Nicholson 38 Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Nicholson 38 begins in the mid-1960s, with production spanning from 1966 to 1975. The hull design originated from American naval architects John Alden & Assoc., initially conceived with motor-sailing capabilities in mind, though it ultimately surpassed expectations as a capable sailboat. During this era, Camper & Nicholsons, with a heritage stretching back to 1782, was renowned for its unwavering commitment to design excellence and superior yacht construction. The company's philosophy centered on delivering yachts that offered effortless performance, safety, and swift cruising experiences, a ethos perfectly embodied in the fiberglass construction of the Nicholson 38. The vessel was built with a solid fiberglass hull and deck, ensuring durability and structural integrity for years of demanding use. While specific variations like "MkI" or "MkII" are not widely documented, individual boats often show owner-driven modifications due to their long production run and the prevailing customization trends of the time.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Nicholson 38 is characterized by a displacement of 15,904 pounds and a waterline length of 27.0 feet. These figures contribute to a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 360.7. This high ratio places her firmly in the category of a heavy cruiser, suggesting a boat that offers a very comfortable motion in a seaway, with excellent momentum and stability, rather than being a light-air speed demon. Her reported sail area of 662 square feet, combined with her displacement, results in a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 16.74. This moderate SA/D, coupled with her ketch rig, indicates decent performance across a range of wind conditions, particularly in stronger breezes where her weight and robust build allow her to stand up to the wind effectively. While specific ballast weight information is not consistently available in the provided data, her long keel hull type ensures a deep and substantial keel for stability and directional stability.

Owners consistently describe the Nicholson 38 as a "powerful" and "bombproof" boat, praising its solid sailing characteristics. The long keel design provides excellent tracking stability, making her well-suited for long passages and easy to manage on a course. While a long keel can make a boat less nimble in tight maneuvers compared to modern fin-keel designs, it contributes significantly to her renowned seakindliness and predictable handling in challenging conditions. She is often cited as an ideal vessel for long-distance cruising, even for those sailing with young children.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior layout of the Nicholson 38, typically featuring a center cockpit design, reflects the cruising priorities of its era. While precise headroom figures are not consistently documented, reviews and owner accounts indicate that the accommodations, while well-built, can feel somewhat "small and cramped" by contemporary standards, especially when compared to boats of similar overall length with wider beams. The typical arrangement includes a traditional V-berth forward, a head compartment, and a main salon that often features opposing settees and a table. A galley area and possibly a quarter berth or navigation station would be found further aft, often beneath or adjacent to the center cockpit.

Due to the limited interior volume and the age of the vessels, many owners have undertaken significant modifications to update and personalize the joinery and overall layout. While original finishes would have reflected the high standards of Camper & Nicholsons with quality wood trim, some older boats may show signs of wear or previous owner's updates. Storage is generally adequate for cruising, though efficient use of space is key, and ventilation is typically achieved through traditional dorades and deck hatches.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Nicholson 38 frequently express strong loyalty to their vessels, often praising the boat's enduring build quality and suitability for serious cruising. Key strengths highlighted include the boat's solid and "bombproof" construction, which instills confidence in various sea states, and its comfortable motion offshore. Many appreciate the versatile ketch rig, which allows for flexible sail plans and easier handling in stronger winds. The boat's long-term reliability and capacity for long-distance cruising are consistently mentioned as primary advantages.

However, owners also acknowledge certain characteristics that require attention or adjustment. The interior space is often noted as being modest for a nearly 38-foot boat, with some finding the main cabin "small" or "cramped" compared to modern designs. Due to the age of the fleet, common maintenance issues often revolve around the integrity of original deck fittings, which may require re-bedding, and the potential need for engine overhauls or replacements, though the Perkins 4107 engine was a common and reliable choice. Some owners have also noted that original freshwater tankage can be a limiting factor for extended voyages. Despite these considerations, many owners express deep satisfaction, viewing the Nicholson 38 not just as a boat, but as a reliable partner for their sailing adventures.