Cape George 38 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Cape George 38 traces back to 1985, the year production commenced at Cape George Marine Works. The builder, founded by master shipbuilder Cecil Lange and his sons, established a firm commitment to constructing seaworthy vessels deeply inspired by the "time-tested principles" of classic naval architecture, particularly the work of William Atkin. This design philosophy is evident in the Cape George 38's distinctive long keel and relatively short overhangs, forms celebrated for their seakindliness and directional stability. Cape George Marine Works embraced fiberglass for their hulls early on, combining modern material reliability with traditional aesthetics. A unique aspect of their production ethos is the common practice of supplying hulls to owners for custom interior finishing, fostering a collaborative approach that results in highly personalized vessels that share a common foundation of inherent strength. While the Cape George 38 is a distinct model, it is part of a larger family of successful Cape George Cutters, including sizes such as the 31, 34, 36, and 45, all sharing a similar design philosophy.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Cape George 38's design ratios underscore its identity as a heavy-displacement, capable offshore cruiser. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 13.62, she is not intended to be a light-air speedster but rather a powerful performer in stronger winds, capable of carrying sail effectively when conditions stiffen. Her ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) of 0.35, combined with her substantial lead ballast incorporated into the long keel, contributes significantly to her stability, allowing her to stand up well to a blow. Furthermore, a high displacement to length ratio (D/L) of around 312 firmly places her in the heavy cruiser category, indicative of a boat with a comfortable motion in a seaway, resistant to violent pitching and rolling. Her long keel is a defining characteristic, providing exceptional directional stability, which is invaluable for long offshore passages by reducing the need for constant course corrections. These attributes combine to deliver a predictable and reassuring sailing experience, particularly appreciated by those venturing into open ocean conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior layouts for the Cape George 38 can vary significantly due to the builder's unique approach of allowing owners to complete interior finishing, certain common features define her accommodations. The interior is generally characterized by a robust, traditional aesthetic, often showcasing ample wood trim and solid construction. Typical arrangements usually include a forward V-berth, a head compartment, and a main salon that often features a dinette with convertible sofas, providing flexible sleeping and seating arrangements. A well-equipped galley is a standard inclusion, designed for functionality at sea. Storage is typically generous, reflecting her long-distance cruising purpose, and ventilation is usually addressed with traditional deck hatches and ports. The overall impression is one of a comfortable, practical, and highly customizable living space, built to withstand the rigors of extended offshore life.