From the dock, a five-foot difference seems insignificant.
From the water, they completely change the day.
This is what makes the comparison between the Pardo 38 and the Pardo 43 so interesting. Both boats share the same elegant silhouette. The same walkaround concept. The same ability to turn heads in front of the Croisette or in the port of Saint-Tropez.
Yet, after a few hours between the Lérins Islands, Cap d’Antibes, or Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, they don't tell quite the same story. The Pardo 38 is a boat that makes you want to leave. The Pardo 43 is a boat that makes you want to stay. And to understand which one to choose, you first need to understand why Pardos have become a benchmark on the French Riviera.
Why Pardo yachts are so appealing on the Riviera
Just look at the moorings around Cannes on a summer day. Pardo boats are everywhere. Their success isn't solely due to their Italian design. It's mainly explained by how the French Riviera is discovered today.
A typical day often begins with a departure from Cannes or Golfe-Juan in the late morning. The destination is the Lérins Islands for a first swim. Lunch at anchor. Then, sailing towards Cap d'Antibes or the Esterel massif before returning to port in the late afternoon. The boat is no longer just a means of transport. It becomes the place where the day unfolds.
This is precisely what Pardo does particularly well. Where some models prioritize pure performance or spectacular design, Pardo manages to balance sailing, comfort, and outdoor living. This explains why they have become direct competitors to Fjord, De Antonio, or Saxdor in the premium dayboat market.
Pardo 38 vs Pardo 43: Quick Comparison
| Criterion | Pardo 38 | Pardo 43 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 11.90 m | 14 meters |
| Ideal group | 4 to 8 people | 8 to 11 people |
| Program | Navigation active | Life on board |
| Comfort at anchor | Very good | Excellent |
| Weekend on board | Occasional | Very suitable |
| Anniversary / Event | All right | Excellent |
| Purchase project | Day trips | More versatile program |
| Our opinion | The most playful | The most complete |
On paper, the difference seems limited. In reality, these two extra meters profoundly change the way the day is experienced.
The Pardo 38: the choice for those who love to sail
Some boats make you want to drop anchor. Others make you want to see what's beyond the next headland. The Pardo 38 clearly belongs to the latter category.
Setting sail from Cannes, it invites you to make a series of stops: Sainte-Marguerite, La Garoupe, Villefranche, and then back toward the Estérel. Sailing becomes a major part of the fun. The boat remains nimble, responsive, and particularly enjoyable for those who truly love to sail.
For a couple, family, or group of six to eight people, it probably represents the best balance between budget, driving pleasure, and elegance. Also discover our Pardo 38 for sale on the French Riviera.
The limits of the Pardo 38
The Pardo 38 excels in its role as a dayboat. But it remains a dayboat. When the group approaches ten people, the available space naturally becomes more limited. For long days at anchor or regular coastal cruising plans, some owners quickly feel the limitations of its interior volume.
Le Pardo 43: the choice of those who live the boat
The Pardo 43 retains everything that makes the 38 so charming. But it changes the rhythm of the day. You still sail. Simply put, there's less of an urge to leave immediately.
The boat is gradually becoming a destination. Facing the turquoise waters of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat or in a cove in the Estérel, passengers are staying on board more. They have lunch, swim, enjoy the sun, and anchoring becomes an activity in itself.
For large groups, birthdays, or company outings, this difference is often the deciding factor. For homeowners looking for more space and versatility, check out our Pardo 43 for sale on the French Riviera.
The limits of the Pardo 43
The added comfort comes at a cost. The boat remains high-performing but loses some of the very playful character that makes the 38 so charming. The acquisition and operating budget is also higher. The real question, therefore, is not whether the 43 is better, but whether its extra volume truly matches your needs.
And inside?
This is probably the most underestimated difference. For a simple day trip, the interior plays a secondary role. For a weekend getaway or a purchasing project, it becomes essential.
The Pardo 38 offers comfortable accommodations for occasional overnight stays on board. The Pardo 43 offers more living space, a better sense of spaciousness, and superior comfort for regular coastal cruising.
For an owner considering weekends in Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Monaco, or the Italian Riviera, this argument alone may be enough.
Which boat should you choose based on your profile?
Are you a couple or a small family?
The Pardo 38 is generally the most consistent choice.
There are between 6 and 8 people.
The Pardo 38 probably offers the best balance in the range.
You are between 9 and 11 people.
The Pardo 43 clearly takes the lead.
You are organizing a birthday party
The Pardo 43 offers more space to fully enjoy anchoring.
You like to make many stops.
The Pardo 38 is more suitable.
You're looking for a boat for regular weekend trips.
The Pardo 43 becomes particularly interesting.
Are you considering a purchase
The Pardo 38 appeals to day-trip enthusiasts. The Pardo 43 attracts owners looking for versatility.
From the sea, the difference becomes obvious
Imagine departing from Cannes. Head for the Lérins Islands. Lunch in front of Sainte-Marguerite. Then, navigate towards Cap d’Antibes before returning along the red cliffs of the Estérel.
On the Pardo 38, conversations often revolve around discovered coves, scenery, and sailing. On the Pardo 43, they focus more on lunch, sunbathing, the comfort of anchoring, and time spent on board.
This is probably the best way to summarize the difference between the two models.
Our opinion
Both models are excellent. However, they don't exactly meet the same need. For groups up to eight people, the Pardo 38 probably offers the best balance between sailing pleasure, budget, and simplicity.
From nine people, or when the day relies primarily on life at anchor, the Pardo 43 generally becomes the most relevant choice. Ultimately, the difference isn't measured in meters. It's measured in how you want to live your day at sea.
Pardo 38 or Pardo 43, we'll help you choose
According to your group, your program, and your project on the French Riviera.
FAQ - Pardo 38 or Pardo 43
How many people can board a Pardo 38?
The Pardo 38 is particularly well-suited for groups of 4 to 8 people for a comfortable day out on the French Riviera.
How many people can board a Pardo 43?
The Pardo 43 is ideally suited for groups of 8 to 11 people thanks to its more generous volumes.
Which Pardo to choose for the Lérins Islands?
The Pardo 38 is ideal for a dynamic day with multiple stops. The Pardo 43 is better suited for extended periods at anchor.
What model to choose for a boat birthday party?
The Pardo 43 is generally the most comfortable for hosting several guests all day.
Is the Pardo 43 really worth the price difference?
For large groups or owners wanting to cruise for several days, the gain in comfort is real.
Which Pardo to choose for a purchase?
The Pardo 38 is more of a day boat. The Pardo 43 offers greater versatility for coastal cruising.
Can one reach Monaco or Saint-Tropez with these two models?
Yes. Both models are perfectly suited for coastal cruising between Cannes, Monaco, Antibes, and Saint-Tropez.
