The Cabo Rico 38 Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The company was founded in 1965 by John Schofield, a British manager of a Leyland automotive plant in San Jose, Costa Rica, who started building power boats as a hobby.

• In the early 1970s, the company launched its first sailboat, the Tiburon 36, a ketch designed by Bill Crealock;

• In 1977, the Tiburon 36 evolved into the Cabo Rico 38, a cutter that became the company's most popular and iconic model;

• In 1983, the company opened a sales office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and expanded its dealer network to Europe and Asia;

• In 1987, the company was bought by Fraser and Edi Smith, two Canadians who introduced new models and improved the quality and design of the boats;

• In 1992, the company acquired David Walters Custom Yachts, which produced the Cambria line of luxury sailboats;

• In the 1990s and 2000s, the company collaborated with other designers such as Mark Ellis and Chuck Paine to create new models ranging from 34 to 56 feet, including pilothouse versions;

• In 2005, the company entered a Cabo Rico 56 in the Trans Pacific race and achieved an impressive second place in its class;

• In 2010, the company faced financial difficulties and filed for bankruptcy protection;

• In 2014, the company was reorganized and resumed production under new management.

The Cabo Rico 38 was designed by William (Bill) Crealock, a renowned naval architect who also designed the Tiburon 36, the Pacific Seacraft 34 and 37, and many other cruising boats.

The Cabo Rico 38 was built by Cabo Rico Custom Yachts in Costa Rica, starting from 1977 until 2005. About 200 hulls were produced in total.

The Cabo Rico 38 is a traditional full-keel cutter with a bowsprit, a low sheerline, and a lot of teak trim. It has a balsa-cored deck and hull, a keel-stepped mast, and an internal ballast. It is known for its strength, seakindliness, and quality craftsmanship.

The Cabo Rico 38 has been built with a variety of configurations to suit different preferences and needs. The standard layout has two cabins, one head, and a U-shaped galley to starboard. Some models have two heads, one forward and one aft, or a single cabin with more storage space. The salon can have either a straight settee or an L-shaped dinette to port. In 1990, a pilothouse version was introduced, with an enclosed steering station and more headroom.

Some of the common upgrades and modifications done to the Cabo Rico 38 include replacing the original Perkins engine with a more reliable Yanmar or Beta engine, adding solar panels, wind generators, or watermakers for more self-sufficiency, installing roller furling systems or electric winches for easier sail handling, upgrading the electronics and navigation equipment, and adding davits, arches, or dinghy hoists for more convenience.

Some of the pros of owning a Cabo Rico 38 are:

• It is a well-built and well-designed boat that can handle any weather conditions;

• It has a beautiful and cozy interior with lots of teak joinery and fine details;

• It has a loyal and supportive owners' association that can provide advice and assistance.

Some of the cons of owning a Cabo Rico 38 are:

• It is an expensive boat to buy and maintain, especially if it needs major repairs or restoration;

• It is not very fast or responsive in light winds or tight quarters;

• It has limited headroom and storage space compared to some newer designs.