Review of Ambassador 38 DS

The hull is made of fibreglass while the deck is made of die cast fibreglass. Generally, a hull made of fibreglass requires only a minimum of maintenance during the sailing season.
Unfortunately, the hull is not a double hull which affects the indoor climate. Especially if the water is considerable colder than the cabin, then one might expect condense water in the cabin.
The deck is a double deck which improves the indoor climate.

The interior is like most other boats made of teak. Teak has the advantage of being naturally very oily and therefore water-repellent, which is suitable on boats.
The boat is equipped with 4-6 berths, a galley, 400.0 liter fresh water capacity, toilet facility and 200.0 liter waste water capacity.

The Ambassador 38 DS has been equipped with different engine alternatives.

Alternative 1:

The boat may be equipped with dual inboard Volvo Penta AQ D 40 diesel engines at 260 hp (193 kW).

The transmission is a Z-drive aka sterndrive.

Alternative 2:

Ambassador 38 DS may be equipped with dual inboard Volvo Penta AQ D 40 diesel engines at 310 hp (230 kW).

The transmission is a Z-drive aka sterndrive.

Alternative 3:

The boat may be equipped with dual inboard Volvo Penta AQ gasoline engines at 400 hp (298 kW).

The transmission is a Z-drive aka sterndrive.

Alternative 4:

The boat may be equipped with dual inboard Volvo Penta AQ gasoline engines at 450 hp (335 kW).

The transmission is a Z-drive aka sterndrive.

Alternative 5:

Ambassador 38 DS may be equipped with dual inboard Volvo Penta AQ gasoline engines at 520 hp (387 kW).

The transmission is a Z-drive aka sterndrive.

Alternative 6:

The boat may be equipped with dual inboard Perkins diesel engines at 370 hp (275 kW).

Alternative 7:

The boat may be equipped with dual inboard BMW Marin gasoline engines at 380 hp (283 kW).

The transmission is a Z-drive aka sterndrive.

The fuel tank has a capacity of 450.0 liters (118 US gallons, 98 imperial gallons).

What is Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed?

The theoretical maximal speed of a displacement boat of this length is 7.5 knots. The term "Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed" is widely used even though a boat can sail faster. The term shall be interpreted as above the theoretical speed a great additional power is necessary for a small gain in speed.

The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for Ambassador 38 DS is about 222 kg/cm, alternatively 1247 lbs/inch.
Meaning: if you load 222 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 1247 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.

What is L/B (Length Beam Ratio)?

The l/b ratio for Ambassador 38 DS is 3.20.

Compared with other similar motor boats it is slimmer than 58% of all other designs. It seems that the designer has chosen a slightly more speedy hull design.

In Denmark, you are required to have achieved a 'powerboat driving license' in order to sail a powerboat.
In this context a boat is considered a powerboat if:

According to this definition this boat is categorized as a Powerboat.

When buying anti-fouling bottom paint, it's nice to know how much to buy. The surface of the wet bottom is about 35m² (376 ft²).
Based on this, your favourite maritime shop can tell you the quantity you need.

Note: If you use a paint roller you will need more paint than if you use a paintbrush.

This section is reserved boat owner's modifications, improvements, etc. Here you might find (or contribute with) inspiration for your boat.

Do you have changes/improvements you would like to share? Upload a photo and describe what you have done.

We are always looking for new photos. If you can contribute with photos for Ambassador 38 DS it would be a great help.

If you have any comments to the review, improvement suggestions, or the like, feel free to contact us. Criticism helps us to improve.

[Ref 1]: ISO 8666 Small craft — Principal data.
[Ref 3]: ISO 12215-5 Small craft — Hull construction and scantlings.