Beneteau Moorings 38: Sailboat Data, In-depth Review & Buying Tips

The Beneteau Moorings 38—also known as the Moorings 38-2—is a production cruising sailboat built by Beneteau from 1990 to 1992. Designed by the naval architecture firm Berret-Racoupeau, it is based on the performance-oriented Beneteau First 38s5 hull but was adapted for the charter market under The Moorings fleet. This yacht is a well-rounded vessel, offering a balanced combination of moderate sailing performance, practical design, and onboard comfort, making it ideal for coastal cruising, short passages, and bareboat charters.

Design and Construction

The Moorings 38 features a monohull constructed from solid fiberglass with a fin keel and a spade rudder, ensuring a reliable and responsive sailing experience. The hull shape promotes stability and speed, particularly in light to moderate wind conditions. It measures approximately 37.67 ft (11.48 m) in length overall (LOA) with a beam of 12.67 ft (3.86 m), offering a stable platform and good interior volume. Its relatively shallow draft of 5.25 ft (1.6 m) allows access to shallower cruising grounds, such as the Bahamas or the Mediterranean. The deck layout is straightforward and practical, suited for easy movement around the boat, with a functional cockpit designed for both comfort and control.

Performance

While it is not a racing yacht, the Moorings 38 performs well for a cruising vessel of its class. It features a masthead sloop rig, offering a sail plan that is easy to manage yet powerful enough to maintain good speed under sail. With a displacement of roughly 14,000 lb (6,350 kg), the yacht provides decent acceleration and stability, making it suitable for a wide range of sailing conditions. The boat responds well on all points of sail, especially on a reach, and its moderate sail area-to-displacement ratio gives it enough drive to handle extended passages when trimmed properly.

Comfort and Accommodations

Comfort is a notable feature of the Moorings 38. Its interior layout was optimized for charter service, typically offering a three-cabin, one-head configuration. The saloon is open and airy, with a generous amount of natural light through deck hatches and ports. The galley is L-shaped and equipped for multi-day cruises, with refrigeration, a stove/oven, and good storage. The cabins feature double berths and adequate storage, and the boat has enough headroom (around 6’2″) to make the space feel open and livable. Ventilation is good, and systems like freshwater and electrical are robust enough for week-long trips without shore support.

Safety and Practicality

Safety was a clear consideration in the design of the Moorings 38. The deep, protected cockpit offers shelter while underway, and the deck layout ensures easy access to winches, lines, and anchoring systems. The boat is equipped with essential navigation gear and safety features common to charter fleets, such as lifejackets, flares, and emergency gear storage. Engine access is straightforward for maintenance, and the inboard diesel—typically a 27 to 40 HP Yanmar—offers reliable auxiliary power with fuel capacity around 40 gallons (150 liters).

Conclusion

The Beneteau Moorings 38 is a versatile and practical cruiser that remains a popular choice in the second-hand market due to its solid construction, comfortable layout, and reliable performance. Ideal for sailors looking for an affordable, easy-to-handle cruising yacht with room for friends or family, it combines the best of Beneteau’s design expertise and charter-focused practicality. Whether for weekend sailing, coastal cruising, or as an entry-level liveaboard, the Moorings 38 delivers a rewarding experience on the water.

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