Cabo Rico 38 - 1982

[lutz33]

Anyone have any knowledge advice on Cabo Rico 38? Wanna use it for some Caribbean cruising, maybe an Atlantic crossing in the future.

Thoughts? On the boat....safe, sturdy, etc

[cabo_sailor]

Wellllll Now! I just happen to have a 1989 CR38.

Pros: Built like a tank
Very sea kindly - gives one a good feel of security
Five foot draft - not too bad
Cutter rig - a personal thing but I like them
Full keel - gives good tracking and a feeling of security in a grounding
Relatively stiff - heels to a point then just hangs there like on tracks
Good ventilation
Excellent factory support
Heaves to easily with just the main
Mine holds 180 gallons of water

Cons: Fuel tankage is not what I would like - 50 gallons
Storage can be a problem - not enough IMO
Cutter rig - you won't point as high as with a sloop rig
There is a LOT of exterior wood to maintain
The discharge hose from the head is real long which can lead to problems
I have a lot of minor gelcoat repairs due to a poor layup job but that is boat specific
The main traveler was not equipped with a pulley system for adjusting the main - I've since fixed that
Did I mention that there is a LOT of exterior wood?
IMO you are paying a premium for the name


General:

I retire in another month and we too plan to spend some time cruising in the Caribbean. Would I do it in this boat? Yep and I'd feel safe doing it. On the other hand, as stated above, you are paying a premium for people to go "oooh ahhh". With a bit more research you might find another boat of the same size such as the Pacific Seacraft 37 that may be just as good and less expensive.

I fell in love with my CR38 when I first saw her - hence that's what we have. Ahhh, who can explain the heart?

Good luck and if you have any more specific questions, go ahead and PM me.

Rich

[lionlast7]

Ah, but the Seacraft 37 is smaller inside than the even Cabo Rico 34 and has much less tankage than either of the Cabos. When I sailed the Seacraft for just a few hours once in 6' seas and she seemed to hobby horse, but I was not really aware of how she was loaded.

[John A]

Cabo sailor is correct!

A CR38 was my first and only boat purchased after sailing all sorts of things in a sailing club and a two year broker search. Mine was a '81.

I lived aboard for 22 yesrs and for nine plus years did a cruise from SF thru the canal and fussed about the Carribbean. I had a great time on a great boat.

Sometime in the '90's Crealock changed the interior, so a 1982 boat reflects the original design.

Lionlast7:

The Seacraft 37 has a wider beam with a cutaway keel with a flatter hullshape.