The Fjord 38 Open is a modern, sleek, and versatile motor yacht that has quickly become a favorite among enthusiasts looking for speed, comfort, and style in a compact package. At just under 40 feet, it manages to balance high-performance capabilities with a luxurious and functional layout, making it perfect for day trips, weekend excursions, and coastal cruising. Fjord has long been recognized for its Scandinavian design ethos, and the 38 Open is no exception, blending clean lines, minimalistic elegance, and practical use of space.

Step onboard, and the yacht immediately impresses with its open and inviting layout. The cockpit feels expansive, offering comfortable seating and plenty of room to entertain guests. Forward, sun pads provide a perfect spot for relaxing while underway, while the helm is intuitively designed to offer excellent visibility and ergonomics. The Fjord 38 Open is not just about aesthetics; it’s engineered for performance, making it a dynamic and enjoyable vessel to operate.

Intended Use / Purpose

The Fjord 38 Open is designed primarily for day cruising and short coastal adventures. Its combination of agility, speed, and comfort makes it ideal for owners who want a responsive yacht capable of covering significant distances without compromising on luxury. This model is perfect for exploring coastal regions, making stops at secluded beaches, or enjoying time on the water with family and friends.

While it is not a full-fledged long-range cruiser, it does offer sufficient amenities to make multi-day trips feasible for smaller groups. With a well-equipped galley, comfortable seating areas, and optional overnight cabin arrangements, the Fjord 38 Open ensures that passengers can enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

Who Is It For?

The Fjord 38 Open is tailored for buyers who appreciate performance-driven design combined with luxury. It appeals to:

• Active owners who enjoy sporty handling and high-speed cruising.
• Couples or small families seeking a stylish, manageable yacht for weekend getaways.
• First-time yacht buyers looking for a modern, easy-to-handle boat with premium features.

This model is also well-suited for those who value Scandinavian aesthetics—clean, understated, and functional design that makes every moment onboard feel calm and deliberate. It’s a yacht that attracts people who want excitement on the water without sacrificing comfort or style.

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

In comparison to other offshore day boats, the Fjord 38 Open stands out for its combination of lightweight construction, sporty performance, and luxurious finishes. Boats like the Riva Rivamare 38 or Princess V38 offer similar comfort, but the Fjord prioritizes efficiency and modern Scandinavian minimalism. Its hull design allows for smooth passage even in choppy conditions, and its seating arrangements maximize usable space without crowding the deck.

While some competitors may offer slightly more interior volume, the Fjord 38 Open shines in its balance of performance and aesthetic appeal, making it ideal for owners who value both driving pleasure and a stylish presence on the water.

Design & Specifications

The Fjord 38 Open exemplifies clever design and practical use of space, offering both comfort and performance-oriented engineering.

• Type: Sport Cruiser / Day Boat
• Length Overall (LOA): 38 ft
• Beam: 11 ft 3 in
• Draft: 2 ft 8 in
• Fuel Capacity: 370 gallons
• Engines: Twin Volvo Penta D6-400 or optional D6-440 diesel engines, 400–440 HP each
• Top Speed: Up to 38 knots
• Cruise Speed: Approximately 28–30 knots
• Hull Design: Deep-V hull for smooth and agile handling
• Seating Layout: Forward sunpads, aft cockpit lounge, U-shaped seating at the helm, optional convertible cabin for overnight stays

The 11-foot beam allows for stable handling and comfortable movement throughout the yacht. Fuel capacity and twin diesel engines ensure that the Fjord 38 Open can tackle longer coastal journeys without frequent refueling. The hull design is optimized for a firm grip on the water, reducing spray and increasing comfort at speed.

Performance & Handling

Performance is a key selling point for the Fjord 38 Open. With twin diesel engines producing up to 880 horsepower combined, the yacht is fast and responsive, reaching speeds up to 38 knots. Cruising at 28–30 knots provides a perfect balance of efficiency, comfort, and enjoyment, making longer trips feel effortless.

The deep-V hull design contributes to excellent handling, even in moderately rough seas. Operators can confidently navigate coastal waters and bays, while passengers enjoy smooth, stable rides. Many owners praise the Fjord 38 Open for its agility, particularly when compared to larger, heavier yachts, while still maintaining a luxurious onboard experience.

Safety & Precautions

Safety is built into the Fjord 38 Open’s design. High bulwarks, non-slip deck surfaces, and strategically placed handrails ensure secure movement on deck. The helm is ergonomically designed with excellent visibility, giving operators full awareness of surrounding conditions.

While compact and easy to handle, owners should remember that speed can amplify risks. Proper training, adherence to navigational rules, and safety equipment such as life jackets and VHF radios are essential. Additionally, the yacht performs best in coastal or moderate offshore conditions rather than extreme open-ocean voyages.

Potential Downsides

Despite its many advantages, the Fjord 38 Open has a few considerations:

• Interior Space: While luxurious, the interior cabin is compact and may not suit longer overnight trips for larger groups.
• Storage: Limited storage areas compared to larger yachts may require careful planning for extended journeys.
• Fuel Costs: High-performance diesel engines provide speed but also higher fuel consumption when used aggressively.

These factors are typical for sporty day boats and should be considered when evaluating the yacht for purchase.

Features & Benefits

The Fjord 38 Open comes loaded with features that enhance onboard enjoyment and practicality:

• Modern Scandinavian Design: Minimalist and functional, with high-quality finishes.
• Spacious Cockpit: Ample seating for socializing and lounging, with flexible layouts.
• Sun Pads and Helm Seating: Comfortable options for relaxation while underway.
• Optional Cabin: Small overnight accommodation for two, adding versatility for weekend trips.

These features translate directly into lifestyle benefits: whether entertaining friends on a sunny afternoon, enjoying coastal exploration, or taking a short overnight getaway, the Fjord 38 Open adapts seamlessly to the owner’s needs.

Reviews & Testimonials

Owners frequently praise the Fjord 38 Open for its combination of speed, style, and ease of handling. Testimonials often highlight the yacht’s smooth ride, practical cockpit layout, and attention to detail in design. Many appreciate the Scandinavian approach, noting that it feels both luxurious and functional without unnecessary clutter.

Reviewers also highlight its performance compared to other day cruisers, with consistent recognition for its agile handling, acceleration, and fuel efficiency, making it a favorite among those who want a fun, responsive yacht.

Storage & Ownership Costs

Owning a Fjord 38 Open is more manageable compared to larger yachts, but owners should still account for docking fees, maintenance, and insurance. Fuel consumption is reasonable for its class, especially at moderate cruising speeds.

Its compact size allows for easier transport and storage in marinas or private slips, making it an attractive choice for those who want high performance without the complexities of larger yachts. Proper care and maintenance ensure that resale value remains strong.

Bottom Line

The Fjord 38 Open is a versatile, stylish, and high-performance yacht that suits active owners seeking an engaging and luxurious day boat. Its combination of speed, design, and practicality makes it stand out in the 38–40 foot offshore category.

Compared to competitors like the Riva Rivamare 38 or Princess V38, the Fjord 38 Open offers sleek Scandinavian design, agile handling, and functional luxury, making it an excellent choice for buyers who want both performance and style in a manageable package. For those seeking excitement, elegance, and convenience in one yacht, the Fjord 38 Open is hard to beat.

FAQ

Can the Fjord 38 Open be used for overnight trips?
Yes, it has an optional cabin that can accommodate two people for short overnight stays, making it suitable for weekend adventures.

What is the fuel range of the Fjord 38 Open?
With a 370-gallon fuel capacity and cruising speed of 28–30 knots, it’s capable of moderate coastal excursions without frequent refueling.

Is the Fjord 38 Open suitable for inexperienced operators?
Yes, its intuitive helm and responsive handling make it manageable, but speed and offshore conditions require responsible operation.

How does it perform in rough water?
The deep-V hull design ensures smooth and stable rides even in moderately choppy waters, providing comfort for passengers.

How does it compare to similar offshore day boats?
It offers a unique balance of performance, Scandinavian minimalism, and luxurious cockpit layout, making it stand out against models like Riva Rivamare 38 or Princess V38.

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