Maine Cat 38 Ls-E Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Maine Cat 38 LS-E are defined by its high-aspect-ratio hulls and the absence of fixed keels, utilizing deep-drilling daggerboards instead. These boards allow the boat to point much higher into the wind than a typical cruising catamaran, often rivaling performance monohulls in upwind angles. According to editorial reviews by Sail Magazine, the boat’s light weight—often thousands of pounds less than production boats of similar length—results in a remarkably low displacement-to-length ratio, ensuring it remains lively even in light air.

Handling is centralized at a single, sheltered helm station located on the bridge deck, providing 360-degree visibility. Because the boat lacks the high-profile coachroof of a traditional "condo-maran," windage is minimized, making it much more manageable when docking in crosswinds. Under sail, the 38 LS-E is known for its "sea-kindliness," a term owners frequently use to describe the lack of the jerky, hobby-horsing motion common in shorter, wider catamarans. The "E" variants often feature Torqeedo electric pods, which provide silent maneuvering, though they require the sailor to be more disciplined with energy management compared to the diesel-powered "LS" siblings.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the 38 LS-E is a radical departure from conventional yacht design. The bridge deck is an expansive, open-air "Great Room" that serves as the cockpit, dining area, and lounge. This space is protected by a massive hardtop and can be fully enclosed with high-quality Strataglass or Stamoid panels for inclement weather. This "open design" eliminates the dark, cavernous feeling of traditional saloons and provides a seamless transition to the helm.

Living quarters are located in the hulls, which benefit from the "Long Slim" design by offering surprisingly generous headroom. The port hull typically houses the master suite with a longitudinal queen berth and a large head aft, while the starboard hull contains guest accommodations and the galley. Placing the galley "down" in the hull is a tactical choice that keeps the weight low and clears the bridge deck for socializing. Materials throughout are chosen for durability and weight savings, featuring clean white laminates accented by cherry or teak trim. Sibling models include the original Maine Cat 38 (which featured shorter hulls and less buoyancy aft) and the Maine Cat 41, which scaled this design philosophy up for blue-water transoceanic passages.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Maine Cat 38 series has garnered significant respect in the technical sailing community, particularly winning accolades like Cruising World’s "Boat of the Year" in its respective categories during the model's development cycle. The model's "LS-E" designation has been a focal point for marine media interested in the "Green Transition," as Maine Cat was an early adopter of high-capacity lithium-ion banks and electric propulsion integrated with solar arrays. The boat is often cited in technical discussions regarding "ICW-friendly" catamarans, as its rig height is specifically designed to clear the 65-foot bridges of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a pre-owned Maine Cat 38 LS-E should focus their inspection on the specific systems that make the boat unique.

• Enclosure Integrity: Because the bridge deck relies on soft or semi-rigid enclosures for weatherproofing, the zippers, tracking, and clarity of the panels are high-maintenance items. Check for UV degradation and leakage at the bridge deck joinery.
• Electric Propulsion Health: On the "E" variants, a thorough sea trial is necessary to verify the state of health (SOH) of the lithium battery bank and the efficiency of the charging systems (solar/hydro-generation/generator). Replacement of these high-capacity banks can be a significant capital expense.
• Daggerboard Trunks: Inspect the daggerboard trunks for any signs of stress cracking or impact damage. While Core-Cell is highly resistant to rot, an impact that breaches the skin can lead to localized delamination if not addressed.
• Rudder Bearings: Due to the high speeds this boat can achieve under sail, the rudder bearings and steering cables should be checked for play or "slop," which can detract from the boat's signature light-touch helm.

Community & Resources

The Maine Cat community is tight-knit and centered largely around direct communication with the factory in Bremen. The Maine Cat Owners Group is a prominent resource for technical support, where owners share modifications for solar upgrades and maintenance tips for the unique Core-Cell construction. Because these boats are built in relatively small numbers, the factory—still led by Dick Vermeulen—is often the best source for original build logs and technical schematics.

The Verdict

The Maine Cat 38 LS-E is a specialized tool for the discerning cruiser who values performance and ventilation over interior volume. It is an ideal platform for coastal trekking and Bahamas cruising where its shallow draft and ICW-friendly rig can be fully utilized.

Pros:

• Exceptional sailing performance and upwind capability for a cruising cat.
• Unrivaled ventilation and visibility via the "Open Design" bridge deck.
• High-quality Maine craftsmanship using advanced, lightweight materials.
• Quiet and environmentally conscious operation in electric "E" configurations.

Cons:

• Lack of a traditional "hard" saloon may feel less secure in extreme cold or heavy offshore weather.
• Galley-down layout may feel isolated for the cook compared to modern "galley-up" designs.
• Electric propulsion requires a learning curve for power budget management.