Yachting Monthly
- Digital edition
Salona 380: the 38 footer which has a lot to offer
- David Harding
- February 14, 2020
From a yard that’s still relatively unknown in the UK, the Salona 380 looks set to present the established performance cruisers in this size range with some serious competition, says David Harding
Upwind with 18 knots over the deck, the Salona 380 clocked nearly 7 knots at time. Credit: David Harding
Product Overview
- Good performance
- Easy to sail short-handed
- Uncluttered deck layout
- Flying bow is a mixed blessing under power
- More non-slip needed on deck
- No stowage for books at chart table
If any sector of the new-boat market is tough to break into, it’s the one for the 38ft performance cruiser.
Look at the builders who are there already: Dehler with the 38 and Elan with the 380/E5, for example.
Then we have the Arcona 380, the slightly more cruisy Xc38 and, arguably with a little less of a sporty tilt, Hanse’s 388.
Given the availability of these, you might wonder why anyone looking for a sporty not-quite-forty should consider a boat from a Croatian builder that relatively few people in the UK have heard of.
The flying bow, with the knuckle clear of the water, becomes immersed to lengthen the waterline under way. Credit: David Harding
The reason is simple: the Salona 380 claims to offer pretty well everything its competitors offer and more.
The builders are keen to stress the relatively low volume of production (around 35 boats per year across the range), the attention to detail and scope for customisation, the structural integrity (including the stainless steel frame in the hull to distribute the loads from the rig and keel), the uncluttered deck layout and, not insignificantly, the fact that you get a lot of boat for your money.
What’s more, despite its lack of recognition in the UK, Salona is not an unknown quantity.
The yard has been building boats since 2002 and has established a strong following in the Adriatic and eastern Mediterranean, where many British sailors will have met Salonas on charter holidays.
Dealers have also been active in Holland, Sweden, Germany, France and Spain but, although Salona has been represented on and off in Britain since 2004, it has yet to become a well-known name on these shores.
Interior joinery is light oak and all made at the yard. Drawers are in wood throughout and frames and fiddles are solid. Credit: David Harding
That’s all the more surprising given that the 35 had just won its class in the 2012 Hamble Winter Series when I tested it back in 2013.
I joined the 35 for one of the races.
Before that I had tested the 45 in 2004, followed by the 37 and 40, looked at various other models in Trieste and visited the yard in Split, where I sailed another 45.
I thought they all had a lot to offer.
THE TEST VERDICT
There’s much to like about the Salona 380, from the performance and handling to the level of specification and the reassuring construction.
As well as being stiffened by the steel frame, the vacuum-infused hull with its PVC-cored topsides is laid up with vinylester resin and, as an extra precaution that’s rarely seen these days, clear gelcoat beneath the waterline.
Until recently, the performance and structural integrity of Salonas was not matched by the interior finish or, in some respects, the attention to detail.
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The 380 reflects a substantial improvement in these areas and she has to be seen as a serious competitor to boats of similar size and nature from the better-known yards.
She’s fast, responsive, fun to sail, nicely finished, well thought-out and equipped to a good standard.
WOULD SHE SUIT YOU AND YOUR CREW?
If you’re looking for a performance cruiser in this size range, there are good reasons to include the Salona 380 on your list of possibles.
Whereas the credibility of Salona as a company might once have been questioned by some in the UK, things have changed.
The yard has now been building boats for nearly 20 years.
It’s owned (as it always has been) by AD Plastics, a leading European supplier of automotive parts, which in turn is part of the ASA prevent Group.
The Salona 380’s deck and cockpit layout make the boat well suited to short-handed sailing. Credit: David Harding
The new UK dealer will be familiar to many, too –Russell Hodgson, who formerly handled X-Yachts and later Dehler in the UK, and has already covered several thousand miles on the Salona 380.
These recent developments and improvements can only increase Salona’s appeal to prospective British buyers.
If you’re tempted by the boat you will probably also be tempted by the Limited Edition package of extras and upgrades that takes the specification to step-aboard-and-go level.
It could see you sailing a sleek and sporty 38 for what, in relative terms, is a pretty reasonable amount of money.
2013 Salona 38
- Essex, MD, US
Yacht price :
Specifications
Descriptions.
The Salona-38 was designed by J&J Design and optimized by America’s cup designer Jason Kerr. She has been carefully crafted for use as a family cruiser as well as for serious offshore and international racking. She can easily switch back and forth between family mode and racing mode by simply changing the sail inventory She excels in adverse weather. Her cockpit is fully protected from the sun while at anchor or dockside by the large folding Bimini, and the full dodger sprayhood protects it forward. Unique high-quality built vessel designed for both cruising and racing. Hull is vacuum infused construction to be stiff and light. Two sail inventories - 1 for cruising, 1 for racing (Racing sails barely used) Large comfortable cockpit with twin wheels, and folding table Bright and airy Salon with large fully equipped galley – Nav Station – comfortable facing settees and opening dining table. 3 private double cabins with additional sleeping accommodation for 4 more people Professionally maintained --all records available
DIMENTIONS – SPECS Length………… 38 ft ……….. 11.6 meters LWL…………… 32 ft 8 in ….. 10.021 meters Beam………… 12 ft ………… 3.72 meters Draft ……… 7 ft 0in ……... 2.13 meters Displacement …. 13,660 lbs … 6,200 kg Ballast……… 4,800 lbs …… 2,200 kg Tankage: Fuel ……… 26 gal …. 100 liters Water…….. 47.5 gal …… 180 liters Holding….. 11 gal …….. 42 liters Engine……… Yanmar diesel 32 HP 1172 hours Perf Rating - Design category – A Ocean ACCOMODATIONS 3 Double cabins and 1 Head (accessible from Salon) Plus 4 additional single berths in Salon Forward Cabin: Forward cabin features a large V-berth with storage under. ‘There are shelves to either side and a large hanging locker. An overhead hatch provides light and ventilation Aft Cabins; There are 2 identical aft cabins – each with double berth. Storage under the berth as well as hanging locker in each cabin. 2 opening ports provide light and ventilation Water tank below berth in Port cabin Salon – has 2 lower settees that can be used as single berths, plus 2 additional fold out berths Full battery bank under Starbd Settee HEAD: Composting Head 2022 VESSEL WALK THROUGH Cockpit is quite large for a 38 ft vessel with entry from side decks or fold down aft transom. With twin wheels that allow easy movement throughout cockpit Upon entering the Salon, a large Galley with centerline sink is to Port, and forward facing Nav Station is to Starbd. Two full-length settees are facing each other, Port and Starbd, with a folding table between amidships. This table can be opened to either side for dining. There are fixed ports in the hulls on either side for light, and fixed and opening ports along the cabin house sides for light and ventilation. A large opening hatch is central to the salon. And an additional opening hatch is forward and to Starbd. The entrance to the head and shower is forward of the Port side Settee, with an opening overhead hatch, and entrance to the forward cabin is forward to Starbd. Both aft cabins are accessed to either side of the companionway stairs. One through the Galley, and one aft of the Nav Station. Interior is finished in beautiful cherry wood paneling and there is a teak and holly sole throughout LED lighting throughout SALON and GALLEY Salon has large Settees to ort and Starbd which can be used as additional berths. It is well lit with hull side windows and higher windows in the cabin house as well as overhead hatches. An Opening table is in the center. Galley is L-Shaped with all the necessary equipment for cruising and has extensive counter space (more than most boats in this size category. Double SS sink (on center line) 2 burner propane stove and oven Refrigerator (front load) and freezer Numerous storage cabinets, and drawers NAV Station: forward facing Nav Station with: Kenwood Stereo Nexus VHF Garmin GPS Map 900 at helm Garmin GPS Map 720 at Nav station Main electric panel Battery switches Composting Head 2022 ELECTRICAL and ELECTRONICS Upgraded Electronics Package: 2021 Nexus VHF Garmin GPS Map 900 at helm- 2023 Garmin GPS Map 720 at Nav station Auto Pilot (Nexus E609 NX2) with linear drive-2021 Rudder angle indicator-2021 Wind transducer – speed and direction-2021 Speed and log Depth sounder HPC compass (2) VHF radio NX2000 with DSC Kennwood Stereo – CD w/ 2 Salon speaker, and 2 weatherproof cockpit speakers Battery charger 110v US current 30 Amp shore power New House battery AGM 14 D- 2023 - New engine start battery AGM 31 2023 MECHANICAL Yanmar 32 HP diesel (1172hours) w/ sail drive and folding propeller (saildrive replaced with new unit 2023) Tidesmarine Mainsail Track System 2023 dual steering wheel Windlass – with cockpit control Hot water heater Electric and manual bilge pumps HULL and DECK Removable spray hood and Bimini MDS sliding genoa car track 2023 Pettit Hydrocoat bottom paint Cockpit: Teak cockpit table Open transom with fulll bench seat across opening (lifts for access to stern boarding ladder) Dual steering wheels for maximum control The Salona-38 boasts the largest cockpit in her class. Free of obstacles, featuring an easily convertible open-to-closed transom, and extensive use of carbon details. The mainsheet track is recessed under the deck, but it also comes with the unique option of being easily transferred onto the coach roof if desired. A teak faced transom bench offers sailing security and can be removed when racing or top provide water access at anchor. In the cockpit there are two spacious lockers with an optional additional dedicated locker for 2 propane tanks. To achieve the perfect] helming position during racing, and angled foot rest, which is flush when not in use, has been included in the design. SAILS and RIGGING I ……….. 48 ft 7 in …. 14.85 mtr J ………………. 14 ft 5 in … 4.44 mtr P …………….. 47 ft 5 in ……. 14.45 mtr E ……………. 17 ft ………… 5.2 mtr Sail inventory: Spinnaker sail Mainsail – racing carbon laminate and ruising Main 2023 Genoa - racing carbon laminate and rolling cruising jib 2023 Tidesmarine Mainsail Track System 2023 ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT Spinnaker pole IBC Upgrade: Grey hull (recently Awlgrip painted) Anti-fouling paint Shakewell Seacocks Dynema cascade Backstay (adjustable) Performance shackles Harken performance deck hardware Carbon spinnaker pole Vacuum infused epoxy-based Vinyl Ester Performance T shaped keel CONSTRUCTION AND SAFETY: At the heart of all Salona yachts is the hallmark stainless steel frame that securely spreads the loads from the keel, shrouds and mast evenly throughout the hull, but the design of the Salona-38 goes a step further. Layers of carbon fiber have been added to carefully designated areas of the hull’s inner liner, resulting in maximum stiffness and durability, and achieving equilibrium with her stainless-steel structure. COMMENTS: Rarely will you see a vessel with both the fine attributes and details demanded by the racing enthusiast and also the comfort demanded by the cruising family. This Salona-38 is such a vessel.
Basic Information
Dimensions & weight, tank capacities, accommodations.
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The Salona-38 was designed by J&J Design and optimized by America’s cup designer Jason Kerr. She has been carefully crafted for use as a family cruiser as well as for serious offshore and international racking. She can easily switch back and forth between family mode and racing mode by simply changing the sail inventory She excels in adverse weather. Her cockpit is fully protected from the sun while at anchor or dockside by the large folding Bimini, and the full dodger sprayhood protects it forward. Unique high-quality built vessel designed for both cruising and racing. Hull is vacuum infused construction to be stiff and light. Two sail inventories - 1 for cruising, 1 for racing (Racing sails barely used) Large comfortable cockpit with twin wheels, and folding table Bright and airy Salon with large fully equipped galley – Nav Station – comfortable facing settees and opening dining table. 3 private double cabins with additional sleeping accommodation for 4 more people Professionally maintained --all records available DIMENTIONS – SPECS Length………… 38 ft ……….. 11.6 meters LWL…………… 32 ft 8 in ….. 10.021 meters Beam………… 12 ft ………… 3.72 meters Draft ……… 7 ft 0in ……... 2.13 meters Displacement …. 13,660 lbs … 6,200 kg Ballast……… 4,800 lbs …… 2,200 kg Tankage: Fuel ……… 26 gal …. 100 liters Water…….. 47.5 gal …… 180 liters Holding….. 11 gal …….. 42 liters Engine……… Yanmar diesel 32 HP 1172 hours Perf Rating - Design category – A Ocean ACCOMODATIONS 3 Double cabins and 1 Head (accessible from Salon) Plus 4 additional single berths in Salon Forward Cabin: Forward cabin features a large V-berth with storage under. ‘There are shelves to either side and a large hanging locker. An overhead hatch provides light and ventilation Aft Cabins; There are 2 identical aft cabins – each with double berth. Storage under the berth as well as hanging locker in each cabin. 2 opening ports provide light and ventilation Water tank below berth in Port cabin Salon – has 2 lower settees that can be used as single berths, plus 2 additional fold out berths Full battery bank under Starbd Settee HEAD: Composting Head 2022 VESSEL WALK THROUGH Cockpit is quite large for a 38 ft vessel with entry from side decks or fold down aft transom. With twin wheels that allow easy movement throughout cockpit Upon entering the Salon, a large Galley with centerline sink is to Port, and forward facing Nav Station is to Starbd. Two full-length settees are facing each other, Port and Starbd, with a folding table between amidships. This table can be opened to either side for dining. There are fixed ports in the hulls on either side for light, and fixed and opening ports along the cabin house sides for light and ventilation. A large opening hatch is central to the salon. And an additional opening hatch is forward and to Starbd. The entrance to the head and shower is forward of the Port side Settee, with an opening overhead hatch, and entrance to the forward cabin is forward to Starbd. Both aft cabins are accessed to either side of the companionway stairs. One through the Galley, and one aft of the Nav Station. Interior is finished in beautiful cherry wood paneling and there is a teak and holly sole throughout LED lighting throughout SALON and GALLEY Salon has large Settees to ort and Starbd which can be used as additional berths. It is well lit with hull side windows and higher windows in the cabin house as well as overhead hatches. An Opening table is in the center. Galley is L-Shaped with all the necessary equipment for cruising and has extensive counter space (more than most boats in this size category. Double SS sink (on center line) 2 burner propane stove and oven Refrigerator (front load) and freezer Numerous storage cabinets, and drawers NAV Station: forward facing Nav Station with: Kenwood Stereo Nexus VHF Garmin GPS Map 900 at helm Garmin GPS Map 720 at Nav station Main electric panel Battery switches Composting Head 2022 ELECTRICAL and ELECTRONICS Upgraded Electronics Package: 2021 Nexus VHF Garmin GPS Map 900 at helm- 2023 Garmin GPS Map 720 at Nav station Auto Pilot (Nexus E609 NX2) with linear drive-2021 Rudder angle indicator-2021 Wind transducer – speed and direction-2021 Speed and log Depth sounder HPC compass (2) VHF radio NX2000 with DSC Kennwood Stereo – CD w/ 2 Salon speaker, and 2 weatherproof cockpit speakers Battery charger 110v US current 30 Amp shore power New House battery AGM 14 D- 2023 - New engine start battery AGM 31 2023 MECHANICAL Yanmar 32 HP diesel (1172hours) w/ sail drive and folding propeller (saildrive replaced with new unit 2023) Tidesmarine Mainsail Track System 2023 dual steering wheel Windlass – with cockpit control Hot water heater Electric and manual bilge pumps HULL and DECK Removable spray hood and Bimini MDS sliding genoa car track 2023 Pettit Hydrocoat bottom paint Cockpit: Teak cockpit table Open transom with fulll bench seat across opening (lifts for access to stern boarding ladder) Dual steering wheels for maximum control The Salona-38 boasts the largest cockpit in her class. Free of obstacles, featuring an easily convertible open-to-closed transom, and extensive use of carbon details. The mainsheet track is recessed under the deck, but it also comes with the unique option of being easily transferred onto the coach roof if desired. A teak faced transom bench offers sailing security and can be removed when racing or top provide water access at anchor. In the cockpit there are two spacious lockers with an optional additional dedicated locker for 2 propane tanks. To achieve the perfect] helming position during racing, and angled foot rest, which is flush when not in use, has been included in the design. SAILS and RIGGING I ……….. 48 ft 7 in …. 14.85 mtr J ………………. 14 ft 5 in … 4.44 mtr P …………….. 47 ft 5 in ……. 14.45 mtr E ……………. 17 ft ………… 5.2 mtr Sail inventory: Spinnaker sail Mainsail – racing carbon laminate and ruising Main 2023 Genoa - racing carbon laminate and rolling cruising jib 2023 Tidesmarine Mainsail Track System 2023 ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT Spinnaker pole IBC Upgrade: Grey hull (recently Awlgrip painted) Anti-fouling paint Shakewell Seacocks Dynema cascade Backstay (adjustable) Performance shackles Harken performance deck hardware Carbon spinnaker pole Vacuum infused epoxy-based Vinyl Ester Performance T shaped keel CONSTRUCTION AND SAFETY: At the heart of all Salona yachts is the hallmark stainless steel frame that securely spreads the loads from the keel, shrouds and mast evenly throughout the hull, but the design of the Salona-38 goes a step further. Layers of carbon fiber have been added to carefully designated areas of the hull’s inner liner, resulting in maximum stiffness and durability, and achieving equilibrium with her stainless-steel structure. COMMENTS: Rarely will you see a vessel with both the fine attributes and details demanded by the racing enthusiast and also the comfort demanded by the cruising family. This Salona-38 is such a vessel.
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