Beneteau Moorings 38 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Moorings 38 was never intended to be a regatta winner; instead, it was engineered for predictable, stable handling in the trade winds. With a displacement of approximately 14,330 pounds and a relatively high beam-to-length ratio, the boat offers significant initial stability, which appeals to less experienced charter crews and nervous guests. According to historical design data from the Philippe Briand Archive, the hull features a full-bodied midsection and a relatively flat bottom, which encourages reaching performance but limits upwind efficiency.

On the water, the boat feels stiff but suffers from significant leeway when pushed hard into the wind, primarily due to the shallow 4' 7" wing keel found on most Moorings-spec models. The sail plan is usually configured with a masthead rig and roller furling for both the genoa and the mainsail, prioritizing ease of use over sail shape. Steering is generally light via the large-diameter destroyer wheel, though the high-volume hull can become "beamy" and lose rudder bite if allowed to heel excessively. Owners typically report that the boat finds its "groove" at about 15 to 20 degrees of heel, after which it is better to reef early to maintain control and comfort.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Moorings 38 is where the model truly distinguished itself from its contemporaries. While the standard Oceanis 390 was available in various configurations, the Moorings 38 almost exclusively utilized the three-cabin, two-head layout. This arrangement features two symmetrical aft cabins tucked under the cockpit and a forward V-berth, providing private accommodations for three couples.

The salon is characterized by its "linear" galley, which runs along the starboard side, a design choice that opened up the floor plan but can be challenging to use while the boat is heeled on a port tack. A major highlight of the Briand design is the abundance of natural light provided by the large, distinctive overhead "skylight" windows. While these provide an airy, open feel that was revolutionary in 1987, they also contribute to significant heat gain in tropical climates. The joinery typically consists of a light-colored mahogany or "Alpi" style veneer over plywood, which, while durable for charter use, lacks the heavy solid-wood feel of Beneteau’s more performance-oriented "First" series siblings from the same era.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a former Moorings 38 should be aware that these vessels often lived high-hour lives in demanding charter environments. A thorough inspection should prioritize the following areas:

1. Deck Core and Skylights: The large acrylic deck windows are notorious for "crazing" (developing fine cracks) and leaking. Because they are integrated into the deck structure, persistent leaks often lead to moisture ingress in the balsa-cored deck, resulting in soft spots.
2. Liner Attachment: Beneteau of this era used an internal fiberglass grid system bonded to the hull to provide structural rigidity. In boats that have experienced hard groundings—common in charter history—the bonding between the hull and the grid can fail, particularly near the keel bolts and the aft engine beds.
3. Engine Longevity: Most units were originally equipped with Perkins or Volvo Penta diesel engines. While reliable, charter boats often suffer from "low-load" glazing of the cylinders due to excessive idling for battery charging.
4. Rudder Bearing Wear: The large spade rudder is subject to significant stress. Buyers should check for excessive play in the rudder post and inspect the fiberglass around the rudder tube for stress cracks.
5. Chainplate Leakage: The stainless steel chainplates pass through the deck and are prone to slow leaks that can degrade the bulkheads they are bolted to. Inspect for water staining or delamination on the wooden bulkheads inside the salon and cabins.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Moorings 38 benefit from the massive production scale of the Beneteau Group. Technical support and original parts diagrams are often accessible through the Beneteau Owners Association, which maintains a deep knowledge base for the Oceanis/Moorings models of the late 80s. While there is no specific "Moorings 38 Class Association," the shared lineage with the Oceanis 390 means that technical wikis for the 390 are directly applicable to nearly every system on the 38.

The Verdict

The Beneteau Moorings 38 is a robust, high-volume cruiser that offers exceptional value for families or groups who prioritize cabin space and social areas over raw speed. While its aesthetics and "skylight" design may feel dated, and its sailing performance is modest, it remains a capable coastal cruiser.

Pros:

• Unbeatable Volume: Offers three private cabins and two heads in a sub-40-foot hull.
• Stability: A wide beam and wing keel make for a stable platform at anchor and under sail.
• Ease of Handling: Simple sail plans and clear deck layouts make it an ideal choice for short-handed cruising.

Cons:

• Aesthetic Aging: The large acrylic windows are prone to UV damage and leaking.
• Upwind Performance: The shallow draft and high-windage hull limit its ability to point high.
• Charter Pedigree: Many examples have seen heavy use and may require significant cosmetic and systems refitting.