Silverton 38 Convertible: Sea Trial
Silverton 38 Convertible: Tradition goes first class in this versatile midsize boat.
July 28, 2002
With its second stateroom and a convertible settee in the saloon, the 38 can comfortably sleep up to six adults.
It's been almost a quarter century since one of Silverton's all-time best-selling boats was introduced. The 34 Convertible began an enduring tradition with the New Jersey boat builder that soon extended to other boats in the 30 to 40-foot range. Some of those classics are still around.
Today's new 38 Convertible adheres to the measures of ruggedness, versatility and affordability that have made Silvertons so popular over the years — but with all-new style.
The 38 Convertible is all new from the keel up, so it takes full advantage of Silverton's recent investment in high-tech automated manufacturing techniques. The result is a boat that is more than just rugged and utilitarian. The 38 is an on-the-water destination in itself, with all the comforts and conveniences of home.
This sleek boat is remarkably versatile, and can fit the bill as a weekend getaway retreat, a coastal cruiser or a serious fishing platform. With its second stateroom and a convertible settee in the saloon, the 38 can comfortably sleep up to six adults — giving it plenty of space to accommodate friends and family.
Plentiful Panorama
The main saloon has 6 feet, 8 inches of headroom and nearly one-third of that height is devoted to glass. The view extends almost completely around the space for a spectacular panorama.
Opening panels on each side are screened to allow cross ventilation — and there's a separate sliding screen door in the cabin entrance. Add the ventilation from three hatches in the forward compartments and you may only need to run the optional air conditioning on the hottest days.
The boat is furnished with residential-grade components. There's Scotchgard-protected carpeting and a Flexsteel settee that electrically converts to a double berth at the push of a button. Upholstery is Ultraleather, countertops are Corian and the cabinetry is solid cherry. Even the two-tone Moen faucets in the galley and head are the kind you'd find at home.
Saloon seating focuses attention on the entertainment center, aft and to port of the main saloon. The saloon contains an AM/FM stereo receiver and a DVD player. Those, plus four speakers, are standard features. There's space in the wall unit for adding an optional 20 inch JVC television and VCR.
When it's time for meals or a snack, an adjustable-height table serves the L-shaped lounge, to port.
Gourmet Tools
The galley on the 38 Convertible is as large as the kitchen in many apartments — in part, because it utilizes the space in the companionway to the forward cabins.
A three-burner flush-top electric stove is standard, as are a microwave/convection oven, a coffeemaker and a dual-voltage Novacool refrigerator/freezer. There's also a deep stainless steel sink. The only extra you might consider adding is an optional under-counter electric oven.
Another example of the overall quality of the interior lies underfoot: The galley sole is real oak, not an imitation laminate.
Moving forward to the two sleeping areas, there's a split head to serve both. The shower, located on the port side, is accessible from the guest stateroom or master suite. Opposite is the compartment for the toilet and vanity with sink. Access is from either the master suite or the companionway.
An electric head is standard, but you can upgrade to a VacuFlush system. There's well over 6 feet of stand-up clearance in both spaces.
The guest stateroom, to port, is surprisingly spacious, considering part of it is tucked away under the saloon floor. The forward half of the compartment has 6 feet, 8 inches of headroom — and there's plenty of side-to-side space for changing clothes and moving around.
A floor-to-ceiling hanging locker, another smaller locker and a chest of drawers provide storage. The berth is equipped with an innerspring mattress and can be configured as twins or a standard queen-size berth with the use of a filler cushion.
Pointless Comfort
The first thing you'll notice when you enter the master stateroom is how high the pedestal berth is. The Silverton designers did this for several good reasons.
First and foremost, by moving it up, they didn't have to offer the uncomfortable pointy V-berth typically found in forward compartments. A standard queen-size innerspring mattress could be put in the space. And access is easy, via a step on either side.
Second, you'll appreciate what they did each time you change the sheets — and especially when you buy new ones. It takes standard-sized rectangular sheets, like the beds at home.
By raising the berth, more space underneath can be used for storage. A set of four drawers is in the center, flanked by two lockers on either side. They complement the floor-to-ceiling hanging locker to starboard and the smaller locker to port.
If you plan to spend a lot of time living aboard the 38 Convertible, you will need to do laundry — so, the cabin design allows space for an optional washer and dryer to be installed in place of the drawers.
Ready to Fish
With Silverton's optional Fish Pak, you can add rocket launchers on the flybridge rail, dual washdowns, rod holders in the cockpit gunwales and tackle boxes in the cabinet on the forward cockpit bulkhead. Two fishboxes in the cockpit sole come standard, as does a wet bar that doubles as a bait prep station. You can also install an optional cockpit refrigerator or an ice-maker.
A transom door and a hot and cold shower located next to it are standard features. You can add a swim platform, if you like.
The flybridge is just a few steps up from the cockpit, via molded-in steps. A bench forward of the flybridge helm seats three adults — and there are a pair of swiveling bucket seats behind it. The forward edge of each bucket flips up, so you can stand while running, if you want to.
The 38 Convertible uses the same helm components as Silverton's 42, so space for adding electronics and additional gear is especially generous. A large panel to starboard of the steering wheel can easily hold a pair of large screen LCD screens — and then some. If you select the optional hardtop, it comes with a built-in electronics box underneath.
Responsive Running
Our test boat was equipped with the largest engine option available: a pair of 450 hp Caterpillar 3126B diesels. A wide array of powerplant choices is available — ranging from 370 to 450 hp — including Crusader and MerCruiser gasoline inboards; and Caterpillar, Cummins and Yanmar diesel engines.
During our test, there was a stiff 15 knot wind blowing. At one point, we were working against a 4 knot current — but never once did we feel that conditions overpowered the boat. Even when running cross wind and current — fast or slow — the hull was predictable and went exactly where we wanted it to go.
The 38 offered excellent acceleration from a standing start and at midrange speeds — and it was quite responsive to the helm. The top speed was 29.1 knots, and the cruising speed was around 23 knots.
Whether you're looking for a weekend cruiser or a fishing machine, Silverton's new 38 Convertible offers a lot of big boat features in an attractively priced right-size package.
Silverton 38 Convertible Specifications
| Length | 41'3" |
| Beam | 14' |
| Draft | 3'7" |
| Weight | 22,854 pounds |
| Fuel capacity | 360 gallons |
| Water capacity | 100 gallons |
| Propellers | 25" x 29" four-blade light cup |
| Base price with twin 385-hp Crusader gasoline inboards | $246,145 |
| Price of boat as tested with twin 450-hp Caterpillar diesels | $415,450 |
Performance
| Top speed | 29.1 knots | |
| Miles per gallon at 2,400-rpm engine speed | .73 | |
| Fuel cost for 100 miles | $205.48** | |
| 313 nautical miles to empty | ||
| Sound level at cruising speed | 87 dbA |
(Fuel cost based on a fuel price of $1.50 per gallon.)
Standard Features
AM/FM stereo with DVD player; three-burner range; microwave oven; coffee-maker; Corian countertops; dual-voltage Novacool refrigerator/freezer.
Options on Test Boat
Hardtop with full enclosure; Fish Pak; Glendinning Cablemaster; Oil-X-Change-R oil change system; Sprint windlass, two-zone air conditioning and heat; Raymarine electronics package; auxiliary generator.
Construction
Fiberglass bottom; Coremat used above the waterline.
For more information
Silverton Marine
Millville, NJ
(877) 863-5298
www.silverton.com
