Rival 38 Information, Review, Specs

The Rival 38's production commenced in 1977, just two years before Marine Construction Ltd. ceased operations in 1979, making her one of the later models from the pioneering fiberglass builder. Designed by Peter Brett, the Rival 38 was the fifth Rival yacht in his series and was introduced to bridge the gap between the successful Rival 34 and the larger Rival 41. Brett's overarching design philosophy for the Rival range, including the 38, was to create serious offshore cruisers, known for their ability to handle challenging conditions. The Rival 38, in particular, featured fuller ends compared to Brett's earlier designs and incorporated a clever raised companionway deck layout, which contributed to her interior volume.

Marine Construction Ltd., founded by Eric White, was known for its innovative approach to fiberglass boat production in the UK. During the era of the Rival 38's construction, Marcon had a well-established reputation for building solidly constructed, traditionally styled small yachts, emphasizing seaworthiness and practicality. While Marcon also offered some of its models in kit form, the Rival 38 was produced as a complete vessel, reflecting the company's commitment to delivering robust and capable yachts for significant voyages. The standard model, known as the Rival 38A, featured an aft cockpit, but a center cockpit version was also available. Additionally, while primarily rigged as a masthead sloop, some Rival 38s were configured as cutters, and a ketch rig option was also offered, providing versatility for different sailing preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Rival 38 is characterized by a semi s-spant hull shape and a fin and skeg keel, contributing to her seakindly motion and directional stability. With a displacement of 17,280 lbs and a waterline length of 29.5 feet, she possesses a displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 300.5, firmly placing her in the heavy displacement cruiser category. This substantial build suggests a comfortable ride in a seaway, prioritizing stability and strength over outright speed.

Her sail area-to-displacement ratio, calculated at around 14.52, indicates that the Rival 38 is not a light-air flyer but performs efficiently as winds increase, consistent with her design as a robust offshore vessel. A ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 38.8% (with 6,720 lbs of ballast) further highlights her inherent stability, allowing her to stand up to significant wind pressures [4,. The Rival 38's hull speed is calculated at 7.28 knots, an achievable cruising speed for a boat of her size and type. For auxiliary power, the Rival 38 was typically equipped with a Perkins 4.108 diesel engine, providing 38 horsepower [1,. The option of a cutter rig, which breaks the total sail area into smaller, more manageable sails, is particularly advantageous for offshore sailing, enhancing ease of handling in varying conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Rival 38 is designed for comfortable living during extended periods at sea, reflecting her bluewater cruising pedigree. The standard Rival 38A features an aft cockpit configuration and a two-cabin layout. The forepeak typically houses a double V-berth, leading aft to a spacious saloon area. The saloon usually includes a navigation station and a galley, providing essential amenities for cooking and passage planning. The clever raised companionway deck layout allowed Peter Brett to incorporate twin aft cabins, maximizing sleeping accommodations. Some configurations offered a double berth to port and a single berth in the saloon, allowing for up to seven berths in total, making her suitable for families or larger crews. The head compartment is typically located to starboard, providing convenient access. Owners generally appreciate the traditional finish and practical layout, designed to function well both at anchor and underway.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Rival 38 consistently praise her solid construction and seaworthiness, often noting that these yachts "age well when looked after". The design philosophy of Peter Brett, focused on creating serious offshore cruisers, is evident in the boat's handling and robust feel. Many owners consider the Rival 38 an excellent choice for long-distance cruising, highlighting her stability and ability to handle heavy weather conditions with confidence. The existence of a dedicated Rival Owners' Forum underscores the strong community and enduring appeal of these vessels. While the general sentiment is overwhelmingly positive regarding the boat's build quality and sailing capabilities, prospective owners are often advised to consider the age of the boat, as some earlier Marcon boats offered in kit form had variable completion quality, though this specific concern is less directly tied to the factory-finished Rival 38. Overall, the Rival 38 is celebrated for its enduring quality and reliable performance, making it a highly sought-after classic bluewater cruiser.