There are numerous locations where owners of 38' Commanders have found serial numbers. This includes underneath drawers in the forward anchor rope storage area, under the dinette, written in pencil on various parts for in-shop coordination, on the bottom of seat cushions underneath the vinyl, and on the wood concealed when the two piece hatch is in the closed position.
Here is a photo of the latter. This serial number from TRADITION, FXA-38-3004-R
designates it was the 4th boat built during the 3rd year of production. 1964 was the first year of production, and this one is a 1966 model, which was the first year of the 427 big blocks. Therefore this is one of the very first 38 Commanders to receive the 427 power, and I would be very interested in hearing about anyone who has one that may be an earlier model than this one with 427 power.
This serial number is on the two pieces of wood that come together when the hatch is closed, and when the hatch is open it can be seen ever so slightly. Anyone with a 38, check out this location, yours probably has the serial numbers embossed here too.
regards,
Paul