Blue Moon

If you’re looking for a well-proven production cruiser that’s rewarding to sail, the 2000 Dufour 38 Classic is a standout. These boats are known for combining real sailing performance with comfort and confidence offshore.

"BLUE MOON" is the desirable 2-cabin Owner’s version, a masthead sloop that spent her first 16+ years in freshwater. She feels clean, solid, and well cared for throughout.

What sets this boat apart is how cruise-ready she is. This is not a “fix-it-first” project—she’s set up to cast off and go.

With a watermaker, lithium house bank, large solar array, updated rigging, and folding prop, she’s well suited for extended coastal cruising or longer passages. She’s equally at home day sailing, island-hopping, or making multi-day runs.

Below decks, the interior is bright, warm, and unusually spacious for a 38-footer. Mahogany joinery, a large U-shaped salon, proper nav station, and a functional linear galley make living aboard comfortable and practical.

Two private cabins and excellent storage make her ideal for a cruising couple or guests. The layout works well both underway and at anchor.

Key Updates & Cruise Inventory
+ New lithium house battery bank (Jan 2026) – 600Ah total
+ New start battery (2024)
+ Recent bottom paint (Oct 2025)
+ Standing rigging replaced (2021)
+ New Garmin echoMAP 52dv (2024)
+ Spectra 15 GPH watermaker (rebuilt 2018, solar-capable)
+ 640W solar on custom arch (2018)
+ New PowMr MPPT Solar Charger (2026)
+ Blue Sky solar charge controllers (2018)
+ Main hatch replaced (2019)
+ Flexofold folding propeller (2019)
+ New NOCO Genpro 2-bank battery charger (2026)
+ Electric head (2017)
+ Forespar boom vang (2017)
+ New start battery (2024)
+ 175′ Galvanized anchor chain (replaced 2016)
+ Raymarine electronics package
+ Raymarine ST6002 autopilot
+ Running rigging replaced with yacht braid marine quality (2017)
+ Large inventory of spares (prop, sails, windlass motor, alternator, head components, more)
+ Hot/cold shower on Swim Platform
+ All new interior and exterior cushions plus custom boat cover (2017)

She’s located in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico—an easy drive from Arizona and one of Mexico’s best-kept cruising secrets, with great marinas, haul-out facilities, quiet anchorages, and excellent sailing year-round.

This is a no-projects, sail-away boat with a strong pedigree and thoughtful upgrades. If you’ve been waiting for a Dufour 38 Classic that’s been properly cared for and sensibly modernized, Blue Moon is one worth seeing.

--- SPECS ---

\/ Dimensions

Builder: Dufour Yachts (France)

Designer: Yann Chabaud / Olivier Poncin

LOA: 37.58 ft / 11.45 m

LWL: 32.45 ft / 9.89 m

Beam: 12.33 ft / 3.76 m

Draft: 6.42 ft / 1.96 m

Displacement: 13,530 lb / 6,137 kg

Ballast: 4,620 lb / 2,096 kg

Ballast Material: Lead

Keel: Fin with semi balanced spade GRP rudder

Hull Material: Fiberglass

\/ Propulsion

Engine: Volvo Penta MD20-40 naturally aspirated 3-cylinder marine diesel

Engine Power: 40 hp

Engine Hours: 2387

Engine Type: Inboard

Engine Fuel: Diesel

Drive Type: Sail Drive

Propeller: Bronze, 3-blade, Flexofold, feathering [NEW 2019]

Max Speed: 7.5 k

Cruising Speed: 6.5 k

Other: Spare 2-Blade aluminum propeller – NEW

\/ Tanks

Fuel Tankage: 1 x 42 gal Aluminum

Water Tankage: 2 x 90 gal Plastic

Holding Tankage: 1 x 15 gal Stainless Steel

\/ Accommodations

The interior of this 2-cabin "Owner's version" Dufour 38 Classic seamlessly combines functionality with timeless style, carefully designed to maximize the use of available space without compromising comfort. With cruisers in mind, the layout ensures easy movement fore and aft while underway, aided by rounded grabrails on both sides of the deckhead and the dinette seat back.

At the forward end below deck, the chain locker and forward cabin are arranged in a V-berth configuration with large hanging locker. This cabin offers generous storage options and features a large deck hatch, which provides excellent ventilation and serves as an emergency escape route.

The main salon is the focal point of the vessel, benefiting from abundant natural light thanks to well-placed ports and hatches. This creates a welcoming and bright atmosphere below deck. To port, the linear galley is efficiently arranged and includes double stainless-steel sink, a three-burner marine propane stove with oven, refrigerator/freezer, and ample storage and work surfaces for meal preparation and provisioning.

Opposite the galley to starboard, there is a spacious U-shaped convertible settee with a large dining table and an additional bench seat. The settee is designed with practical storage compartments both below and behind the seating area, maximizing functionality and convenience for extended cruising.

Moving further aft and adjacent to the galley, the head compartment (bathroom) includes a sink, electric marine toilet, and shower, providing all necessary amenities. Across from the head, to starboard, is the vessel's navigation station and main electrical panel, which centralizes essential controls and navigation equipment for ease of use.

Fully aft, on either side of the companionway beneath the cockpit, are two additional areas. On the port-side is a cabin featuring a double berth and hanging locker, while the starboard side offers a spacious storage area. This arrangement is ideal for families with children or two adult couples. In the case of smaller crew, these expansive spaces can be easily adapted for additional storage needs.

The companionway is centrally located, providing direct access up to the cockpit. Engine access is straightforward and convenient, achieved by removing the companionway and the well-insulated engine cover panels inside the aft cabins.

\/ Galley

Refrigerator / Freezer: Large 12-Volt refrigeration with freezer box

Stove:
Force 10, 3-burner propane stove with oven
Electric solenoid propane shut off

Sink: Double S/S sink with a UV water purifier

Water System: 12V pressurized water

Other:
12V LED strip lighting with dimmer over counter area
Dufour logo dishes, mugs, glasses and matching cutlery

\/ Electronics & Navigation Equipment

Chartplotter: Garmin echoMAP 52dv [NEW 2024]

VHF: Standard Horizon Intrepid with RAM mic

Autopilot: Raymarine ST6002 with S2G course computer and Type 1 linear drive (below deck)

GPS: Garmin 52dv

Compass: Ritchie

Depth Sounder: Raymarine ST60 Tridata

Wind Speed & Direction: (2) Raymarine ST60 displays

Knot Meter & Log: Raymarine ST60 Tridata

Stereo: JVC

Rudder Angle: Displayed on Raymarine ST6002 autopilot

Other:
Navpod on binnacle has the 2 wind displays, Tridata, and ST6002 displays
Raymarine ST70 multi display (located below at Nav Table)

\/ Electrical Systems

Batteries:
(2) House batteries, LIP04, 300ah each, professionally installed [NEW 2026]
(1) Start battery, LTH [NEW 2024]

Battery Monitor: Yes

Electrical System: 12vDC / 110vAC

Battery Charger: NOCO Genpro 2-bank battery charger [NEW 2026]

Smart Regulator: PowMr MPPT Solar Charger [NEW 2026]

Solar Panels: (4) Solid mono crystalline solar panels, 160-watts each, total 640 Watts [NEW 2018]

Other:
Galvanic isolator on 110vAC service
ELCI breaker on 110vAC. Main electrical panel at navigation station.
(2) Dockside electrical cables, 30-amp, 45’ and various adapters
Ships wiring is marine grade and secure

\/ Sails

Main:
Dacron, loose-footed, battened with two reefing points, reported in good condition
Spare mainsail

Jibs:
Genoa 150, reported in good condition (with Lewmar genoa tracks)
Spare genoa

Mainsheet Traveler: Lewmar traveler located on coach-roof

Roller Furling: Facnor roller furling, SD180

Winches:
(2) Lewmar 44, self-tailing winches
(2) Lewmar 30, self-tailing winches
Winch on mast

Boom: Extruded Aluminum

Boom Vang: Forespar boom vang [NEW 2017]

Mast: Extruded aluminum. Deck stepped with compression post [REPLACED 2022]

Standing Rigging:
Masthead rig with double spreaders
Stainless steel wire to bronze turnbuckles to stainless chainplates
[NEW Rigging 2022]

Running Rigging: Yacht braid marine quality [REPLACED 2017]

Lines Led Aft: Yes (except topping lift line)

\/ Deck

The Dufour 38 Classic is distinguished by its timeless appearance, thanks to classic wooden trim and carefully varnished details. These features not only enhance the yacht's aesthetic appeal but also enrich the experience of spending time outdoors. The topsides are thoughtfully designed, offering a practical deck layout that promotes easy movement and simplifies handling during both sailing and docking.

On deck, the Dufour 38 Classic presents a welcoming cockpit area that balances safety with leisure. The cockpit is notably spacious and equipped with ergonomic seating for comfort. Storage needs are addressed with abundant space in the lazarette. Sail management is straightforward, thanks to well-placed winches and controls. The cockpit sole features a teak overlay, providing a secure and elegant surface, and grants easy access to the companionway.

The steering station is thoughtfully equipped with a NavPod housing all navigation instruments, a Destroyer-style wheel, and conveniently located engine controls. At the aft end of the cockpit, a gate leads to the walk-thru transom and an integral swim platform, which includes a folding in-water boarding ladder. Propane storage is neatly accommodated below the aft transom folding seat. For protection from the sun, the cockpit is shaded by a stainless-steel tubular dodger and a Bimini sunshade frame and arch, which also support mounted solar panels. Additional equipment such as the outboard motor and fender storage bags are securely mounted on the stern rails.

Safety and accessibility are key aspects of the deck design. The yacht is equipped with wide, obstacle-free side decks, complemented by safety handholds mounted on the cabin top and dodger. Boarding gates are provided on both port and starboard sides, with welded stainless tubular stanchions and stainless-steel wire upper and lower lifelines extending the full length of the vessel to ensure protection for those on deck and in the cockpit. The lifelines terminate at robust welded stainless tubular stern and bow pulpits.

Located at the forward end of the vessel is the anchor locker and control system. This area includes double rollers and a 12V horizontal windlass housed in a protected enclosure, with foot control switches for ease of operation. Together, these features contribute to the safe and efficient management of anchoring procedures.

Anchors:
Rocna 44 lb, 175 ft of 3/8” galvanized chain [all NEW in 2016]
Delta Fast-Set with short chain and rode (secondary anchor)

Windlass:
Lofrans Arion 1000-Watt, inside anchor locker with foot controls (controls for electric windlass are found inside chain locker on deck preserving them from the elements)
Spare windlass motor

Bow Rollers: Hinged

Nav Lights: Tri-color mast head light, 12V

Steaming: light, 12V

Lifelines: Double lifelines

Gates: Gates located to port, starboard and aft

Ladders: Swim ladder, folding and stowable

Swim Step: FRP Swim Platform

Pulpits: S/S bow pulpit, S/S aft pulpit

Dinghy: { See Exclusions }

Dinghy Outboard: { See Exclusions }

Deck Shower: Hot/cold shower on Swim Platform

Covers & Curtains:
Custom coverings in Sunbrella include: wheel, binnacle, companionway, winches, traveler, handrails, hatches and furler
Halsey stack pack
Dodger with a shade bridge to solar arch
Shade walls for stern and side
Custom fender bags
Custom Surlast boat cover [NEW 2017]

Other:
Binnacle with NavPod
Fold out cockpit table
Emergency rudder arm
In-water boarding ladder

\/ Mechanical

Bilge Pump: 12V and a manual pump

Bilge Blower: Yes, 12V

Fire Extinguishing: Fire Port

Fuel Filters: Volvo marine type

Fuel Shutoffs: Yes

Fuel Pump: Mechanical

Fresh Water Cooling System: Fresh and raw water

Water Pump: Jabsco ParMax

Head Type(s):
Electric head, Raritan Marine Elegance [NEW 2017], with spare motor and pump
Holding Tank Discharge: Overboard and deck pump out with Y valve

Hot Water Heater: 6-Gallon water heater, electric and engine heat exchange

Watermaker: Spectra 380C, 15 GPH, rebuilt in 2018, can be run off of solar alone

Thru Hulls: Marine grade bronze

Steering:
Whitlock rack and pinion steering provides very smooth positive steering
Aft cockpit helm station with pedestal. Mechanical linkage with stainless steel tubular connection to the rudder shaft.
Mechanical tiller and autopilot interface.

Other:
Exhaust type: Wet, routed to stern
High water alarm

\/ Safety Equipment

Lifejackets: 2 Inflatable, harness type with tethers and Jacklines

EPIRB: ACR EPIRB Global Fix V4 [NEW 2017]

Strobe: Handheld search light

\/ Additional Equipment

Boat: includes a large inventory of spares, including:
- spare windlass motor
- spare macerator
- spare alternator
- spare 2-blade aluminum propeller
- spare motor and pump for electric head
- spare mainsail
- spare genoa

\/ Exclusions

Owner's personal effects, two inflatable kayaks and accessories, tools, fishing gear, and snorkeling gear.
SeaKayak, stand-up paddle board, Achilles 10’ roll up inflatable and Mercury 3.3HP 2-stroke are negotiable.