Alajuela 38 vs Etap 38i
How do the Alajuela 38 and Etap 38i compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Alajuela 38 | Alajuela 38 | Etap 38i | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 38.0 ft11.58 m | 38.0 ft11.57 m |
| Waterline length | 32.6 ft9.93 m | 32.0 ft9.74 m |
| Beam | 11.5 ft3.51 m | 12.7 ft3.87 m |
| Draft | 6.0 ft1.83 m | 5.1 ft1.55 m |
| Displacement | 27,000 lb12,247 kg | 14,120 lb6,405 kg |
| Ballast | 10,000 lb4,536 kg | 4,850 lb2,200 kg |
| Sail area | 837 ft²77.8 m² | 599 ft²55.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 14.88 | 16.41 |
| Displacement / Length | 349 | 193 |
| Comfort ratio | 47.2 | 21.9 |
| Capsize screening | 1.53 | 2.10 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.6 | 7.6 |
Alajuela 38 vs Etap 38i: the short version
- The Alajuela 38 and Etap 38i are close in length (38.0 ft11.58 m vs 38.0 ft11.57 m ).
- The Alajuela 38 is heavier, displacing about 91% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Etap 38i carries the more powerful rig (16.4 vs 14.9), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Alajuela 38 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Alajuela 38 rates better for offshore work (1.53 vs 2.10).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.