In a period review, one observer called her arguably the most successful production model in the company’s history. The marque itself later described the 38 DP as an excellent example of its successful production yachts.
Design and Construction
Peterson shaped the 38 DP around the dictates of the IOR. At the time, narrow-ended hull forms were the norm, driven mainly by the rule’s measurement tricks. The Baltic has a raked stem that mirrors the angle of the transom, while a shallow trunk with two sets of ports signals the boat’s racy intent.
She displaces 6,500 kg and carries 2,950 kg of lead ballast on a fin keel, with a draft of 7 feet 3 inches. The yard built her in sturdy fiberglass, with decks finished in either teak or plain fiberglass. A 30-horsepower Yanmar diesel provides auxiliary power through a direct drive.
The deep draft and solid construction led one reviewer to note that, although the 38 DP isn’t the fastest design afloat, she appeals to experienced passagemakers who value steadiness over raw speed.
Rig and Handling
The 38 DP has a masthead rig with a large genoa. With a sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 19.9, she performs upwind and downwind with equal aplomb. Period test sailors found her handling outstanding, helped by deck planning that served both cruising and racing.
The deck ergonomics were laid out for a large racing crew but remained comfortable and easy for a small crew to work. The narrow cockpit was designed to drain water quickly, helping the boat retain control and stability in poor conditions. Even so, its geometry suits hard, fully crewed sailing better than relaxed two-person operation.
Accommodations
Below, angled bulkheads make better use of the available interior volume. A centerline ladder drops passengers a full six feet to the sole.
The Scandinavian teak interior drew praise as simply flawless. The layout includes a saloon and dinette forward, a V-berth in the narrow bow, and a master stateroom aft. The galley is to port, opposite an enclosed head and chart table to starboard.
Reviewers singled out the delightful aft cabin, superb galley, and spacious saloon. The forecabin, however, feels a little cramped because of the very fine bows. The same narrow-ended hull that served the rating rule also limited space in the pointed end.
Known Issues and Ownership Notes
Despite claims of short-handed suitability, one review stated plainly that a couple sailing alone would find the 38 DP beyond their easy command. The cockpit favors a working crew, and the racy deck plan assumes more hands than a pair.
Verdict
The Baltic 38 DP is a genuine racer-cruiser from the IOR years, and she has aged better than most of her rule-driven contemporaries. She pairs Peterson’s performance hull with a teak-lined interior that satisfies long-range cruisers. She rewards an experienced owner who sails with a crew but punishes anyone expecting a light-air couple’s boat.
Pros
- Racer-cruiser hull that showed racing pace, manageable handling, and cruising comfort can coexist
- Angled bulkheads make efficient, roomy use of the interior
- Quick-draining, narrow cockpit aids stability in heavy weather
- Flawless Scandinavian teak finish, delightful aft cabin, and superb galley
Cons
- Not truly manageable by a couple alone, despite short-handed claims
- Fine bow considerably narrows the forecabin
- Deep 7-foot-3-inch draft limits access to shallow anchorages
