Maxi 84 vs HR 38
Swedish volume production versus centre-cockpit pedigree: Maxi 84's Baltic following against Hallberg-Rassy HR 38's resale pool. Side-by-side specs from published model data.
Maxi 84 vs HR 38 — advisory clarifies which refit budget matches your plans. Buyer advisory
Comparison table
| Category | Maxi 84 | HR 38 |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 8.5 m | 11.57 m |
| Beam | 2.95 m | 3.48 m |
| L/B | 2.88 | 3.32 |
| LWL | 7.2 m | unknown |
| Draft | 1.5 m | unknown |
| Displacement | 3,000 kg (light) | unknown |
| Ballast | 1,350 kg | unknown |
| Hulls built | 1154-1350 | unknown |
| Engine | 1977-1983 - Volvo Penta MD7 - 13 hp - standard | unknown |
| Hull material | grp | unknown |
| Keel | fin | unknown |
| Rig | masthead | unknown |
| Designer | Pelle Petterson | unknown |
| Cockpit | aft | unknown |
| Production years | 1977-1983 | 1977-1986 |
| Overview | You put a tape on the Maxi 84 at midships, and on the phone the card still shows a 2.54 m beam and designer Arvid Laurin. | 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 | What that means on survey, not in brand romance. Like neighbouring Maxis, the topsides rise to the deck: volume below, a tight foredeck, awkward boarding forward - SEILmagasinet says so outright. The mast stands on deck and bears on a post below; on some hulls that post **sags** (do not treat “tabernacle” as the only layout). | 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. |