Comfortina 38 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Comfortina 38 emerged during a significant period for Comfortbåtar AB, a company known for its commitment to crafting beautiful and functional yachts with perfect sailing characteristics. The company, which had been founded by Kenneth Albinsson and Ingmar Boding, championed fiberglass as its primary construction material and, from 1980 onwards, adopted varnished interiors to enhance durability. Thomas Bern, a key designer for Comfortbåtar, penned the Comfortina 38, contributing to the brand's legacy of "Scandinavian-style sailing ships", 4, 5, 9, 11].

Bern's design for the Comfortina 38 aligns with Comfortbåtar's overarching philosophy, which prioritizes safety, speed, and a high degree of comfort within an elegant aesthetic. While fewer than 200 units of the Comfortina 38 were built, each reflected this commitment to quality and thoughtful design. The builder's focus on timelessness ensured that the yacht's lines and construction would endure, making it a revered model in the used boat market. No significant factory variations, such as MkI/MkII designations or different rig types, are commonly noted for the Comfortina 38.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Comfortina 38 is widely recognized as an elegant and fast cruiser, offering above-average sailing characteristics that distinguish it in its class. Its design by Thomas Bern results in a robust, sturdy, and fast vessel. The yacht's fin keel provides splendid maneuverability, enhancing its handling capabilities. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 17.8, the Comfortina 38 exhibits a balanced performance profile, capable of performing well across a range of wind conditions, including lighter airs, without being overly sensitive in heavy weather.

A ballast to displacement ratio of around 32.4% indicates a solid level of stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a good breeze and maintain a comfortable motion, consistent with its design as a capable cruiser. Furthermore, its displacement to length ratio of approximately 221 positions the Comfortina 38 as a moderately heavy cruiser. This translates to a comfortable ride in varied sea states, offering a reassuringly stable platform without sacrificing too much speed. Indeed, its relative speed performance is notably high, indicating it is faster than a significant majority of similar sailboat designs.

Accommodations and Layout

Below decks, the Comfortina 38 offers a traditional Scandinavian teak interior, showcasing plenty of solid wood and beautifully crafted details. Despite a relatively narrow beam of 11.5 feet, the yacht provides ample space and comfort, along with a surprising amount of storage. The typical layout features a cozy and friendly saloon with a U-shaped dinette to port, providing a comfortable area for dining and socializing.

The standard configuration is a two-cabin layout, which includes a double bed in the aft cabin, accessed from the saloon. A large cockpit locker to starboard aft further augments storage capacity. The interior boasts a modern wood look with grey upholstery, contributing to an elegant and solid impression. The overall floor plan is considered a classic in this size range, emphasizing practicality and a high-quality finish.