1977 Alajuela 38 Mk1

This 1977 Alajuela 38 is a fiberglass double-ender designed by William Atkin and built by Warren Tweedy at Port Townsend Boat Works. A proven bluewater cruiser, the boat completed a circumnavigation in 2022 following a comprehensive refit. The hull spans 38 feet with an 11.5-foot beam, powered by a Beta 43 hp diesel engine installed new in 2017 with approximately 1,450 hours and full service records. A four-blade MaxProp installed in 2021 provides thrust in both directions and feathers under sail.

Accommodations include a single cabin with one head. The galley features a two-burner propane stove with oven and foot-pump water service. An air-head composting toilet and diesel heater support extended cruising. Water capacity is 75 gallons across two tanks; fuel capacity is 80 gallons across two tanks. Electrical power comes from 475 amp-hours of AGM batteries charged by two solar panels with Victron controller and CEBO monitoring, supplemented by a charger-inverter and isolation transformer.

The standing rig was completely replaced in 2022, with the mast removed, inspected, and rewired in 2020–2021 to include new LED masthead and spreader lights. Running rigging was renewed before the circumnavigation, with lazy-jacks and Dynema backstays installed. The sail plan includes main and staysail from 2021, a genoa from 2018 with Schafer headstay furler, plus original yankee and storm trysail. A full suite of Raymarine electronics was installed between 2019 and 2022, including an Axiom Pro 12 chartplotter, VHF, AIS, i70 displays, chirp sonar, and wind instruments, complemented by a Furuno speed-depth-temperature transducer.

Hull topsides were repainted with Awlgrip in 2023 alongside nonskid surface maintenance. Bottom paint with five coats of barrier coat was applied in August 2023. All canvas—dodger, cap rail covers, and sail covers—is new from 2021. Anchor gear includes 250 feet of 3/8 chain forward, a manual windlass with fully functional wildcat, two CQR anchors, and 300 feet of Manila line. Additional equipment aboard: EPIRB, Iridium Go, deck safety lines and harnesses, sail and hull repair kits, spares, and an Avon dinghy with oars.