Finnsailer 38 Information, Review, Specs

The Finnsailer 38 began production in 1976, emerging from the maritime architect bureau of Oy Fiskars AB in Turku, Finland. While Fiskars is widely recognized today for its consumer goods, its foray into boat building, particularly aluminum powerboats under the Buster brand, established a legacy of durable craftsmanship in the marine sector. This ethos of robust construction likely influenced the design and build quality of their sailboats. The Finnsailer 38, sometimes referred to as the Finnsailer 38 MS (Motorsailer), was a direct reflection of this commitment, offering a vessel built to withstand challenging conditions. Production of the Finnsailer 38 continued at least into the late 1970s, with various models appearing up to 1979. The design incorporates a low-wetted-area, fin-keel, and spade-rudder hull, a configuration chosen to balance performance with the vessel's motorsailer characteristics.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Finnsailer 38 exhibits characteristics typical of a sturdy motorsailer, prioritizing stability and comfort over extreme sailing speed. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 10.96, the boat is generally considered to be underpowered in lighter air, indicating it is not a performance-oriented sailboat. However, its substantial Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 40.32% signifies a very stable and stiff vessel, capable of standing up to significant wind and maintaining an excellent righting capability. The Displacement to Length ratio (Disp/LWL) of approximately 258.01 places it in the moderate-to-heavy displacement category, further reinforcing its identity as a robust cruiser rather than a light-displacement racer.

Anecdotal evidence and broker comments consistently highlight the Finnsailer 38's seaworthiness, describing it as a solid and well-built motor sailor perfectly suited for blue-water cruising. Its fin-keel and spade-rudder combination, even with its moderate aspect, contributes to a balanced helm and predictable handling, making it a comfortable boat in various sea states.

Accommodations and Layout

Designed for extended periods afloat, the Finnsailer 38 offers comfortable and practical accommodations, well-suited for onboard living. The interior typically features a classic teak finish, providing a warm and traditional marine ambiance. Layouts commonly include a saloon, two private cabins, and often a pilot berth, offering sleeping arrangements for up to eight individuals in some configurations. A dedicated head compartment is standard. While specific details on storage and ventilation vary by individual vessel, the design intent was clearly to provide ample living space and amenities for long-distance cruising. The pilothouse design, often a characteristic of these models, further enhances comfort by offering protected steering and panoramic views, especially valuable in inclement weather or cooler climates.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Finnsailer 38 consistently commend the vessel for its solid construction and overall reliability. It is frequently praised as a well-built, capable blue-water boat that instills confidence in its crew. Many appreciate its inherent stability and comfortable motion in a seaway, attributes that are highly valued by those undertaking longer voyages. Its suitability for liveaboard situations is also a recurring positive, indicating that the accommodations and systems are generally robust enough to support extended stays on board. While specific common weaknesses or pervasive maintenance issues are not widely detailed in available reviews, the general consensus points to a durable and dependable cruising yacht.