Peterson 38 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Peterson 38 commenced in 1982 under the vigilant eye of Plastrend, a company founded by passionate sailor Andy Green in Fort Worth, Texas. Plastrend, which later evolved into Composite Technologies and then Island Yacht Corp., built a reputation for crafting fast and tough sailboats through innovative composite construction methods. This ethos of durable, high-performance boat building was a hallmark of their operation during the era of the Peterson 38's creation.

The design itself hails from Doug Peterson, widely regarded as one of America's most accomplished yacht designers. Peterson's illustrious career is marked by pioneering innovations in both racing and cruising yacht design, evident in his numerous successful models, including America's Cup contenders. His philosophy for the Peterson 38 aimed to deliver a capable cruising yacht that did not compromise on sailing performance. While specific variations of the Peterson 38 during its production run are not widely documented, its core design remained true to Peterson's vision for a versatile and engaging sailing experience.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Peterson 38's specifications reveal a design optimized for an engaging and stable sailing experience. With a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of approximately 19.07, the boat boasts a generous sail plan, suggesting good performance in lighter air conditions. A remarkable Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D) of roughly 0.48 indicates a very stiff and stable hull, capable of standing up to significant wind without excessive heeling. This high ballast ratio points to a secure and comfortable motion in a seaway.

Further underscoring its design philosophy, the Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) of approximately 207.1 positions the Peterson 38 in the moderate displacement category. This places it firmly as a performance-oriented cruiser, lighter than a heavy, traditional cruiser but robust enough for offshore passages. Owners can expect a responsive and balanced feel at the helm, a characteristic often associated with Doug Peterson's designs, which aim for an optimal blend of speed and control. The Peterson 38 combines its good sailing performance with comfortable accommodations, featuring a generous sail plan for its length.

Accommodations and Layout

The Peterson 38 was conceived with comfortable accommodations in mind. While detailed interior layouts for the Peterson 38 are not extensively documented in widely available resources, boats of this size and era typically feature a traditional cruising arrangement. This would generally include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that often convert into berths, a galley, and a head compartment. Given its length overall of nearly 38 feet and a substantial beam of 12.08 feet, the interior space would have been considered generous for its time, likely providing ample room for a cruising couple or a small family. The emphasis on "comfortable accommodations" suggests a well-appointed interior with practical considerations for living aboard, such as adequate storage and ventilation, although specific details on finishes and materials require direct inspection or more specialized owner accounts.