1983 Catalina 38 For Sale - Blue Yonder Yachts
1983

YEAR

US$ 30,000

PRICE

38 ft.

LENGTH

Catalina

BUILDER

San Carlos, Sonora

1983 Catalina 38



The Catalina 38 has a rich history. From exhilarating regattas to leisurely coastal cruises, this sailboat has been a steadfast companion for adventurers seeking thrilling experiences on the water. Catalina built 365 of these beauties, a tribute to her performance capability. She’s so fast she won the Newport to Ensenada race the first year in production. In a 2014 issue of Cruising World, Michael Robertson noted, “with its pedigree, it’s no surprise that owners report the Catalina 38 sails to windward like it’s on rails and also sails beautifully in light air. That superior upwind performance comes with a draft that approaches 7 feet.” Whether you’re racing against the wind or cruising at a leisurely pace, this vessel’s exceptional performance will leave you in awe.

“Mundays Off” is a proven racer and cruiser. She has been raced on the Columbia River, cruised the Pacific Northwest of the USA, and sailed down the PNW coastline south into Pacific Mexico and the Sea of Cortez. The Catalina 38 is a great option for sailors looking for a versatile boat that can handle both comfortable cruising and racing. It is particularly well-suited for a couple or small crew who value a blend of performance and comfort. The vessel’s popularity and the availability of community support make it a solid choice for those who want to be able to find information and assistance for their boat.

The interior arrangement is as good as it gets for a 38-foot live-aboard, coastal cruiser. Features include a large master V-berth forward, private head, full galley, generous salon seating, sizeable navigation chart table, aft quarterberth, and solid teak finishes throughout.

Conveniently located in the incredible cruising grounds of San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico, this timeless cruiser – with its illustrious history and unwavering performance – is waiting to take you on the adventure of a lifetime.

Special Features

  • Dinghy with outboard included
  • Engine rebuilt (2019)
  • Solar array for off grid charging
  • B&G electronics


This vessel is located in beautiful San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico, A short 250 mile drive on a safe 4 lane highway from Nogales, Az. San Carlos is a known boating destination/community, featuring breathtaking scenery, quiet anchorages nearby, great fishing, diving, two marinas, 3 haul out facilities and much more.

Don’t miss this classic Catalina 38 for sale, perfect for solo sailing or a couple who love to cruise. Priced to sell, so check her out today!


  • length: 38 ft. (11.58 m.)
  • price: US$ 30,000
  • builder: Catalina
  • draft: 7 ft. (2.13 m.)
  • max speed: 7.5 kn
  • beam: 11.2 ft. (3.41 m.)
  • cruising speed: 5.5 kn
  • built: 1983


  • Sail
  • Fiberglass hull
  • 1 cabin
  • 1 head
  • sleeps 2

Dimensions

Builder Catalina Yachts (USA)
Designer Sparkman & Stephens / Butler
LOA 38.08 ft / 11.61 m
LWL 30.25 ft / 9.22 m
Beam 11.2 ft / 3.41 m
Draft 7 ft / 2.13 m
Displacement 15,900 lb / 7,212 kg
Bridge Clearance 42 ft / 12.8 m
Ballast 6,850 lb / 3,107 kg
Ballast Material Lead
Keel Fin w/spade rudder
Hull Material Fiberglass

Propulsion

Engine Make Westerbeke
Engine Model 38B 4-cylinder
Engine Power 37 hp @ 3600 rpm
Engine Hours 2000
Engine Type Inboard
Engine Fuel Diesel
Drive Type Direct Drive
Propeller 3-Blade Folding, Bronze
Max Speed 7.5 k
Cruising Speed 5.5 k
Gal / Hr (Max) 0.5
Other Engine underwent complete rebuild in 2019

Tanks

Fuel Tankage 1 x 30 Gal (Aluminum)
Water Tankage 1 x 32 Gal (Poly blend fabric)

Accommodations

The Catalina 38 is an ideal blend of performance, comfort, and thoughtful design that stands out in its class. Crafted with an uncluttered fiberglass deck, this vessel ensures safe and easy movement for both seasoned sailors and newcomers alike. Designed by Frank Butler of Catalina Yachts, the boat features the proven Sparkman & Stephens IOR racing hull (originally the Yankee 38), enhanced with a spacious cabin house and the signature “Catalina deck” to perfectly suit coastal cruising enthusiasts.

Step aboard and you’ll appreciate practical touches such as a large, molded-in anchor locker for secure below-deck chain and rode storage, and elegantly crafted wooden handrails along the cabin top, offering both safety and classic style. The roomy, ergonomic T-shaped cockpit is designed for maximum comfort, with contoured coamings that make gatherings or solo sailing equally enjoyable. Molded-in non-skid deck surfaces deliver confident footing throughout your time on deck.

Below deck, the inviting saloon greets you with abundant natural light and a welcoming atmosphere. Relax on the comfortable C-shaped settee to port, complete with a mounted Smart TV for entertainment, or stretch out on the adjacent bench settee to starboard. Safety is considered at every turn, with overhead wooden handrails running the length of the cabin, while Hella fans ensure cool breezes and air circulation throughout the interior. Thoughtfully designed storage abounds, thanks to double shelves, cupboards behind the settees, and dedicated book and magazine holders with stylish overhead reading lights.

The galley, located aft to port, is small-yet-functional C-shaped layout, with electric Engel refrigerator/freezer, double stainless-steel sink, and gimballed Force 10 stove with oven for meal preparation underway. Opposite is the navigation station with electric panel and a cozy quarterberth, ideal for two adults to relax or rest.

Moving forward, you’ll find an enclosed wet head to port and additional storage cabinets and drawers to starboard to hold clothing and other accessories. The owner’s cabin, situated in the spacious V-berth, offers generous storage beneath and a tranquil retreat for restful nights at anchor.

Galley

Refrigerator / Freezer Engel
Stove Force 10 compact two-burner propane, on gimbal
Sink Double stainless-steel
Water System Fresh water, pump delivery
Other SeaBCue propane grill

Electronics & Navigation Equipment

Chartplotter B&G
Radar B&G (2019)
VHF Yes (2024), plus 2 handhelds
Autopilot CPT
GPS Yes
Compass Yes
Depth Sounder B&G Triducer
Wind Speed & Direction B&G (2022)
TV Smart TV
Wi-Fi / Starlink Yes

Electrical Systems

Batteries House Bank (400 amp-hours): two 6V LTH (sealed) and two 6V LTH (flooded), wired in series to make 12V

One start battery

Battery Switch Yes
Battery Monitor Renogy
Inverter Renogy 1000W (2024)
Battery Charger Renogy
Solar Panels x2 Renogy (2025) plus third 100W panel
Alternator Yes

Sails

Main Air Force, well-protected, ~20 years
Jibs Needs minor repairs along edge and new sun cover, ~20 years
Mainsheet Traveler Yes
Roller Furling Yes
Winches Yes, manual
Boom Vang Yes
Mast Yes
Standing Rigging Yes
Whisker Pole Yes

Deck

Anchors 33 lb Bruce

30 lb CQR

20 lb folding stern anchor

100 ft galvanized chain

200 ft nylon rode (extra in locker)

Bow Rollers Yes
Nav Lights Yes
Lifelines Yes
Ladders Yes
Rails Yes
Bow Rollers Yes
Dinghy West Marine roll-up, 9 feet
Dinghy Outboard Yamaha 6.6 HP (2024)
Deck Shower Expanding hose from bilge
Covers & Curtains Dodger

Bimini

Mainsail

Outboard cover

Mechanical

Air Conditioner Yes
Bilge Pump Manual and electric
Raw Water Sea Strainer Yes
Fire Extinguishing Yes
Head Type 1 x Chemical
Watermaker Rainman portable, 12V
Thru Hulls PVC, approx. 4 or 5

Safety Equipment

Lifejackets Yes
Harnesses Yes
Flares Yes
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The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.

Financial and titling transactions are conducted in the US or Canada by licensed agents. An offshore purchase means great savings and the process is more hassle-free than you may think! Call for details.

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