Beneteau Moorings 38 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Beneteau Moorings 38 entered production in 1990, with its run concluding in 1992, during a period when Beneteau was actively leveraging fiberglass construction to expand its recreational sailboat offerings. This model, sometimes referred to as the Moorings 38-2 or Beneteau 38M, is particularly significant as it utilized the same hull design as the popular First 38S5, a performance-oriented cruiser. Naval architecture for the hull came from Jean Berret, known for his efficient and performance-driven designs, while the interior was a distinctive creation by Philippe Starck, reflecting a modern aesthetic for its era. While the hull was shared, the Moorings 38 featured a different deck and rig compared to its First series counterpart, tailored more towards its role as a charter vessel. Beneteau's manufacturing ethos during this time emphasized efficient production methods and a focus on balancing performance with practical accommodations, characteristics evident in the Moorings 38's design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Interpreting its specifications, the Beneteau Moorings 38 exhibits characteristics of a capable cruiser. With a calculated Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 18.5, she is suggested to perform well across a range of wind conditions, particularly showing good responsiveness in lighter airs. Her Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 211 categorizes her as a moderately light to medium displacement vessel, indicating a design that prioritizes a balance between speed and comfortable motion, rather than being an ultra-light racer or a heavy, traditional cruiser.

While the Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio stands at approximately 0.33, which is below the threshold often cited for exceptional stiffness, owners generally report that the Moorings 38 is a "very good sea boat" that "outperforms expectations." Anecdotal evidence suggests she "moves along at a good 7+ in anything over about 12 kts of wind," highlighting her ability to maintain good speeds. Her fin keel with a bulb and spade rudder configuration contributes to efficient hydrodynamics and responsive handling, characteristic of Jean Berret's designs.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Beneteau Moorings 38, influenced by Philippe Starck's design (as seen in the First 38S5 hull it shares), often features a distinctive aesthetic for its time, with mentions of rounded cabinets and deep, rich wood finishes, or a dark mahogany look. While specific headroom details are not widely documented, the general layout of a vessel of this size and vintage typically includes a forward V-berth cabin, a main salon with settees and a dining table, a functional galley, and a private head compartment, often with quarter berths or an aft cabin. The Moorings 38 was designed with charter use in mind, which implies a focus on practical and durable finishes. Descriptions from owners suggest the interiors are generally "fabulous" and in "very nice condition," emphasizing comfortable accommodations suitable for extended cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Beneteau Moorings 38 frequently praise its robust construction and solid performance as a cruising boat. Many describe it as a "very very good sea boat," capable of handling diverse conditions comfortably. The boat's sailing characteristics are often highlighted, with owners noting that it "outperforms expectations" for a cruiser of its class and can achieve good speeds in moderate to strong winds. The accommodations are generally found to be comfortable and suitable for extended voyages. A recurring point of maintenance noted by some owners, however, is the tendency for original headliners to require re-battening or attention over time. Overall, the Beneteau Moorings 38 is often seen as a well-designed and reliable vessel that offers a rewarding cruising experience.