Maine Cat 38 Ls-E Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Maine Cat 38 Ls-E began its production run in 2013, continuing Maine Cat's legacy of building innovative catamarans in Bremen, Maine. Dick Vermeulen's design philosophy for this model aimed to create a boat that could be easily single-handed, outperforming many contemporary cruising catamarans while remaining comfortable, safe, and affordable. The builder, Maine Cat, is renowned for its commitment to an "open design" concept, which revolutionizes the living space by integrating the cockpit and saloon into one expansive area.

Construction of the Maine Cat 38 Ls-E utilizes a unique thermoformed-core build process with vinylester resin infused Core-Cell, a technique that contributes to a lighter yet stronger hull. This advanced method reduces weight while maintaining structural integrity, aligning with the company's focus on durable and low-maintenance vessels. The "Ls-E" designation specifically highlights its advanced electric propulsion system, a significant evolution in cruising catamaran design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Maine Cat 38 Ls-E is engineered for performance-oriented cruising, offering an exciting and stable sailing experience. With a length overall of 38 feet and a waterline length of 37.5 feet, combined with a broad 21-foot beam, she promises exceptional stability and speed. The vessel displaces approximately 12,400 pounds. Her fractional sloop rig features a reported sail area of 795 square feet for the main and self-tacking jib, with some configurations allowing for a total upwind sail area of 845 square feet. This generous sail plan, coupled with its lightweight construction, allows the Maine Cat 38 Ls-E to achieve fast cruising speeds. The hull speed is estimated at 8.21 knots.

Designed for efficiency and ease of handling, the Maine Cat 38 Ls-E is often praised for being easy to sail, even single-handed. It is described as a "speedy cruising catamaran created for sailors who enjoy simple, fun and flat sailing," making it well-suited for a variety of conditions, including tradewind sailing. A key performance feature is the incorporation of twin daggerboards, which are fully retractable. These provide excellent upwind performance when deployed and allow for a minimum draft of 2.75 feet when retracted, granting access to shallow anchorages.

Powering the Maine Cat 38 Ls-E is an innovative twin E-Tech 4.3 kW electric outboard motor system, which is fully retractable and can hydro-generate power while sailing. These motors are supported by four Victron Lithium LiFePO4 batteries with a capacity of 10,240 Whrs. Some models have also been upgraded with OceanVolt electric propulsion systems, further enhancing their eco-friendly cruising capabilities.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Maine Cat 38 Ls-E is defined by Maine Cat's signature "open design" concept, which eliminates the traditional bulkhead between the cockpit and the main saloon. This creates a cohesive and expansive living area that enhances social interaction and provides panoramic views, connecting the interior seamlessly with the surrounding environment.

While detailed interior diagrams require specific model reviews, the general arrangement emphasizes functionality and spaciousness typical of the brand's philosophy. The vessel boasts a maximum headroom of 6.5 feet, providing comfortable movement throughout the living spaces. The design focuses on integrating indoor and outdoor living, with features like a self-tacking jib sheet led to a console inside the pilothouse, facilitating easy operation from a protected position. Given Maine Cat's reputation for high-quality finishes and robust construction, the interior is crafted with durability and ease of maintenance in mind, offering practical amenities for extended cruising.