1988 C&C 38 Mk III Sailboat

A rare opportunity to own a C&C 38 Mk III with several upgrades already completed.

We have owned and cared for her over the past three seasons, investing heavily in preventative maintenance, and system improvements. She is now a reliable, self-sufficient cruising yacht, ready for her next owners.

Only selling because we’ve moved on to a larger boat.

The C&C 38 Mk III is a proven Canadian performance cruiser—fast, balanced, offshore-capable, and comfortable enough for extended cruising.

Widely regarded as the most refined version of the C&C 38 series, the Mk III combines strong sailing performance with responsive, predictable handling and a practical cruising interior. Often described as a true “sailor’s boat,” she is equally at home passage-making, weekend-cruising, or competing in club races.

Under sail, the 38 Mk III is stable, well balanced, and rewarding to helm. She performs particularly well in lighter conditions, where many heavier cruising boats struggle. In 8–10 knots of wind, boat speeds of 6+ knots are readily achievable without having to push the boat or crew.

For sailors looking for a boat that delivers genuine performance without sacrificing cruising capability, the C&C 38 Mk III remains an excellent combination of speed, seaworthiness, comfort, and classic C&C design.

• LOA: 37.55 ft
• Beam: 12.8 ft
• Draft: 7.5 ft (fin keel)
• Displacement: 14,275 lbs
• Ballast: 6,246 lbs

• Strong upwind performance with a stiff, balanced hull
• Excellent light-air speed
• Predictable, “on rails” handling when properly trimmed
• Capable offshore cruiser with club racing pedigree

A true performance cruiser that rewards active sailing while remaining forgiving and composed as conditions build.

This boat stands out as a mechanically strong, thoughtfully upgraded example—ready to sail now, with room for cosmetic improvements over time.

Classic C&C teak interior with a practical cruising layout:

• Comfortable salon with warm wood finish
• Galley, navigation station, and living space
• Rare two-cabin layout with fully enclosed aft cabin (with door)—ideal for privacy when cruising with guests
• Additional sleeping for 1 person in the pilot berth
• Forward V-berth cabin with door
• Head with marine plumbing.

• Wide side decks and secure cockpit
• Designed for both short-handed and crewed sailing
• Strong, practical deck layout typical of C&C construction
• Efficient cockpit ergonomics and sail handling

She presents as a structurally sound 38-footer of her vintage, with a solid foundation and primarily cosmetic areas that would benefit from attention:

• Solid, dry, and structurally sound
• Clean systems and functional cruising setup
• Cosmetically honest, with expected age-related wear

Over the last three years, we’ve focused on reliability, safety, and comfort. While any boat of this age will have ongoing projects, she is now in a solid and dependable cruising state.

• Rebuilt transmission (2025)
• New Max-Prop 3-blade folding prop (2025)
• 700W solar system on stainless steel Bimini frame (2025)
• AGM house batteries + starter battery (2024)
• Upgraded electrical system (ELCI breaker + GFCI outlets)
• New mainsail track system (Bay Sails)
• Updated rigging hardware
• Extensive safety upgrades throughout
• Memory foam toppers on beds.
• Speed transducer
• Stainless steel Bimini and Dodger frame

• Through-hulls secured with properly sized tapered wood plugs
• Lifelines inspected and tension adjusted
• Turnbuckles, clevis pins, and retainers replaced as needed
• New turnbuckles installed (Klacko Marine)
• Radar reflector installed
• Three fire extinguishers installed
• Engine compartment fire discharge port installed

• New ELCI main breaker
• All outlets upgraded to GFCI
• 2 × AGM house batteries (2024)
• 1 × starter battery (2024)
• 700W solar (2025)

• Transmission rebuilt (2025)
• New Max-Prop folding prop (2025)
• Engine drip pan installed
• Annual anode replacement

• New mainsail track system (2025, Bay Sails)
• Rigging inspected and serviced as required
• All turnbuckles replaced

• Stainless steel dodger & bimini frame installed (2025)
• Brightwork refinished
• Cradle reinforced and converted to folding design 2026

• 2 mainsails
• #1, #2, #3 headsail,
• Storm sail
• Spinnaker

Sails are serviceable but not new.

This is a mechanically solid and actively maintained boat, with major systems already upgraded.

• Cabin sole has soft spots and would benefit from replacement
• Cosmetic stress cracking and scuffs consistent with an actively sailed/raced boat
• No hot water system currently installed
• Sail inventory is usable but older

These factors are reflected in the asking price and present an opportunity for the next owner to continue improving the boat while enjoying a capable and reliable platform immediately.