Design and Construction
The hull is molded in polyester as a solid laminate, with a liner glued in for structural stiffness and a bonded hull liner added at the start of assembly to increase rigidity. The deck is injection molded with a Saerfoam foam core to add strength while keeping weight down, then secured to the hull with adhesives and screws and trimmed with a 1-inch toerail; discontinuous teak toerails also provide bracing for feet on deck. Beneteau gave the 38 aggressive angular lines with a nearly plumb bow and a slightly reverse transom, and the low cabintop provides a nice profile while belying the amount of volume and headroom below. Beam is carried well aft to a wide stern, and the cast-iron ballast is deployed efficiently as a trailing bulb, while prodigious beam — some 16 inches more than a Hallberg-Rassy 372 — yields huge form stability. A hard chine running from well forward to the transom helps keep the boat sailing up to five degrees flatter than it otherwise would.
Rig and Handling
The 38 carries a 9/10ths fractional rig on a deck-stepped Z-Spars mast that has been moved aft and centered over the keel, opening a slightly larger foretriangle for more power and supported by double sweptback spreaders with an adjustable split backstay. Sail plan is 748 square feet split between a 103 percent genoa on a Facnor furler and a traditional Elvstrom mainsail. Twin rudders with stainless steel stocks let the hull grip the water regardless of heel angle, and twin helms open the middle of the cockpit. Writing in Yachting Monthly, one tester found the boat manoeuvred in a spritely way at the wheel, though the steering system on that test boat was so stiff the reviewer checked repeatedly for a wheel lock. Under a 30hp Yanmar saildrive the relatively light 14,930lb hull pushed 7.1 knots at 2,700rpm in flat water with no headwind.
Accommodations
Beneteau offered the 38 in three flavors — Daysailer, Weekender, and Cruiser — each rethinking how the boat is used and leaving the initial layout to the owner while preserving the potential to change arrangements later. The Daysailer does away with interior bulkheads for a single floating-loft room with unobstructed views; the Weekender gives the greatest evolving potential and layout choice; the Cruiser is more conventional with a large galley facing the saloon, a separate-shower bathroom, and a choice of two or three cabins, with a removable forecabin bulkhead that returns the loft feeling. A unique touch on this size of cruiser is a forecabin bed head aligned with the boat's axis. Saloon headroom runs 6ft 5in to 6ft 7in, and the gently sloping 45-degree companionway gives good access all the way aft to large stern stowage and a hanging locker. The three-cabin version popularizes a separate shower compartment, and owners report a tremendous first impression below.
Equipment and Deck Layout
Weekender and Cruiser versions come standard with a mainsheet arch over the cockpit that keeps the sheet out of the crew's way and eases fitting of sprayhood, bimini, and cockpit tent; grabrails and lights mount on the arch. Most deck hardware is Harken, including primary and cabintop winches, and nav electronics are B&G throughout with a factory B&G pack. The signature hinged transom drops into a swim platform, and with helm seats flipped up there is a clear walk-through to the water. Side decks are wide and easy to move on, with good handholds on the cabintop and extra grabrails outboard of the arch. The Dock & Go option swaps in a 40hp engine, swiveling drive leg, joystick, and bow thruster. Beneteau even partnered with Longchamp on a rolling locker that hangs from handles beside the V-berth.
Ownership and Refits
The modular concept means a used Oceanis 38 can be reconfigured well beyond its as-delivered layout, and access to seacocks, hardware, and systems is good throughout, which simplifies routine maintenance. The 30hp Yanmar saildrive is the standard plant, with the Dock & Go upgrade the main factory power evolution. The optional forward bulkhead can be removed to open the saloon, and the Weekender's open or closed cabin choices let an owner grow the boat from daysailer toward full cruiser without changing hull or rig.
The Verdict
The Oceanis 38 is a clever, beamy cruiser-family design that trades offshore ambition for adaptable volume and flat-angle stability, with a rig and deck plan tuned for short-handed comfort and easy reconfiguration.
Pros
- Modular Daysailer/Weekender/Cruiser interiors that can be re-laid-out after purchase
- Twin rudders and hard chine keep her gripping and sailing flatter when heeled
- Wide beam aft, low cabintop, and 6ft 5in+ headroom deliver strong below-decks volume
- Good access to systems and seacocks aids maintenance
Cons
- Not designed for challenging offshore work
- Tested steering was markedly stiff; helm seat position lacks a comfortable slouch
- Two-aft-cabin layout limits cockpit stowage to a sole locker and lazarettes
