The Hughes 38-1 represents the apex of Canadian fiberglass boatbuilding during the late 1960s, born from a collaboration between Howard Hughes and the legendary design firm of Sparkman & Stephens. Based on Design #1903, this vessel was conceived during the transition from the Cruising Club of America (CCA) rule to the International Offshore Rule (IOR) era. The result is a yacht with classic, elegant overhangs and a relatively narrow beam that prioritizes windward performance and aesthetic grace. Unlike many production boats of its time, the 38-1 was built with a robust schedule of hand-laid fiberglass, a testament to the durability that has allowed many hulls to remain in active service over half a century later. It served as the foundation for a successful lineage that includes the Northstar 38 and the later Hughes 38-2 and 38-3 iterations, which shared the same high-performance hull but featured updated interior layouts and cockpit ergonomics.
Hughes 38-1 Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview
- Make
- Hughes
- Model
- 38-1
- Builder
- Hughes Boat Works
- Designer
- Sparkman & Stephens
- Number Built
- Production Year(s)
- 1967 - 1969
Below are the most recent Hughes 38-1 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) |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 2025 | 1 | $9,500 |
| Model | LOA | Median Price (USD) | Listings | Recent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sabre 38 | 37.83' | $49,900 | 30 | 7 |
| Beneteau First 38 | 40.2' | $35,218 | 26 | 8 |
| Sigma 38 | 38.33' | $53,013 | 16 | 5 |
| Swanson 36 | 35.73' | $94,246 | 13 | 4 |
| Northshore 38 | 37.99' | $56,909 | 11 | 4 |
| Swanson 38 S&S | 38.25' | $72,729 | 8 | 1 |
| Ohlson 38 | 37.06' | $41,612 | 6 | 2 |
| Downeaster 38 | 38' | $47,450 | 4 | 3 |
| Irwin 38-1 | 37.75' | $18,000 | 1 | 0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are similar sailboats to the Hughes 38-1?
- Comparable models include the Sabre 38, Beneteau First 38, Sigma 38. See the comparison table above for pricing and availability.