The Salona Yachts XXXIX - 39 2022 vs Salona Yachts XXXVIII - 38 2011 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Salona Yachts XXXIX - 39 2022 at 38,0 ft versus Salona Yachts XXXVIII - 38 2011 at 37,8 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Salona Yachts XXXVIII - 38 2011 tips the scales at 14 330 lbs — 662 lbs less than the Salona Yachts XXXIX - 39 2022 at 13 668 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 29 hp for the Salona Yachts XXXIX - 39 2022 and 29 hp for the Salona Yachts XXXVIII - 38 2011. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 26 gal and 26 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
Both boats are rated for 11 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket — 13 668 lbs for the Salona Yachts XXXIX - 39 2022 and 14 330 lbs for the Salona Yachts XXXVIII - 38 2011. Comparable displacement means broadly similar seakeeping behaviour and load capacity, though hull form and ballast ratio will still produce noticeably different sailing characteristics.
Both boats draw a similar depth — 6,8 ft and 5,8 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
Sailboat comparisons often come down to details that specs don't fully capture — the quality of the standing rigging, the layout of the cockpit, and how the boat feels on a beat in 20 knots. A sea trial on both is strongly recommended.
Bottom line: The Salona Yachts XXXIX - 39 2022 and Salona Yachts XXXVIII - 38 2011 are closely matched on paper. A sea trial on both in representative conditions is the only reliable way to find which one suits your sailing style, home port, and intended cruising ground.