Caliber 38 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Caliber 38 began production in 1987, emerging from the Clearwater, Florida-based Caliber Yachts, founded by brothers George and Michael McCreary. Michael McCreary, a naval architect, was the creative force behind a series of increasingly capable yachts for the company, including the Caliber 38. Caliber Yachts dedicated itself from its inception to producing vessels capable of serious offshore passages, with a core design philosophy centered on safety, seaworthiness, and stability. The company prided itself on "cutting no corners" in building a "go anywhere" boat, a philosophy evident in the Caliber 38's solid fiberglass hull construction and its fin keel with a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration valued for its balance of performance and protection for the rudder in challenging offshore conditions. While the builder's production continued for over 35 years, specific variations like MkI or MkII versions of the Caliber 38 are not commonly documented in available information.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Caliber 38 is characterized by its significant displacement, indicative of its robust cruising aspirations. With a displacement-to-length ratio (D/L) of approximately 564.5, she falls squarely into the heavy displacement category, suggesting a traditional cruiser built for comfort and stability rather than pure speed. This high displacement, combined with a ballast-to-displacement ratio of roughly 48.6%, translates to a stiff and very stable vessel, capable of standing up to significant wind and maintaining its composure in challenging sea states.

Her sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 16.27 suggests that while she is a capable performer, she is not designed for blistering light-air speed and will likely perform best in moderate to strong breezes. Anecdotal descriptions suggest the Caliber 38 is a "reasonably good performer" overall and is highly regarded for its stability and righting capability.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Caliber 38 is designed for comfortable living aboard, emphasizing spaciousness and traditional marine aesthetics. She typically features a tri-cabin layout with a full teak interior. The master stateroom is located forward, often configured with an offset port queen berth, complemented by a large head and a separate shower stall. Owners and reviewers frequently note the "very roomy" nature of the interior, suggesting the designer made choices to maximize living space within the hull. The use of rich teak for interior finishes contributes to a classic and warm ambiance. Furthermore, Caliber yachts are generally recognized for meticulous attention to details such as carefully designed ventilation systems, which are crucial for comfortable long-range cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Caliber 38 consistently praise its solid construction and comfortable motion in a seaway, reinforcing the builder's reputation for creating durable, offshore-ready vessels. The design is often considered well-suited for both coastal cruising and extended liveaboard situations. While specific recurring common problems for the Caliber 38 are not widely reported in available owner reviews, the brand's enduring quality and the ongoing support from Caliber Brokers, Inc. (led by co-founder George McCreary) contribute to a loyal and active owner community. This strong owner network often shares experiences and seeks advice in online forums, further underscoring the sustained demand and appreciation for Caliber's well-built cruising yachts.