The Elan 38, introduced in the mid-1990s, represents a critical evolutionary step in the collaboration between the Slovenian shipyard and the prolific naval architects at J&J Design. Emerging during a period when Elan was pivoting from a regional manufacturer to a formidable European exporter, the 38 was designed to compete directly with the "cruiser-racer" hybrids of the French giants. It successfully bridged the gap between the legendary Elan 31 and the more voluminous Impression line that would follow a decade later. Built with a solid fiberglass hull and a sandwich-construction deck, the model was prized for its structural rigidity and a hull form that prioritized stability without sacrificing the light-air agility for which J&J designs are known. It was largely superseded by the Elan 37 and Elan 40 in the early 2000s, but it remains a staple of the brokerage market for sailors seeking a robust, dual-purpose coastal cruiser.
Elan 38 Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview
- Make
- Elan
- Model
- 38
- Builder
- Elan Yachts
- Designer
- J&J Design
- Number Built
- Production Year(s)
- 1991 - ??
Below are the most recent Elan 38 sailboat listings (up to 10).
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| Source | Year | Make | Model | Price | Cabins | Heads | City | Country | Listing Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DISCLAIMER: We are not affiliated with any external listing websites in any way. We simply aggregate publicly available listings to make it easier for buyers to find sailboats for sale. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the listings, so please verify all information with the seller before making any decisions.
Market Overview
Price & Volume Trends
Monthly breakdown
| Month | Listings | Median Asking Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | 1 | $52,879 |
| Nov 2025 | 1 | $52,997 |
| Dec 2025 | 1 | $77,611 |
| Feb 2026 | 1 | $47,108 |
| Apr 2026 | 1 | $57,708 |
Median Price by Country
Listings by Country
| Model | LOA | Median Price (USD) | Listings | Recent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sabre 38 | 37.83' | $49,900 | 30 | 7 |
| Beneteau First 38 | 40.2' | $35,213 | 26 | 8 |
| Dufour Classic 38 | 37.58' | $80,523 | 26 | 12 |
| Elan Impression 384 | 37.89' | $103,049 | 23 | 9 |
| Elan 40 | 39.04' | $94,136 | 19 | 5 |
| Elan 333 | 32.78' | $68,307 | 18 | 9 |
| Elan 431 | 42.58' | $62,882 | 14 | 4 |
| Elan 37 | 37.17' | $110,704 | 9 | 3 |
| Elan 362 | 35.04' | $67,528 | 8 | 4 |
| Elan 31 | 30.84' | $46,519 | 7 | 3 |
| Elan 38 | $52,997 | 5 | 2 |
| Country | Median Price (USD) | Listings (past 12 months) | Recent (90d) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Croatia | $52,938 | 4 | 1 |
| Finland | $57,708 | 1 | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a used Elan 38 cost?
- The median asking price for a used Elan 38 over the past 12 months is $52,997. Prices vary by condition, year, equipment, and location.
- How many Elan 38 sailboats are for sale?
- We have tracked 5 Elan 38 listings over the past 12 months, with 2 listed within the last 90 days.
- Are Elan 38 prices going up or down?
- The median asking price for the Elan 38 has decreased by 1.11% over the last 3 months compared to the 12-month average.
- Where is the cheapest place to buy a Elan 38?
- Croatia currently has the lowest median asking price at $52,938, while Finland is the most expensive at $57,708 — a 9% difference.
- What are similar sailboats to the Elan 38?
- Comparable models include the Sabre 38, Beneteau First 38, Dufour Classic 38. See the comparison table above for pricing and availability.