The Islander 38 C occupies a distinct niche in the history of the Wayfarer Yacht Corporation, representing a transition from the light-displacement West Coast designs of Bill Lapworth to a more robust, offshore-capable cruiser. Often designated as the "Custom" or the "Charlie Morgan 38," this model was introduced in the late 1960s to offer a larger, more traditional alternative to the racing-oriented Islander 37. It was built during a period of high craftsmanship in Costa Mesa, California, utilizing the heavy-duty fiberglass layup techniques that characterized the era. Unlike the mass-produced Islander 36 that followed, the 38 C was produced in smaller numbers, making it a rarer find on the used market today. It is frequently noted for its classic aesthetic, featuring a graceful sheer line and a balanced sail plan that appealed to the traditionalist sailor.
Islander 38 C Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview

- Make
- Islander
- Model
- 38 C
- Builder
- Islander / Tradewind Yachts
- Designer
- Robert Perry
- Number Built
- 22
- Production Year(s)
- 1983 - ??
Below are the most recent Islander 38 C 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) |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | 1 | $32,000 |
| Model | LOA | Median Price (USD) | Listings | Recent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Island Packet 38 | 38' | $99,000 | 28 | 11 |
| Islander 36 | 36.08' | $29,500 | 23 | 1 |
| Tartan 34 C | 34.42' | $20,000 | 17 | 3 |
| Cabo Rico 38 | 38' | $89,000 | 13 | 4 |
| Cape Dory 30 C | 30.21' | $17,000 | 11 | 2 |
| Caliber 38 | 38' | $84,500 | 11 | 7 |
| Ohlson 38 | 37.06' | $41,607 | 6 | 2 |
| Islander 40 MS | 44' | $30,000 | 5 | 2 |
| Downeaster 38 | 38' | $47,441 | 4 | 3 |
| Moody 38 | 37.5' | $96,572 | 3 | 0 |
| Islander 38 C | $32,000 | 1 | 0 |
| Country | Median Price (USD) | Listings (past 12 months) | Recent (90d) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $32,000 | 1 | 0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a used Islander 38 C cost?
- The median asking price for a used Islander 38 C over the past 12 months is $32,000. Prices vary by condition, year, equipment, and location.
- How many Islander 38 C sailboats are for sale?
- We have tracked 1 Islander 38 C listings over the past 12 months, with 0 listed within the last 90 days.
- What are similar sailboats to the Islander 38 C?
- Comparable models include the Island Packet 38, Islander 36, Tartan 34 C. See the comparison table above for pricing and availability.