entertaining. The "galley-up" design and overall layout are often praised for their practicality and contribution to an enjoyable cruising experience. While specific common weaknesses or recurring maintenance issues are not widely reported in owner reviews, the overall sentiment points to a well-built and capable cruising catamaran that delivers on its promise of "Space, Pace and Grace."