The Fjord 38 Xpress is a sleek and stylish powerboat designed to capture attention from the moment you see it. With its modern Scandinavian lines, bold open-deck layout, and versatile performance, this yacht has carved out a reputation as both a statement piece and a practical cruiser. Fjord is known for its cutting-edge designs, and the 38 Xpress continues that legacy with a fresh take on what a compact luxury powerboat should be.

At just under 40 feet, the Fjord 38 Xpress offers the perfect balance between sporty handling and spacious comfort. It is designed for boaters who value both aesthetics and practicality, giving them an offshore-ready platform that doubles as a stylish social hub. From the wide sunpads and open cockpit to the powerful outboard configuration, it promises to turn every outing into an experience.

Intended Use / Purpose

The Fjord 38 Xpress was created for those who want day boating with flair, weekend trips with friends, and the ability to entertain on the water in comfort. Unlike larger cruisers meant for extended liveaboard stays, this boat focuses on giving owners freedom and flexibility. It’s equally at home tied up dockside at a chic marina as it is anchoring in a quiet cove.

Thanks to its performance-oriented hull and powerful outboard engines, it also appeals to thrill-seekers. It can handle offshore runs confidently, while still being nimble enough for quick trips along the coastline. Owners can count on it for everything from a casual afternoon swim outing to a fast-paced island hop.

Who Is It For?

The Fjord 38 Xpress is designed for a wide variety of boating enthusiasts. It’s a great fit for:

• Young professionals or couples who want a stylish, modern boat for entertaining friends.
• Families looking for a safe, versatile day boat that can handle coastal waters.
• Experienced boaters who already own larger yachts but want a secondary vessel for shorter trips.
• Luxury lifestyle seekers who want a boat that makes a statement every time it arrives at the dock.

It is not the boat for those looking to cruise long distances or live aboard for weeks on end. Instead, it’s about fun, style, and accessible adventure.

How Does the Fjord 38 Xpress Compare to Other Offshore Boats?

In the 35–40 foot offshore day-boat category, competition is strong, with models from Axopar, Technohull, and Pirelli TecnoRib vying for attention. The Fjord 38 Xpress sets itself apart with design flair—its angular lines and vertical bow stand out in a sea of rounded profiles. It also offers a more luxury-driven layout, with wider lounging areas and a strong focus on social interaction.

Compared to high-performance offshore boats, the Fjord 38 Xpress isn’t chasing top-end speed records. Instead, it offers a more balanced package: plenty of performance for fun, but without sacrificing comfort, safety, or refinement.

Design & Specifications

The Fjord 38 Xpress delivers on the brand’s promise of bold, functional design. Its wide, open decks and customizable layout make it a versatile platform for entertaining, relaxing, or enjoying high-speed runs.

• Type: Luxury Day Cruiser / Sport Boat
• Length Overall (LOA): 38 ft
• Beam: 11 ft 11 in
• Draft: 2 ft 6 in
• Fuel Capacity: 282 gallons
• Engines: Twin or triple Mercury outboards (300–350 HP each)
• Top Speed: Around 45–50 knots depending on setup
• Cruise Speed: 30–35 knots
• Hull Design: Deep-V hull for offshore performance
• Seating Layout: Forward sunpads, central helm with T-top, aft cockpit with dining/lounging area, wide swim platform

Key design highlights:

• Minimalist Scandinavian styling with sharp, modern lines.
• T-top helm station providing shade and protection while keeping an open-air feel.
• Convertible aft cockpit that shifts between dining, lounging, or sunbathing setups.
• Generous swim platform for easy water access.

Performance & Handling

Driving the Fjord 38 Xpress is an exhilarating experience. The twin or triple Mercury outboards deliver immediate throttle response, pushing the boat from idle to cruise speed in seconds. At 30–35 knots cruising, it feels lively and planted, cutting through chop without rattling passengers.

Turn the wheel sharply, and the Deep-V hull grips confidently, carving precise turns that make you feel in control at all times. On calm days, it can stretch its legs to 45–50 knots, a thrilling experience for both driver and guests. Yet even at high speed, the boat remains composed, with the bow slicing cleanly and spray kept low.

In rougher offshore conditions, the Fjord 38 Xpress proves its worth. Instead of pounding, it maintains a steady rhythm, giving passengers confidence that they’re on a capable offshore vessel. It may not have the sheer rawness of a racing RIB, but it finds a sweet spot between sportiness and security.

Safety & Precautions

Fjord designed the 38 Xpress with passenger safety in mind:

• High freeboard and secure handrails make it family-friendly.
• Wide side decks allow safe movement fore and aft.
• Non-slip decking enhances grip even when wet.
• Strong hull construction ensures offshore reliability.

As with any open day boat, weather conditions should be considered before venturing offshore. Owners should also note that at higher speeds, careful throttle control is key to maintaining passenger comfort.

Potential Downsides

While the Fjord 38 Xpress delivers an impressive package, there are trade-offs to be aware of:

• Limited overnight capability: It’s built for day use, not extended cruising.
• Premium pricing: Its luxury styling and customization options can raise costs compared to more utilitarian models.
• Fuel usage: Triple outboard configurations, while exciting, are thirsty at higher speeds.

Features & Benefits

What makes the Fjord 38 Xpress truly shine are the practical luxury features that enhance every outing:

• Multiple seating areas for both sunbathing and dining.
• Spacious swim platform that makes swimming, diving, and watersports easy.
• Customizable finishes for upholstery, colors, and decking.
• Efficient performance that balances speed with handling.
• Eye-catching design that always stands out in a marina.

These features create a boat that isn’t just fun to drive, but also a pleasure to spend time on with friends and family.

Reviews & Testimonials

Owners and reviewers consistently highlight the style factor of the Fjord 38 Xpress. Many describe it as the “head-turner” of any harbor, often drawing compliments even from non-boaters. Reviews also praise its performance, particularly its balance between speed and comfort.

Some owners note that it isn’t designed for sleeping aboard, but most accept that this isn’t the purpose of the boat. Instead, they love it for exactly what it is: a high-end day cruiser that makes every trip special.

Storage & Ownership Costs

Owning a Fjord 38 Xpress involves typical costs for a premium 38-foot outboard boat:

• Slip fees: Easier than wide-beam catamarans but still premium in popular marinas.
• Maintenance: Outboard servicing is simpler than inboard diesels but can add up with triple-engine setups.
• Fuel: At 30–40 knots, fuel consumption is significant, though efficiency is reasonable at cruising speeds.
• Resale value: Fjord’s reputation for style helps the 38 Xpress hold value well in the used market.

For many owners, the balance of performance, style, and versatility justifies the investment.

Final Verdict

The Fjord 38 Xpress is not just a boat—it’s an expression of lifestyle. Bold in design, thrilling to drive, and perfectly suited for socializing, it redefines what a luxury day cruiser should be. It’s fast, stylish, and versatile enough to make every outing unforgettable.

If you’re looking for a boat that combines Scandinavian design, offshore capability, and social versatility, the Fjord 38 Xpress deserves a serious look. It’s not built for extended liveaboard cruising, but for those who want day trips with flair and weekends full of excitement, it delivers on every front.

Fly Yachts provides a full range of services, starting with a large inventory of yachts for sale and information about luxury yachts, super yachts, and center consoles, all easily found from their homepage. To learn about their company history, team, and expert knowledge, check their About Us page, and if you want a custom yacht built, visit Build a Yacht. They feature travel options to various charter destinations around the world and list many yachts charter choices for private bookings. If you want to sell your vessel, the Sell Your Yacht page explains their process and support. For private aviation, they offer a selection of aircraft for sale. You can stay up to date on industry updates and company activities on the Gulfstream News page, and find yachting tips or advice in their Compass Articles. For any help or to get in touch, you can use the Contact page.