A Spanish-built motor boat at the 12-metre threshold
Girbau's G38 is listed for Barcelona International Boat Show from 14 to 18 October 2026 at Moll de la Fusta. At 12.50 metres overall with its extended platform, it sits just inside Luxury Yacht Guide's minimum yacht length and offers a deliberately Mediterranean approach to mixed day and overnight cruising.
The builder quotes a 10.80-metre hull, 3.69-metre beam and approximately 8,500 kilograms displacement. These dimensions describe a relatively compact yacht compared with broad-beamed catamarans at the same show, giving owners a different trade-off between harbour manoeuvrability and interior volume.
A cockpit intended to change function
Girbau's design places substantial attention on seating and open-air use. The cockpit can be arranged for a social meal or transformed into a more relaxed sun-lounging space, while a hardtop shelters the helm. A swim platform provides access to the water, with an approximately 1.6-metre standard platform and alternative reduced or hydraulic arrangements offered by the builder.
Visitors should examine the movement of seating and tables rather than rely on still photographs. An arrangement that converts neatly at a boat show may require storage space, manual effort or careful use at anchor. Families should also assess the platform height and whether passengers can reach the cockpit safely after swimming.
Two Yanmar engines and practical controls
The builder's current specification offers twin Yanmar 8LV inboard diesel options from approximately 320 to 370 horsepower per engine. Listed helm equipment includes Garmin multifunction displays, autopilot options, a bow thruster and integrated monitoring, with other equipment subject to the selected build. Buyers should distinguish standard items from packages and request a dated specification.
The claimed design capacity is fourteen people, but this is not sleeping accommodation for fourteen. Girbau describes a forward double cabin and configurable aft sleeping space, with a quoted overnight capacity of four to six. The galley and bathroom make the G38 potentially appropriate for a weekend away rather than solely a lunch stop.
A useful comparison for first-time yacht owners
For people moving up from smaller sports boats, the G38 demonstrates how a 12.50-metre format can support independent weekends without adopting the operating requirements of a much larger motoryacht. Its relative simplicity is attractive, but fuel capacity, actual load, handling in poor weather and local service support still require investigation.
Barcelona offers a practical opportunity to compare the G38 with the growing range of 13-to-15-metre open motor yachts nearby. The published show listing confirms its intended on-water presence, not delivery availability. Owners should inspect the engine access, storage volumes and walkways before drawing conclusions about longer Mediterranean itineraries. A useful commissioning checklist should cover engine-service access and corrosion protection, as well as how the deck drains after heavy rain. An owner planning independent passages will benefit from confirming the location of vital controls and knowing how often scheduled maintenance is required.
