Puma 38-K Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Puma 38-K emerged during a significant period for Puma Yachts, specifically the Nao-Glass division, which operated from Llisà del Vall, Barcelona, from 1959 until 1978. Nao-Glass, with its roots in plastic manufacturing through its parent company INERGA, was well-positioned to leverage fiberglass construction, a material that offered durability and reduced maintenance compared to traditional boatbuilding. While many Puma models benefited from collaborations with renowned designers like Holman & Pye, the 38-K was designed by Alberto Cabal. The boat's production began in 1976, near the end of Nao-Glass's independent operation before its acquisition by Drassanes Esportives S.A. (DRESPORT) in 1978. This timeline suggests the Puma 38-K was a late-model offering under the original Puma Yachts brand, reflecting the builder's established ethos of producing sturdy and comfortable cruisers.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Puma 38-K's design ratios provide insight into its intended sailing characteristics. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 20.85, she suggests good light-air performance for a cruiser of her size, indicating she should be responsive even in lighter breezes. Her Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of around 39.47% points to a reasonably stable and stiff boat, capable of standing up to a fair amount of wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio, calculated at approximately 285.80, places the Puma 38-K firmly in the category of a medium-heavy cruiser. This suggests a boat that prioritizes comfort and seaworthiness over outright speed, capable of handling various sea states with a steady motion, aligning with Puma Yachts' general design philosophy for producing reliable vessels suitable for cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts and reviews for the Puma 38-K are scarce in readily available information, the builder's reputation for producing well-regarded cruising yachts suggests a practical and comfortable interior for its era. Puma Yachts generally focused on designs emphasizing comfort and seaworthiness, which would translate to functional living spaces below deck. It is typical for sailboats of this size and vintage (nearly 40 feet with a beam of almost 12 feet) to offer a traditional layout, likely including a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a table, a galley, and a head compartment. Given its design as a cruiser, ample storage would have been a priority. The hull material is solid fiberglass, suggesting a robust structure, and the deck is also solid fiberglass.