
Licensed Yacht BrokersSales and service of yachts and shipsBuilt by CUSTOM, the38 Customis a fast, versatilemotor yachtwith a robustfiberglass and plastichull, represented worldwide by Shestakov Yacht Sales. For availability, viewings, and expert guidance, contact broker Andrey Shestakov.
Selecting a 38 Custom
If you prioritize confident performance and straightforward operation in a compact footprint, the 38 Customstands out. With a 42 ft (12.8 m) LOA, 12 ft (3.66 m) beam, and a 7.108 ft (2.1666 m) draft, thismotor yachtbalances speed with practical dimensions for docking and coastal cruising. Twin Merlin inboard gas/petrol engines deliver a 30-knot cruise and 50-knot top end, making it a compelling choice for owners seeking quick passages and spirited day runs. Consult Andrey Shestakov at Shestakov Yacht Sales to evaluate how the38 CustombyCUSTOMaligns with your usage profile.
Features of the Model
- High-performance envelope: 30 kn cruise (34.52 mph) and 50 kn max (57.54 mph)
- Powertrain: 2 x Merlin inboard, gas/petrol
- Construction: durable fiberglass and plastichull with a fiberglass deck
- Practical layout touchpoints: single head for onboard convenience
- Capacities tuned for active use: 300 gal fuel, 50 gal water
- Manageable size for handling and berthing: 42 ft LOA, 12 ft beam
Technical Specifications
- Builder: CUSTOM
- Model: 38 Custom
- Type: motor yacht
- Hull material: fiberglass and plastic
- Deck material: Fiberglass
- LOA: 42 ft (12.8 m)
- Beam: 12 ft (3.66 m)
- Max draft: 7.108 ft (2.1666 m)
- Cruise speed: 30 kn (34.52 mph)
- Max speed: 50 kn (57.54 mph)
- Engines: 2 x Merlin, Inboard, Gas/Petrol
- Heads: 1
- Fuel capacity: 300 gal
- Water capacity: 50 gal
Pricing and Ordering
Pricing and availability for the 38 Customvary by specification and market timing. For current opportunities, guidance on inspections, and next steps to secure your yacht, please contact Andrey Shestakov at Shestakov Yacht Sales. Our team will coordinate viewings, discuss configuration details fromCUSTOM, and outline the transaction process from offer to delivery.
Questions and Answers
Q: What type of yacht is the 38 Custom? A: It’s amotor yachtbuilt byCUSTOMwith afiberglass and plastichull for strength and performance.
Q: How fast does it go? A: The yacht offers a 30 kn(34.52 mph) cruising speed and a50 kn(57.54 mph) top speed for swift passages.
Q: What powers the boat? A: Twin Merlininboardgas/petrolengines provide reliable thrust, giving the38 Customits strong acceleration and mid-range efficiency.
Q: What are the key dimensions for berthing and handling? A: LOA is 42 ft (12.8 m), beam is12 ft (3.66 m), and max draft is7.108 ft (2.1666 m)—useful figures for marina planning and route selection.
Q: What onboard utilities are available? A: You get 1 head,300 galof fuel capacity, and50 galof water capacity—practical for active outings and day cruising. For more details, speak with Andrey Shestakov at Shestakov Yacht Sales.
Owner Experience Review
Owners and brokers position the 38 CustomfromCUSTOMas a custom, owner-built one‑off suited to overnight and short‑range cruising, as well as fast family weekend runs. Reported figures from a 1984 example cite an efficient 14.5° V‑hull with four lifting strakes, cruising around 30 knots and reaching roughly 50 knots at the top end. Several boats have been tuned with two propeller sets to trade short‑range speed for long‑range efficiency, and upgrades like a 4‑ft stern extension with fuel tank relocation are noted to help the boat run more efficiently.
Onboard, the layout and finish are tailored for weekends or a few nights aboard rather than full‑time liveaboard use. Listings note a queen‑size V‑berth in a one‑cabin/one‑head arrangement, custom ribbon‑mahogany cabinetry, 360° visibility from the lower helm, and sliding side windows. The compact galley reinforces the boat’s role as a capable, short‑duration cruiser rather than a long‑range liveaboard platform.
Maintenance histories show the realities of custom ownership: multiple repowers are documented (from original twin Mercury 300 hp outboards to MerCruiser inboards and later changes), facilitated by a full hydraulic lift hatch that opens the entire cockpit engine bay for major work. Brokers also cite recent haul‑outs and significant refits with documented costs, and owner notes on a different Custom 38 highlight long lay‑up risks such as an engine exhaust gasket leak and the need to address engine, fuel, and electronics before launching—typical considerations with one‑off customs that reward attentive care.
Pros and Cons
- Fast and stable ride from a 14.5° V‑hull with four lifting strakes, with about 30‑knot cruise and ~50‑knot top end reported on a 1984 example.
- Performance and efficiency can be tuned via prop choices and upgrades like a stern extension and weight redistribution.
- Practical for short trips with a queen‑size V‑berth, 360° lower‑helm visibility, and sliding side windows.
- One‑cabin, single‑head layout and compact galley limit comfort for extended liveaboard use.
- Being an owner‑built one‑off often means proactive maintenance and periodic refits, including documented repowers.
- Long lay‑ups can reveal issues like exhaust gasket leaks and the need to go through engine, fuel, and electronics before launch.
Comparison with Other Models
| Model | LOA | Beam | Draft | Speed (Cruising/Max) | Gross Tonnage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38 Custom | 42' 0" (12.80 m) | 12' 0" (3.66 m) | 7' 1" (2.17 m) | 30 kn / 50 kn | - |
| 3 Masted Schooner | 167' 0" (50.90 m) | 32' 0" (9.75 m) | 30' 11" (9.42 m) – 59' 1" (18 m) | 9 kn | - |
| 77ft Custom Norlin Cutter Sloop | 76' 0" (23.34 m) | 18' 0" (5.59 m) | 28' 12" (8.83 m) | 8 kn / 11 kn | - |
| Floe Craft Afina 3950 | 39' 0" (11.89 m) | 11' 0" (3.35 m) | 5' 6" (1.67 m) – 9' 10" (3 m) | - | 18500 |
| 51 Mini Super Yacht | 51' 0" (15.54 m) | 14' 0" (4.27 m) | 11' 6" (3.50 m) | 20 kn / 23 kn | - |
| Benetti 105 | 106' 0" (32.50 m) | 19' 0" (5.97 m) | 8' 0" (2.44 m) | 12 kn / 16 kn | 109 |
| 170 Commercial Crew Boat | 170' 0" (51.82 m) | 30' 0" (9.14 m) | 21' 1" (6.42 m) | 22 kn / 24 kn | - |
| Commercial LCU | 119' 0" (36.30 m) | 34' 0" (10.39 m) | 9' 0" (2.75 m) – 17' 3" (5.25 m) | - | - |
| PK50 | 164' 0" (50 m) | 28' 0" (8.61 m) | - | - | 487 |
| Sports Cat 44 | 44' 0" (13.41 m) | 14' 0" (4.27 m) | 9' 10" (3 m) | - | - |

Learn more on the “CUSTOM - 38 Custom”
To learn more on the “CUSTOM - 38 Custom” or to get advice on how to buy or sell a yacht or get a great price for a yacht charter
please call +1 (954) 274-4435 USAOnly deal with professionals!

