Oryx 379 review
Yacht · 38 ft (12 m) · Marina Botafoch
expert score
Key specs
- Builder
- Gulf Craft
- Model
- Oryx 379
- Length
- 38 ft (12 m)
- Guests
- 4
- Cabins
- 2
Verdict
The Oryx 379 is a well-executed 38-foot outboard dayboat/sport cruiser with strong speed, a broad social layout, and practical cruising range. It is less convincing as an overnight yacht: accommodation is limited and the published berth/cabin figures are inconsistent across sources.
Pros
- +Strong performance from triple 300 hp outboards
- +Wide beam gives good deck space and social seating
- +High top speed and efficient cruising pace
- +Useful fuel capacity for a boat of this size
- +Air conditioning and basic electronics improve usability
Cons
- −Cabin and berth figures are inconsistent across sources
- −Limited overnight livability compared with cabin cruisers
- −Open dayboat format offers less weather protection
- −Fuel burn rises quickly at high speed
The Oryx 379 is best understood as a fast, premium dayboat with occasional overnight capability rather than a full family cruiser. Published dimensions are consistent at about 37 ft 9 in LOA with a 12 ft beam, and the design emphasis is clearly on open deck volume, aggressive styling, and social seating rather than enclosed accommodation.[1][2][9][13] A similar short-listing note from Gulf Craft describes it as able to seat 8 comfortably, with layouts that can sleep four in one configuration and up to six in another, which matches the mixed accommodation data seen elsewhere.[15][20]
On the water, the boat’s triple 300 hp outboard package gives it the kind of performance expected from a performance-oriented sport cruiser. Independent tests report cruising around 22 knots and top speeds in the mid-40-knot range, with one article claiming 50 knots under test and another citing more than 44 knots, so the exact maximum varies by load and setup.[1][3][8][14] Handling should be sharp for the class, helped by the planing hull form and outboard configuration, but buyers should expect speed-focused behavior rather than the soft ride or quiet running of heavier inboard cruisers.[1][14]
Comfort is good for daytime entertaining because the layout is spacious for the length, but livability is more limited than the numbers suggest. Sources conflict on whether the boat is rated for 2-4 sleepers, four berths, or up to six sleeping accommodations, while the maximum persons rating is consistently higher at 12 for safety/loading purposes.[2][6][8][15][16][20] That makes the 379 attractive for short stays, weekends, and guest-day use, but not ideal if the main priority is multiple private cabins or extended cruising comfort.
In value terms, the Oryx 379 looks competitive because it offers strong speed, a large beam, and a premium finish package without moving into much larger yacht pricing. It is most compelling for owners who want a stylish, fast open cruiser with real social space and enough cruising range for coastal trips, but less so for buyers seeking a true two-cabin yacht experience.[1][2][9]
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