The Ocean Alexander 38 (often listed as the 38 Double Cabin or 38 Sedan) holds a special place in the history of Ocean Alexander, a builder now synonymous with multi-million dollar superyachts. Introduced in the mid-1980s, the 38 represented the brand’s commitment to quality construction and offshore capability in a more approachable size. These classic vessels are prized today for their robust, semi-displacement hulls, teak interiors, and practical double-cabin layout, making them perennial favorites in the Ocean Alexander 38 for sale market.
Table Of Content
- 📐 Robust Design: Ocean Alexander 38 Specifications
- Key Dimensions and Capacity
- Engines and Performance
- 💰 The Used Market: Ocean Alexander 38 Price and Value
- Typical Price Range (USD and Equivalent)
- 🌐 The Ocean Alexander Family: From 38 to 72 ft Ocean Alexander for Sale
- Classic Models (The 430 and 480)
- Modern Superyachts
- The Hyak Connection
- ❓ 5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Ocean Alexander 38
- 1. What type of hull does the Ocean Alexander 38 have?
- 2. What kind of accommodations does the Ocean Alexander 38 offer?
- 3. What should a buyer inspect closely on an Ocean Alexander 38 for sale?
- 4. How does the Ocean Alexander 38 price compare to the modern fleet?
- 5. What is the approximate range of the Ocean Alexander 38 at cruising speed?
This article details the key Ocean Alexander 38 specs, analyzes its current market price, and contextualizes its place within the larger Ocean Alexander family, from the classic Ocean Alexander 430 to the massive modern cruisers like the 72 ft Ocean Alexander for sale.
📐 Robust Design: Ocean Alexander 38 Specifications
The Ocean Alexander 38 (in its most common Double Cabin configuration) was built with long-distance cruising in mind, adopting a design typical of a flybridge trawler yacht with a robust, solid fiberglass hull.
Key Dimensions and Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
| LOA (Length Overall) | $38 text{ ft } 0 text{ in } (11.58 text{ m})$ |
| Beam (Width) | $13 text{ ft } 4 text{ in } (4.06 text{ m})$ |
| Draft | $3 text{ ft } 2 text{ in } (0.97 text{ m})$ |
| Dry Weight / Displacement | $approx 20,500 text{ to } 21,500 text{ lbs}$ |
| Hull Type | Solid Fiberglass, Semi-Displacement |
| Fuel Capacity | $approx 300 text{ to } 400 text{ U.S. Gallons}$ (Diesel) |
| Water Capacity | $approx 100 text{ to } 200 text{ U.S. Gallons}$ |
| Accommodations | 2 Staterooms, 2 Heads (Aft Master, Forward Guest) |
Engines and Performance
The 38 was typically powered by twin diesel engines, favoring efficiency and reliability over outright speed, fitting its trawler heritage.
- Common Original Power: Twin $135 text{ HP}$ or $170 text{ HP}$ Ford Lehman or Perkins 4236 diesels.
- Cruising Speed: Approximately $8 text{ to } 10 text{ knots}$ (economical displacement speed).
- Max Speed: Approximately $12 text{ to } 16 text{ knots}$ (depending on engine package).
The significant fuel capacity combined with the efficient diesel engines gives the Ocean Alexander 38 an excellent range for coastal cruising and extended voyages, a defining characteristic of its enduring popularity. The Ultimate Angler’s Quest: Navigating the Walleye Boats for Sale Market
💰 The Used Market: Ocean Alexander 38 Price and Value
As a classic yacht from the mid-1980s, the Ocean Alexander 38 price is highly dependent on the condition of its mechanical systems, the presence of critical upgrades, and its overall cosmetic state.
Typical Price Range (USD and Equivalent)
The average asking price for an Ocean Alexander 38 for sale is approximately $75,000 to $120,000 USD (or $approx €68,000 text{ to } €110,000$).
| Condition Category | Estimated Price Range (USD) | Key Factors |
| Entry Level | $50,000 – $75,000 | Original engines, needs major system overhaul, cosmetic refurbishment required. |
| Mid-Range / Well-Maintained | $75,000 – $100,000 | Engines in good running order, updated electronics, and clean interiors. |
| Premium / Refitted | $100,000 – $125,000+ | Recent major engine service (or potential repower), modern navigation suite, and professional cosmetic upgrades. |
The value of the Ocean Alexander 38 is sustained by the quality of its original construction and the highly sought-after teak interior woodwork common to these older models.
🌐 The Ocean Alexander Family: From 38 to 72 ft Ocean Alexander for Sale
The Ocean Alexander 38 is part of the builder’s foundational lineup of cruising yachts designed by Alex Chueh. The company grew from these initial successful models to become a major player in the global luxury market.
Classic Models (The 430 and 480)
- Ocean Alexander 430 & 480: These models (and similar designs like the 456 Classico or 486) represent the next evolution of the classic trawler/pilothouse style.
- The Ocean Alexander 430 Classico, a common model in this lineage, often features a pilothouse and a deep-draft, heavy-duty hull, emphasizing serious cruising capability over speed.
- The Ocean Alexander 480 Sport Sedan, or similar size variations, moved toward a sleeker profile and more modern styling in later iterations, sometimes offering higher cruise speeds.
Modern Superyachts
Today, the Ocean Alexander name is predominantly associated with its immense, technologically advanced motoryachts, exemplified by the search term 72 ft Ocean Alexander for sale. These modern vessels, often designed by renowned architect Evan K. Marshall, feature massive beams, luxurious amenities, and multi-million dollar price tags, a direct evolution from the solid principles established by the original 38.
The Hyak Connection
The term Hyak Ocean Alexander refers to specific yachts within the current or recent fleet that have been named “Hyak.” The name is generally associated with large, custom superyachts built by the company (such as the 100-foot or 77-foot models) and is not a model designation, but rather an owner’s choice of name.
❓ 5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Ocean Alexander 38
1. What type of hull does the Ocean Alexander 38 have?
2. What kind of accommodations does the Ocean Alexander 38 offer?
3. What should a buyer inspect closely on an Ocean Alexander 38 for sale?
Teak Deck Condition: Many had exterior teak decks that require ongoing maintenance or replacement if the caulking has failed.
Engine Health: The original Ford Lehman or Perkins diesels are reliable but need excellent maintenance history. Check for oil leaks and overheating issues.
Fuel Tank Integrity: The condition of the fuel tanks, often steel or original aluminum, is critical, as replacement can be very invasive.
4. How does the Ocean Alexander 38 price compare to the modern fleet?
5. What is the approximate range of the Ocean Alexander 38 at cruising speed?
