Albin Ballad 30 vs HR 38
Albin Nordic cruiser versus Swedish centre-cockpit pedigree: Ballad 30's compact coastal layout against Hallberg-Rassy HR 38's Baltic resale pool. Side-by-side specs from published model data.
Ballad 30 vs HR 38 — advisory clarifies which refit budget matches your plans. Buyer advisory
Comparison table
| Category | Albin Ballad 30 | HR 38 |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 9.14 m | 11.57 m |
| Beam | 2.95 m | 3.48 m |
| L/B | 3.10 | 3.32 |
| Draft | 1.55 m | unknown |
| Displacement | 3,300 kg | unknown |
| Ballast | 1,550 kg | unknown |
| Hull material | grp | unknown |
| Keel | fin | unknown |
| Rig | masthead | unknown |
| Designer | Rolf Magnusson | unknown |
| Production years | 1971-1982 | 1977-1986 |
| Overview | You lift the sole boards on an Albin Ballad 30 and look for the steel truss that ties mast loads into the keel. | The HR 38 is one of Northern Europe's most recognisable production sailboats. Designed by Olle Enderlein for Hallberg-Rassy and built from 1977 to 1982 — a classic Enderlein blue-water cruiser before the Frers era scaled the range. |
| Typical issues | Q: Which designer, builder, and years should I verify first for the Albin Ballad 30? A: Rolf Magnusson for Albin Marine, mainly 1971-1982, about 1500 Albin-era hulls and published totals near 1525 with late BODA leases. | Q: What osmotic blistering issues appear on HR 38? A: Older HR GRP may show osmosis; barrier-coat history should be documented. Q: What chainplate leak issues appear on HR 38? A: Chainplate backing pads need internal inspection for laminate softness. Q: What iron keel corrosion issues appear on HR 38? A: Iron ballast encapsulation should be verified with moisture readings. |