The Tartan 38, introduced in 1978 as a sophisticated Sparkman & Stephens design, represents a pivotal era for Tartan Yachts where the brand successfully bridged the gap between IOR-influenced racing performance and high-end coastal cruising. Often overshadowed by its legendary predecessor, the Tartan 37, the 38 was a distinct evolution that offered a more modern underbody, featuring a deeper fin keel and a more efficient skeg-hung rudder. It was conceived for the sailor who demanded the structural integrity Tartan was known for, coupled with the pointing ability and speed necessary to compete in club racing or make fast offshore passages. According to editorial analysis from SpinSheet, the model was produced until roughly 1984, with approximately 100 hulls completed, making it a relatively rare but highly sought-after find on the used market today.
Tartan 38 Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview

- Make
- Tartan
- Model
- 38
- Builder
- Tartan Yachts
- Designer
- Sparkman & Stephens
- Number Built
- Production Year(s)
- 1976 - 1989
Below are the most recent Tartan 38 sailboat listings (up to 10).
Standard listing sites miss the technical details sailors need. Our database of 10,000+ models unlocks advanced filtering so you can search by keel type, rig configuration, and performance ratios—even when the seller forgot to include them.
Search across multiple sailboat listing websites at once, and get notified of new listings!
Example: Daily emails for "40 ft fin keel fractional sloops under $200k in Canada"Start Searching Now

| 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) |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 2025 | 2 | $25,900 |
| Sep 2025 | 2 | $7,250 |
| Jan 2026 | 2 | $15,450 |
Price Reduction Insights
50.0% of listings have had price reductions
Average discount: 35.1% off original price
| Model | LOA | Median Price (USD) | Listings | Recent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tartan 37 | 37.29' | $49,000 | 45 | 12 |
| Sabre 38 | 37.83' | $49,900 | 30 | 7 |
| Beneteau First 38 | 40.2' | $35,218 | 26 | 8 |
| Tartan 34 C | 34.42' | $20,000 | 17 | 3 |
| Tartan 40 | 40.25' | $89,900 | 14 | 0 |
| Tartan 33 | 33.67' | $27,000 | 14 | 2 |
| Tartan 30 | 29.92' | $11,250 | 12 | 0 |
| Tartan 28 | 28.25' | $23,250 | 10 | 3 |
| Swanson 38 S&S | 38.25' | $72,729 | 8 | 1 |
| Tartan 38 | $17,700 | 6 | 0 | |
| Tartan 41 | 40.63' | $74,500 | 6 | 1 |
| Country | Median Price (USD) | Listings (past 12 months) | Recent (90d) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $17,700 | 6 | 0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a used Tartan 38 cost?
- The median asking price for a used Tartan 38 over the past 12 months is $17,700. Prices vary by condition, year, equipment, and location.
- How many Tartan 38 sailboats are for sale?
- We have tracked 6 Tartan 38 listings over the past 12 months, with 0 listed within the last 90 days.
- Do Tartan 38 listings get price reductions?
- About 50% of Tartan 38 listings have had their price reduced, with an average discount of 35.1% off the original asking price.
- What are similar sailboats to the Tartan 38?
- Comparable models include the Tartan 37, Sabre 38, Beneteau First 38. See the comparison table above for pricing and availability.