Helmsman Trawlers Announces New 38 Sedan, Based on the Popular 38 Pilothouse

Washington-based boatbuilder Helmsman Trawlers has announced plans to build a new 38 Sedan derived from their well-regarded 38 Pilothouse. With an overall length of 40 feet, 10 inches and a beam of 13 feet, 11 inches, the 38 Sedan brings a more traditional trawler silhouette while expanding living space compared with the smaller 37 Sedan.

Exterior Design and Deck Layout

The 38 Sedan introduces exterior walk-around decks and a convenient starboard-side door into the helm station—features that many owners of the 38 Pilothouse requested. These side decks are sheltered by the flybridge overhang, improving protection from weather while moving forward or aft. The flybridge itself is equipped with an upper helm for excellent visibility, an L-shaped settee that seats up to six people for comfortable socializing underway or at anchor, and a dinghy mount aft to carry a tender out of the water.

Interior Styling and Salon Space

Inside, the 38 Sedan maintains a classic nautical aesthetic, prioritizing practical layouts and comfortable accommodations. Thanks to its nearly 14-foot beam and an extended salon length—about two feet longer than the 37 Sedan—the interior feels open and inviting. The lengthened salon allows for a more spacious galley and a larger dining settee, making meal preparation and social time more comfortable for owners and guests. Natural sightlines from the salon help preserve a connected feel between helm, galley, and seating areas.

Layout Options: One- and Two-Stateroom Models

The 38 Sedan is available in either a single-stateroom or a two-stateroom configuration. The single-stateroom plan places the owners’ stateroom in the bow and includes a roomy head with a separate shower, offering private and functional accommodations for cruising couples. The two-stateroom layout adds a guest stateroom aft of the owners’ cabin and to port, while the head with shower is located to starboard. These options give buyers flexibility depending on how many guests they plan to accommodate and how they intend to use the boat—extended cruising, weekend trips, or liveaboard possibilities.

Performance, Tankage, and Systems

The 38 Sedan is powered by a single Cummins QSB 6.7-liter 250-hp diesel engine, a reliable and commonly used powerplant in boats of this size. Helmsman projects top speeds in the mid-teens, with expected top-end performance around 15 to 17 knots. With substantial tankage—400 gallons of diesel fuel and 145 gallons of fresh water—the 38 Sedan is configured to support extended cruising range and comfortable liveaboard-style use without frequent refueling or resupply.

Comfort, Practicality, and Target Owners

The 38 Sedan targets owners who value a traditional trawler profile with modern conveniences: protected side decks and a flybridge layout that enhances both seakeeping and social space. The combination of a roomy salon, practical galley, flexible stateroom arrangements, and large fuel and water capacities makes the 38 Sedan well suited for coastal cruising, island hopping, and extended time aboard. The design also emphasizes easy access around the exterior and straightforward systems for owners who prefer hands-on management of their vessel.

Price and Summary

The single-stateroom 38 Sedan is listed at $591,000. As a development rooted in feedback from the 38 Pilothouse community, the new 38 Sedan blends traditional trawler lines with increased interior volume and useful exterior features. It offers buyers a solid option for comfortable, capable cruising in a compact, ocean-capable package.