JEANNEAU PRESTIGE 38S
BUILT: 2008 PRICE: £147,500
Introduced in 2008, the Jeanneau Prestige 38S was a classic highvolume French build that went toe to toe with popular boats like the Beneteau Monte Carlo 37 and Sealine SC35, bringing a standard-fit hardtop to the sub-40ft sportscruiser market at a good-value price.
INTERIOR Two decent-sized cabins bookend the 38S interior; the forecabin with a central double bed, and the mid cabin aft with two singles that can convert to a double. There’s even what amounts to a walk-in wardrobe in the forward cabin, which also benefits from ensuite access to the single heads. Between them a slightly compact galley sits opposite a sizeable dinette that converts into another double berth.
EXTERIOR An unusual feature is the discreet (to the point of almost invisible) tender garage that can swallow a 2.8-metre inflatable. The bathing platform doesn’t lower though, so a lightweight dinghy that can be lifted over it easily is a necessity. The hardtop is open-backed, so the main deck is all one big cockpit, and it has a sturdy solid-opening sunroof rather than the usual fabric folding top. Large wipers maintain a good view forward over a foredeck with mouldings to take a large sunbed, accessed by generous side decks with high rails.
PERFORMANCE All twin engines, all Cummins QSD 4.2l 320hp mated to Bravo 3 sterndrives for a circa 34-knot top end. The boat will cruise in the high 20 knots zone, but dropping back to 22 knots ups the range considerably.
SEAKEEPING Dropping the trim tabs helps soften the ride of the medium vee hull in a head sea as it allows the narrow forward sections to part the waves rather than the flatter stern. However, it’s happiest cruising downwind with a dry and very confidence-inspiring ride at sensible cruising speeds.
LENGTH: 38ft 8in (11.9m) BEAM: 12ft 9in (3.9m) DRAUGHT: 3ft 1in (0.9m) DISPLACEMENT: 7.5 tonnes FUEL CAPACITY: 920 litres ENGINES: Twin Cummins QSD 4.2l 320hp diesel
FOR SALE: Network Yacht Brokers www.networkyachtbrokers.com