The Kettenburg 38, affectionately known as the K-38, arrived in 1948 as a sophisticated evolution of the West Coast racing scene. Designed by Paul Kettenburg, this 38-foot sloop was intended to bridge the gap between the smaller, open-cockpit Pacific Class (PC) and the larger, ocean-crossing Pacific Coast Class (PCC). While the PCC was a heavyweight contender for blue-water trophies, the K-38 was engineered for the light-to-moderate airs of Southern California, offering a refined balance of speed and weekend habitability. Approximately 40 of these wooden masterpieces were constructed at the Kettenburg Boat Works in San Diego, and their enduring presence in classic yacht regattas today speaks to a build quality that has outlasted many of its contemporary competitors.
Kettenburg 38 Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview

- Make
- Kettenburg
- Model
- 38
- Builder
- Kettenburg Boats
- Designer
- Paul Kettenburg
- Number Built
- 40
- Production Year(s)
- 1948 - 1959
Below are the most recent Kettenburg 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) |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 2025 | 1 | $59,000 |
| Mar 2026 | 1 | $59,000 |
| Apr 2026 | 1 | $40,000 |
| Model | LOA | Median Price (USD) | Listings | Recent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sabre 38 | 37.83' | $49,900 | 30 | 7 |
| Beneteau First 38 | 40.2' | $35,218 | 26 | 8 |
| Baltic 38 DP | 38.08' | $99,900 | 13 | 3 |
| Northshore 38 | 37.99' | $56,909 | 11 | 4 |
| Ericson 38 | 37.67' | $39,450 | 10 | 0 |
| Camper & Nicholsons Nicholson 38 | $41,503 | 8 | 2 | |
| Comfortina 38 | 38.22' | $82,347 | 7 | 3 |
| Ta Chiao CT-38 | $29,500 | 6 | 0 | |
| Ohlson 38 | 37.06' | $41,612 | 6 | 2 |
| Kettenburg 38 | $59,000 | 3 | 2 | |
| Irwin 38-1 | 37.75' | $18,000 | 1 | 0 |
| Country | Median Price (USD) | Listings (past 12 months) | Recent (90d) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $59,000 | 3 | 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a used Kettenburg 38 cost?
- The median asking price for a used Kettenburg 38 over the past 12 months is $59,000. Prices vary by condition, year, equipment, and location.
- How many Kettenburg 38 sailboats are for sale?
- We have tracked 3 Kettenburg 38 listings over the past 12 months, with 2 listed within the last 90 days.
- Are Kettenburg 38 prices going up or down?
- The median asking price for the Kettenburg 38 has decreased by 16.1% over the last 3 months compared to the 12-month average.
- What are similar sailboats to the Kettenburg 38?
- Comparable models include the Sabre 38, Beneteau First 38, Baltic 38 DP. See the comparison table above for pricing and availability.