Frers 38
Description
The Frers 38 is a classic performance cruiser-racer designed by renowned Argentine naval architect German Frers. Built by Carroll Marine in the USA starting in 1988 (with production into the early 1990s), it features fiberglass construction, a fin keel with spade rudder, and a masthead sloop rig—emphasizing a blend of speed, seaworthiness, and comfortable accommodations influenced by the larger successful Frers 41. Production was limited, with approximately 18 hulls built, making it a relatively rare model from the late-1980s IOR transition era; some boats underwent keel modifications (e.g., for increased stability) during or after production. Key features include lively performance with excellent light-air capability from its generous sail plan, good upwind pointing, a spacious and practical interior (V-berth forward, large saloon, galley, enclosed head, aft cabin/quarter berths sleeping 6–7), and solid offshore potential for coastal or occasional bluewater cruising—owners praise it as a fast, comfortable cruiser that's rewarding to sail but may carry a low PHRF rating that can challenge competitiveness in some handicap racing.
Construction Details
| Designer | German Frers |
|---|---|
| Builder | Carroll Marine |
| Length | 39.000 ft |
| LOA | 38.500 ft |
| LWL | 30.080 ft |
| Beam | 12.750 ft |
| Displacement | 14500 lb |
| Ballast | 6000 lb |
| Max Draft | 7.000 ft |
| Year Built | 1988 |
The standard boat dimensions
| i | 52.70 ft |
|---|---|
| j | 15 ft |
| p | 45.70 ft |
| e | 14.63 ft |
| p2 | - |
| e2 | - |
| i2 | - |
| j2 | - |
| I | J | P | E | P2 | E2 | I2 | J2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52.70 ft | 15 ft | 45.70 ft | 14.63 ft | - | - | - | - |
Sails
Frers 38 - MAINSAIL
| Luff | * 45.7 ft - (13929 mm) |
|---|---|
| Foot | * 14.63 ft - (4459 mm) |
| Leech | * 47.34 ft - (14429 mm) |
| Tack Angle | * 87.98 ° |
| Diagonal | * 47.49 ft - (14475 mm) |
| Head (inches) | * 6 in - (152 mm) |
| Area | 333.94 ft² |
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Frers 38 - JIBSAIL
| Luff | * 43.83 ft - (13359 mm) |
|---|---|
| Foot | * 19.52 ft - (5950 mm) |
| Leech | * 38.75 ft - (11811 mm) |
| Percentage LP | * 115 % |
| Length Perpendicular | * 17.25 ft - (5258 mm) |
| Deck Angle | * 12 ° |
| Area | 378.08 ft² |
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Frers 38 - GENOA
| Luff | * 52.05 ft - (15865 mm) |
|---|---|
| Foot | * 23.93 ft - (7294 mm) |
| Leech | * 49.34 ft - (15039 mm) |
| Percentage LP | * 150 % |
| Length Perpendicular | * 22.5 ft - (6858 mm) |
| Deck Angle | * 4 ° |
| Area | 585.64 ft² |
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Frers 38 - SPINNAKER
| Stays | * 52.05 ft - (15865 mm) |
|---|---|
| MidGirth | * 27 ft - (8230 mm) |
| Foot | * 27 ft - (8230 mm) |
| Perc LP | * 180 % |
| Area | 1194.55 ft² |
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Disclaimer. Boats are not all the same -- even when produced in the same factory of the same model. Sailrite does its best to publish accurate dimensions, but we often find it worthwhile to have our customers measure their boats carefully before we produce kits for them. You should take the same precautions, especially when the data is not from Sailrite. The information on this site is not guaranteed to be accurate. Sailrite offers this content as a service to our community, but takes no responsibility for the reliability of the data provided.