Maine Cat 38 Sail Catamarans For Sale

The Maine Cat 38 is a performance-oriented small cruising catamaran designed by Dick Vermeulen and recognized by Sail magazine as its “Best Multi Cruising Boat under 40 feet” in 2017. The design intent emphasizes a lightweight, low-wetted-surface hull form and daggerboard-driven windward ability, balanced with above-waterline flare, reverse sheer and a bridgedeck/cockpit arrangement that increases interior volume and headroom while preserving sailing performance.

Construction across the type uses vinylester resin-infused composite over Core-Cell foam core, a method cited in multiple listings. The result is a stiff, lightweight structure intended to support the model’s narrow underwater sections and low drag characteristics, while offering the strength and finish expected in boats built in the United States.

The Maine Cat 38 is offered in several configurations. Owner layouts include a three-cabin owner’s version with a master cabin and separate head and shower in the starboard hull, a galley in the port hull and additional berths fore and aft. The design also adapts to commercial use: one example, Surfer Girl, was purpose-built to a USCG COI (18+2) and is presented with three berths, one head and a galley for short-term cruising or charter operations.

Sailing and handling features are oriented toward single- or short-handed operation: a sheltered forward helm in a large enclosed bridgedeck/cockpit, interior or cockpit helm options, primary winches and line controls positioned for good visibility, mainsail controls at the transom and an isinglass enclosure that can be rolled up for fair weather or zipped down for protection. Retractable daggerboards provide windward performance and shallow-draft access when retracted.

Electric and hybrid propulsion has been installed on some examples. One boat, “Watts Up Doc,” was converted to inboard OceanVolt electric propulsion with hull-mounted motors and feathering props that permit regeneration under sail; a diesel generator is configured to start automatically to recharge batteries when required. In flat conditions under battery power that example moves readily at about 6 knots, illustrating how propulsion choices can extend cruising flexibility without changing the boat’s sailing characteristics.

Individual Maine Cat 38s have been used in a range of waters—New England, the Chesapeake Bay, the Outer Banks and St. Augustine—reflecting the model’s ICW-friendly rig height and adaptability to both private cruising and commercial charter roles. Maintenance and certification histories vary by boat and are provided with each listing.