Design and Construction
Leonardo Yachts built the Eagle 38 in foam-core GRP vinylester. Unlike the larger models available with carbon options, she belongs to the builder’s standard GRP range of Eagle daysailers. Her 9,811-pound displacement includes 2,976 pounds of lead ballast, giving a ballast-displacement ratio of 35.5 percent. Those figures describe a settled, purposeful daysailer rather than a featherweight racer.
The Eagle 38 measures 38 feet 6 inches overall, with an 8 foot 6 inch beam. Depending on the configuration, she draws either 6 foot 1 inch or 4 foot 1 inch. Her CE Category C certification covers shore and coastal waters.
The deck is laid in Permateek, with flush hatches that preserve the clean topside appearance. The large cockpit is self-draining and finished with the same Permateek flooring, a practical surface that keeps bare feet sure and helps keep water clear of the seating area.
Buyers could personalize the hull color, Permateek deck and caulking tones, interior wood finishes, and cushion fabrics. As a result, boats may differ in appearance both on deck and below.
Rig and Handling
The fractional sloop rig carries 666 square feet of sail, with the mast rising 45 feet above the waterline. Hoek Design arranged the deck for genuinely easy single- or short-handed sailing. The jib winches are within easy reach of the helmsman, while the below-deck jib furler keeps the foredeck uncluttered and safe. A halyard winch is conveniently positioned on the coachroof.
Optional electric-powered jib winches, a powered captive mainsheet winch, and an electric halyard winch make sail handling on this 38-foot yacht a light effort. Buyers looking for more pace could also specify performance upgrades, including race-oriented North Sails 3Di sails and a carbon mast.
Cockpit and Accommodations
The very large cockpit seats six in comfort, making the Eagle 38 a convincing social platform for coastal days with family or friends.
Below, matt-varnished mahogany and an Alcantara ceiling give the cabin an elegant, quiet feel rather than the stark atmosphere of a race boat. She sleeps three, with a V-berth forward and a settee berth to starboard. The head is neatly built in and kept out of sight. Different interior options were available from the builder, so layout details vary from boat to boat.
Power and Systems
The builder’s standard engine specification is a 20-horsepower Volvo D1-20 saildrive. The Eagle 38 could also be had with an Oceanvolt SD8 electric drive for silent harbor maneuvering.
Tankage is modest and suited to coastal use: 45 liters of diesel, 45 liters of fresh water, and 35 liters of waste water. That limited capacity reinforces the boat’s role as a daysailer rather than a weekender equipped for extended cruising.
Verdict
The Eagle 38 is a thoughtfully resolved modern daysailer that combines traditional looks with easy handling. Hoek Design and Leonardo Yachts produced a boat with a large, sociable cockpit, a calm and elegant three-berth interior, and a rig layout that puts the controls at the helmsman’s fingertips.
Her modest tankage and Category C coastal rating clearly define her as a coastal vessel rather than a bluewater cruiser. The extensive personalization program also means that careful inspection of each boat’s individual fit and finish is warranted.
Pros
- Spirit of Tradition styling with modern vinylester GRP construction
- Very large cockpit seating six, with a self-draining Permateek floor
- Jib winches and furler arranged for easy short-handed handling
- Optional electric winches and electric drive for near-effortless sailing
- Elegant matt-mahogany and Alcantara interior with an out-of-sight head
Cons
- Fuel and fresh-water capacities of only 45 liters each limit range and cruising autonomy
- CE Category C restricts use to shore and coastal waters
- Modest three-berth layout suits daysailing more than liveaboard use
