2004–2009 · designed by Glenn Henderson · built by Hunter Marine (later Marlow-Hunter)
Designed by Glenn Henderson, hired in 1999 to sharpen Hunter's performance credentials, as a fractional-rig coastal and near-shore family cruiser pairing Hunter's roomy, comfort-first brief with genuinely performance-influenced lines: a fine, near-plumb entry, a large rudder and smaller keel for lift, and a big-mainsail sail plan on the backstay-less B&R rig for shorthanded simplicity. Wide beam carried aft, a walk-through transom and an open interior still serve the lifestyle brief. It earned a reputation as a comfortable, easy-to-sail production cruiser with above-average performance for its class, rather than a bluewater passage-maker.
This is a general read on the Hunter 38 class — informed
background, not a verdict on any individual boat. Condition, refit history,
and how a particular hull was sailed and stored matter far more than class
reputation. Use it to know what to look for; for a read on a specific
listing, run a free FairKeel report on that boat.
At a glance
Hull form
Fin Keel
Ballast type
Bolt On Lead
Rudder
Spade
Mast step
Deck Stepped
Hull construction
Fiberglass
Production
2004–2009
Built in
USA
What the Hunter 38 is known for
B&R rig eliminates the backstay and uses swept spreaders for self-support, simplifying tuning and easing shorthanded sail handling.
Walk-through transom and swim platform give easy boarding and dinghy access, a real plus for coastal and liveaboard use.
Beamy hull carries volume well aft, giving unusually roomy interior accommodations for the waterline length.
Genuinely performance-influenced hull and sail plan (fine entry, large rudder/smaller keel for lift, big mainsail) make it faster on paper than many comparable-size cruisers of its era, per contemporary reviews.
Known trade-offs
B&R rig's swept spreaders and small non-overlapping jib limit pointing ability and rule out a staysail or cutter conversion many offshore sailors prefer.
Cored hull and deck are susceptible to moisture intrusion at hardware penetrations if bedding has not been properly maintained.
Construction and rig are built to a coastal/near-shore standard rather than sustained offshore passage-making scantlings.
Stainless steel arch carrying the mainsheet traveler and bimini loads adds weight and windage aloft, a point period reviews flagged; its deck-penetration mounts and weld joints are worth checking for corrosion, cracking or core moisture over time.
Age-related quirks to expect
B&R swept-spreader rig requires precise, even shroud tension since there is no backstay; incorrect tuning stresses spreaders and chainplates.severity: Mediumaffects: all (2004-2008)
Cored deck and hull moisture intrusion at hardware penetrations (stanchions, cleats, portlights) from aging sealant.severity: Mediumaffects: all (2004-2008)
Stainless steel arch (carrying mainsheet traveler and bimini loads) adds windage and weight aloft, a point Practical Sailor flagged in period reviews; inspect weld joints and deck attachment points for corrosion or cracking, not gelcoat, since the arch is metal, not fiberglass.severity: Lowaffects: all (2004-2008)
The backstay-less swept-spreader rig depends on correct, even shroud tension since there is no backstay to share load. Inspect chainplates, spreader roots and the mast step/compression post for wear, crevice corrosion or delamination.
Cored deck and hull can trap moisture around stanchions, cleats, portlights and the arch base. A moisture-meter survey of the deck is warranted given aging sealant on a boat of this era.
Spade rudder on a glass shaft; check bearing play, rudder post alignment and gelcoat around the rudder for stress cracking from grounding or wave loading.
Arch / bimini support structurepriority: coastal, liveaboard, weekending
The stainless steel arch carries mainsheet traveler and bimini loads and is a known windage/weight-aloft criticism of the design; inspect weld joints for cracking and deck attachment points for corrosion, loose fasteners or core moisture intrusion.
The era-typical diesel auxiliary is now old enough that deferred maintenance is common; verify service records, check saildrive seals if fitted, and confirm cooling and exhaust system condition.
How it fits your plans
Offshore
Not the first choice for sustained bluewater passages; the B&R rig's limited headsail options and coastal-oriented construction favor near-shore work over ocean crossings.
Coastal
Well suited to coastal cruising, with easy shorthanded handling from the backstay-less rig, above-average sailing performance for its class, and a simple, low-effort sail plan.
Liveaboard
Generous interior volume and walk-through transom access make it comfortable at the dock or on the hook, though tankage and storage are modest for full-time living.
Weekending
Easy to singlehand or short-crew for weekend trips thanks to the simplified B&R rig and easily-tacked small jib.
Motor
Auxiliary diesel is adequate for cruising speeds; not a motor-optimized platform.
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