Elvström 38 MS Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Unlike traditional motorsailers that rely on high-displacement, full-keel designs, the Elvström 38 MS features a contemporary fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder. This configuration, influenced by Paul Elvström’s racing background, allows the boat to point higher and respond more sharply to the helm than its contemporaries. The sail plan is typically configured as a masthead sloop, providing enough power to move the approximately 7.5-ton displacement in light to moderate winds.

According to technical archives maintained by the Coronet Yacht Club, the hull was designed to maintain a stable, upright posture, which is enhanced by a generous ballast ratio. This makes the 38 MS particularly "sea-kindly" in choppy conditions. Under power, the boat behaves much like a Coronet displacement cruiser, with a large diesel engine (often Volvo Penta) providing a reliable cruising speed of 7 to 8 knots. The dual-station steering—one in the aft cockpit and one inside the protected pilothouse—allows the helmsman to transition seamlessly between "active" sailing and "sheltered" motoring as weather dictates.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Elvström 38 MS reflects the golden era of Danish boatbuilding, characterized by extensive use of high-grade teak and a logical, ergonomic flow. The layout is centered around the raised pilothouse/deck saloon, which provides 360-degree visibility—a luxury rarely found on pure sailboats of this size. This space functions as the primary social hub, featuring a dining area and the interior helm station.

Below deck, the boat typically offers a two-cabin configuration. The forward V-berth serves as the guest or secondary cabin, while the master accommodations are often located in a distinct aft cabin, providing a high degree of privacy for two couples. The galley is positioned to be functional at sea, with deep sinks and secure bracing points. While most units were built to a standardized high specification, some variations exists in the joinery finish depending on the year of production. A smaller sibling, the Elvström 32, was also produced on a similar design philosophy, though it lacks the expansive volume and "big boat" motion of the 38-foot hull.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of an Elvström 38 MS should focus on technical areas common to high-end Scandinavian vessels of the late 1970s and early 80s:

• Teak Deck Integrity: Many 38 MS units were delivered with screw-fastened teak decks. Over four decades, the bedding compound can fail, leading to moisture intrusion into the fiberglass sub-deck. A professional moisture meter test is essential.
• Window Seals: The large pilothouse windows are a signature feature but are prone to leakage if the original rubber seals have perished. Evidence of water staining on the teak cabinetry below the windows is a common "gotcha."
• Engine Service Life: Given its role as a motorsailer, the engine often has high hours. Buyers should verify the condition of the heat exchanger and sail drive (if equipped) or shaft seal, as access can be tight depending on the specific interior configuration.
• Rigging Age: Because these boats are often used more for motoring in their later years, standing rigging is frequently overlooked. Any vessel with wire older than 10–15 years requires a full swage inspection.

Community & Resources

The primary repository for technical data, original brochures, and hull-specific history is the Coronet Yacht Club. This organization maintains an extensive digital archive for all Botved-built vessels, including the Elvström collaboration models. Owners also frequent Scandinavian cruising forums, where the boat’s specific Peer Bruun design nuances are often discussed in the context of Baltic Sea passage-making.

The Verdict

The Elvström 38 MS is an "honest" motorsailer that refuses to compromise on either half of its identity. It offers the protection of a powerboat with the soul of a sailor.

Pros:

• Exceptional Build Quality: Built during Coronet’s peak manufacturing period with premium materials.
• True All-Weather Vessel: The internal helm and pilothouse extend the sailing season into the shoulder months.
• Pedigree Design: Rare combination of Paul Elvström’s sailing logic and Peer Bruun’s naval architecture.

Cons:

• Maintenance Intensity: Extensive exterior and interior teak requires consistent upkeep.
• Limited Availability: Rare outside of Northern Europe, making parts-sourcing for model-specific trim difficult.
• Dated Systems: Original electrical panels and plumbing often require modernizing for offshore use.