Diva 38 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Diva 38 emerged from Fabola Boats' long-standing tradition of pioneering yacht construction. Fabola, established in 1958, was an early adopter of fiberglass production and was known for introducing non-sinkable yachts, emphasizing safety and robust build quality from its inception. The Diva 38, beginning its production in 1999 and publicly introduced in 2000 or 2001, continued this legacy of innovation. Designed by Bernt Lindquist, a key figure in shaping Diva yachts, the objective for the Diva 38 was to create a fast cruising yacht that maintained the characteristic ease of handling associated with the Diva line, 1, 3, 6, 9, 11]. This model also featured an innovative cockpit layout designed to separate the helmsman from passengers while cleverly accommodating a spacious aft cabin. During its production run, which continued at least until 2007, the Diva 38 saw variations such as the Diva 38.2, which offered "Classic" and "Elegance" versions, distinguished by different deck port lights, footrails, and mahogany woodwork designs.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Diva 38 is engineered for an engaging sailing experience, characterized by its "fast and agile" nature. Its design emphasizes long sailing hull lines, contributing to "very good performance" and a responsive "finger-top feel on the helm with good acceleration". This qualitative assessment is supported by its impressive performance ratios.

With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 20.01, the Diva 38 demonstrates strong light-air performance, suggesting it can accelerate and maintain speed effectively even in lighter breezes. A Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 0.4166 indicates a stiff and stable yacht, capable of standing up to more wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. Furthermore, its Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 153.11 places it firmly in the lighter, more performance-oriented category of cruising sailboats. These ratios collectively point to a yacht designed not just for comfortable cruising but also for spirited sailing, aligning perfectly with Fabola's philosophy of "easily driven yachts that do not require excessive power to perform".

Accommodations and Layout

Despite the not specifying maximum headroom, the Diva 38 is celebrated for its "prize-winning interior that maximized space and comfort within its size". The interior layout typically features a three-cabin arrangement, including a forward cabin with a double berth and an aft cabin also equipped with a double bed. The innovative cockpit design directly contributes to the spaciousness of the aft cabin, a notable feature for a yacht of this size. Reviews highlight the interior's overall quality, often mentioning features such as closets, cabinets, and a settee. The "Elegance" version further elevates the interior with a "stricter design on the mahogany woodwork," emphasizing a refined finish. The thoughtful layout and quality finishes underscore the Diva 38's commitment to providing a comfortable and well-appointed living space for extended cruising.