1981 Shannon 38 Ketch
$92,500
Boat in Marion, MA 02738 US
Built in 1981
38 Ketch
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38 feet
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Fiberglass/Reinforced
Shannon 38 ketch "Lucy"
We can say without reservation that the Shannon 38 ketch "Lucy" has enjoyed the best maintenance of any Shannon over the last few years. The secret of Lucy's good fortune - it helps if the father of one of the owners has been a master shipwright at Shannon Boat Company in Bristol, RI for the last four decades. But this has been a two way street - while their father could fix anything on a Shannon, at the same time the owners had to answer to Dad if they were not taking care of one of the boats that he built. Interesting dynamic. As often happens in life, circumstances required the owners to sell "Lucy", with one in college and two more ready to start soon. There is not a Shannon 38 ketch on the market in better ready-to-go condition than "Lucy". The next owners of "Lucy" besides enjoying her wonderful sailing and living aboard characteristics for years to come, will have the extra added benefit of knowing that this boat has been taken care of in "Shannon" fashion. Recent survey available. Photos were taken in 2025 and show the beautiful exterior varnish with several coats applied this year.
Additional Specs, Equipment and Information:
Builder/Designer
Builder: Shannon Boat Company Designer: Schulz/Stadel
Dimensions
LOA: 38 feet LWL: 31 feet Beam: 11.5 feet Draft: 5.3 feet
Engine
Engine Brand: Perkins Engine Model: 4:108 40HP Hours: 3900 New Transmission 2024
Bow Thruster
Sidepower 8hp 12VDC new motor 2024 and controller 2025
Tankage
Fuel: 55 gallon Water: 120 gallon Holding: 12 gallon
Dimensions
Displacement: 18,500 lbs. Ballast: 7,300 lbs. internal solid lead
Accommodations
Accommodations are constructed of beautiful golden teak throughout with solid ½" teak and holly cabin sole double screwed. Joinery is impeccable and representative of the finest craftsmanship to ever come out of Shannon's Bristol, RI yard. Forward section: V berth with filler, with storage and 2 linen drawers under, shelves above the berths. Solid door can be used to provide privacy from main cabin, or to close off full wardrobe.
Moving aft, on port side there are additional lockers, to starboard a generous sized head with sink and hand shower, hot and cold water. The Raritan PE II marine head can be pumped to the holding tank with a overboard macerator manual pump or directly overboard. In the main salon the settee to starboard can extend to provide a double berth. Teak table with hinged leafs. Outboard of the settee are lockers and shelves. To port a second settee can extend to provide a generous single berth. All berths have lee cloths. Marineair 16,000 BTU reverse cycle air conditioner. Force 10 propane heater bulkhead mount. Espar 12DVC diesel heater forced hot air with multiple vents
A wet locker is provided to port. Aft is the nav station to port is a comfortable forward-facing bench with large chart table above which Furuno NavNet GPS/Radar plotter with Garmin GPS backup, and a repeater of the cockpit instruments providing speed, depth and wind readouts. On the port side are electrical panels with clearly marked breakers and an ac shore power panel, ICOM VHF radio, and ICOM/Kenwood SSB. Flat screen TV, 12VDC fans and oil lamps on bulkheads. A large quarter berth is located behind the nav station. Below the berth are five new Group 31 AGM batteries, hot water tank, and storage.
COCKPIT
Cockpit table and drink holders
Edson wheel steering
Dodger with bimini and side curtains
Manual bilge pump
Large starboard cockpit locker, smaller port locker
Locker for 2x10 lb propane tanks under curved cockpit helm seat
Furuno NavNet pedestal mount and Furuno instruments: Wind, speed, depth.
Simrad autopilot.
SAILS AND RIGGING
Mizzen mast is stepped on cockpit sole, and supports antennas and radar dome. Main mast is keel stepped and is located in head compartment, forward of the door, very inconspicuous. Rod rigging throughout.
Genoa new Doyle 2025 on Roller furling. Other sails Quantum and in very good condition
Club boom staysail
Main with reef points. Main sheet on traveler in front of dodger.
Mizzen sail with reef points.
Whisker pole.
2-speed self-tailing winches for genoa sheets and one Andersen 12VDC for mainsheet/halyard/reef lines.
2-speed winches for staysail sheet, furling lines 2-speed winches on masts for main halyard, genoa halyard, mizzen sheet, mizzen halyard
Winch on boom for jiffy reefing
PLUMBING
Water pump
Shower drain pump
Macerator pump for holding tank pumpout
Three water tanks: port and starboard plus a central keel tank
Hot water heater
Two Whale Gusher manual bilge pumps and electric bilge pump
Hart tank monitoring system for water, fuel, and waste
Sealand holding tank monitor
GALLEY
A U-shaped galley to starboard, with a very practical layout.
Double sink, hot and cold water and salt water foot pump.
Force 10 Galley stove has three burners plus broiler and oven.
Microwave
Large refrigerated locker with two openings and sliding trays. Sea Frost refrigeration 12VDC and 110VAC compressor.
Generous locker spaces.
HULL/DECK
Solid FRP laminate hull and cored deck. Tan non-skid regelcoated by Shannon and looks brand new - no cracks
All bronze thruhulls in good condition and bonded.
Ideal 12VDC windlass
Kato stainless steel dinghy davits
Folding ladder.
ELECTRICAL
Four AGM Lifeline batteries in 2 banks below quarter berth, and one bow thruster/windlass battery forward under V berth. New 2023
Heart 60 amp 110VAC battery charger/1KW inverter
Xantrex Link battery monitor
Twin dock side 30 amp 110VAC service with outlets installed in cabin for use when at dock
90 amp engine alternator
Superwind wind generator on mizzen
Three solar panels
EQUIPMENT
Rocna and Fortress anchors with chain leaders and nylon rodes. Dock lines, fenders, flare kit, horn, safety gear, side deck jack lines, life ring, Life Sling, EPIRB etc.
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 12/5/25 | Initial price | $92,500 |
1981 Shannon 38 Ketch Video Tours
Overview from around the web 1981 Shannon 38 Ketch
Customers consistently praise the 1981 Shannon 38 Ketch for its solid construction and classic design
Many highlight its exceptional build quality, attributing its durability to the traditional craftsmanship that Shannon Yachts is known for. Owners appreciate the spacious and comfortable interior layout, which makes it ideal for extended cruising. The ketch rig is often noted for its versatility and ease of handling, especially in varying wind conditions. Additionally, sailors commend the boat’s stability and seaworthiness, making it a reliable choice for both coastal and offshore passages. Overall, the 1981 Shannon 38 Ketch is regarded as a timeless vessel that combines elegance with practical performance.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1981 Shannon 38 Ketch is a classic cruising sailboat known for its solid construction and traditional design. Here are some of the pros and cons of this model:
Pros
Sturdy Build: The Shannon 38 Ketch is renowned for its robust fiberglass hull and quality craftsmanship, making it durable and reliable for long-distance cruising.
Ketch Rig: The ketch rig offers versatile sail options, making it easier to handle in varying wind conditions and providing balanced sail plans for comfortable cruising.
Spacious Interior: The boat features a well-designed interior layout with ample living space, including comfortable cabins and a functional galley, ideal for extended voyages.
Classic Aesthetic: Its traditional lines and teak woodwork appeal to sailors who appreciate classic styling and timeless elegance.
Good Sea-Keeping: The hull design and keel configuration provide excellent stability and seaworthiness, contributing to a safe and comfortable ride.
Cons
Older Design: As a vessel from 1981, some design aspects may feel dated compared to modern sailboats, such as heavier displacement and less emphasis on speed.
Maintenance: Being an older boat, it may require more maintenance and upkeep, especially regarding rigging, engine, and interior fittings.
Ketch Rig Complexity: While versatile, the ketch rig involves more sails and rigging, which can be more complex and require additional skill to manage effectively.
Limited Performance: The Shannon 38 Ketch is designed for cruising comfort rather than racing, so it may not perform as quickly or agilely as more contemporary designs.
Weight: The heavier displacement can impact speed and maneuverability, particularly in light wind conditions.
Made For
The 1981 Shannon 38 Ketch is ideal for sailors seeking a classic, sturdy cruising yacht with timeless design and reliable performance. Perfect for those who appreciate traditional craftsmanship combined with comfortable living space, this boat suits experienced cruisers and adventurous couples or small families looking to explore coastal and offshore waters in style and safety. Its ketch rig offers versatile sail handling, making it well-suited for extended voyages and varied wind conditions.
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Meet the Broker
Address
Boat Location
Contact Shannon Boat Company
19 Broad Common Rd, Bristol, RI, 02809
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