2013 Aquastar Yachts 38 Aft Cockpit

Aquastar 38 Aft Cockpit: A Timeless, Go-Anywhere Cruiser

1. General Information

The Aquastar 38 Aft Cockpit is a sturdy, practical and wonderfully seaworthy motor cruiser from the Guernsey yard, part of a classic aft cockpit range that runs from 34 ft to 72 ft. At about 11.58 m long with a 3.90 m beam and a draft of around 1.10 m, it combines a proper wheelhouse with a generous open aft cockpit for fishing, swimming and alfresco dining. It is ideal for couples and small families who cruise coastal waters and cross the Channel, and who want a boat that feels safe and composed when the weather turns.

Accommodation is cleverly arranged: a forward V-berth cabin with hanging locker, a forward toilet with shower, a galley with Corian worktops and a four-burner cooker with grill and oven, and a dinette whose table lowers to form a double berth. In the wheelhouse, a U-shaped settee also converts to a double, so the boat sleeps more people than its single cabin suggests. Twin Volvo Penta TAMD 42 diesels of 230 hp each, fed by two tanks of roughly 150 gallons, give a reassuring cruising range.

2. Construction and Design

Built in GRP with GRP interior modules, the 38 Aft Cockpit follows Aquastar's long-standing focus on strength and sea-keeping. Shaft-driven engines on flexible mounts with bronze P-brackets, hydraulic steering, trim tabs and a 20-inch stainless steel and wood wheel give predictable, confident handling. Seven toughened-glass wheelhouse windows with two sliding panels and a door aft to the cockpit keep the helm bright and well ventilated.

The interior is classic Aquastar craftsmanship: matched teak-faced ply, 50 mm solid teak fiddles, teak-framed doors and lockers, and a finish of sanding sealer and melamine polish. Deep 5-inch foam upholstery, marine-grade carpets and matching curtains complete a warm, traditional yacht interior, while a pressurised hot and cold water system with a 12-gallon calorifier adds home comforts.

3. Key Features

Generous open aft cockpit: A spacious, secure deck area for fishing, boarding from the water and outdoor living.

All-weather wheelhouse: Enclosed helm with toughened glass, chart drawer and a convertible U-shaped settee.

Flexible sleeping: Forward V-berth plus dinette and wheelhouse settee that both convert to doubles.

Twin diesel reliability: Two Volvo Penta TAMD 42 engines on shafts for redundancy and easy manoeuvring.

Proven Aquastar hull: A seaworthy design with a long track record in demanding northern European waters.

4. Summary

The Aquastar 38 Aft Cockpit appeals to owners who want a dependable, traditional motor cruiser that is as happy pottering along the coast as it is crossing the Channel. Its open cockpit, all-weather wheelhouse and flexible sleeping make it a natural fit for couples, small families and anglers who value seaworthiness and craftsmanship over fashion.