Oceanis 40 vs HR 38

French volume production versus Swedish centre-cockpit pedigree: Oceanis 40's scale against Hallberg-Rassy HR 38's Baltic resale pool. Side-by-side specs from published model data.

Oceanis 40 vs HR 38 — advisory helps weigh survey findings against resale depth. Buyer advisory

Comparison table

CategoryOceanis 40HR 38
Length overall12.15 m11.57 m
Beam3.91 m3.48 m
L/B3.113.32
Production years2007-20111977-1986
OverviewYou dive waist-deep into the aft locker of a Beneteau Oceanis 40, fingers searching for the hull-to-deck joint. This model replaced the Oceanis 393 in 2007, and this is where charter fatigue often shows first.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 issuesQ: How do I avoid confusing this model with newer Oceanis yachts? A: Match dimensions and designer. The 2007–2011 original is Berret-Racoupeau (12.15 × 3.91 m). If the advert shows 12.87 m or 4.18 m, that is Oceanis 40.1 (Lombard) data. Catalogue years that look open from 2016 do not match this plate. Q: What draft options exist? A: Standard about 1.90 m and shallow about 1.55 m.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.