Pedrick 38 (Cheoy Lee) Information, Review, Specs

The Pedrick 38's genesis can be traced to the early 1980s, when David Pedrick, a designer with significant contributions to international handicapping rules and a portfolio that includes notable designs like the Navy 44 Mk II, lent his expertise to Cheoy Lee. Cheoy Lee Shipyard, with over a century of shipbuilding heritage, was a pioneering force in fiberglass construction, having extensively utilized GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) and foam sandwich technology since the mid-1960s. This manufacturing ethos of robust, high-quality construction is evident in the Pedrick 38, which is consistently described by owners and reviewers as a "very well built" boat. The design reflects Pedrick's commitment to creating capable and balanced yachts, leveraging Cheoy Lee's advanced fiberglass techniques of the era to produce a durable and comfortable cruiser. Production of the Pedrick 38 commenced in 1980, continuing through much of that decade.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Cheoy Lee Pedrick 38 exhibits sailing characteristics well-suited for comfortable cruising, combining a moderate performance profile with excellent stability. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 16.27, she is a reasonably good performer without being overly tender or requiring excessive sail area to move in light breezes. Her Ballast to Displacement ratio (Bal/Disp) of around 0.35 indicates a stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to a good breeze and maintaining an excellent righting capability.

The Displacement to Length ratio (Disp/LWL) of approximately 280.9 positions the Pedrick 38 as a moderate to heavy displacement cruiser. This contributes significantly to her comfortable motion in a seaway, with reviews noting that she is "more comfortable than 73% of all similar sailboat designs," indicating an above-average comfort level at sea. Owners frequently praise the Pedrick 38 for being "easy to sail" and providing a "very sea kindly motion," further cementing its reputation as a capable and predictable yacht for cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior diagrams are not readily available, the Cheoy Lee Pedrick 38 is generally noted for its comfortable and relatively spacious accommodations for a yacht of its size. Typical layouts for 38-foot cruisers of this era built by Cheoy Lee would feature a traditional arrangement designed for liveability and extended cruising. This likely includes a comfortable V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that may convert to berths, a galley, and a navigation station. A private head compartment would also be standard. Given Cheoy Lee's reputation, the interior finish would likely incorporate a significant amount of wood trim, lending a classic yacht aesthetic, though actual material use would depend on specific models and owner customizations. Owners have noted the boat feels "spacy," indicating good use of the approximately 11.8-foot beam to create usable interior volume.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Cheoy Lee Pedrick 38 consistently laud its robust construction and dependable nature, often highlighting its comfortable motion in a seaway. Many attest to the boat's "very well built" quality, with some having owned their vessels for many years without significant structural issues. The Pedrick 38 is frequently praised for its seaworthiness, with numerous examples of these vessels undertaking extended voyages.

Common points of discussion among owners often revolve around maintenance, particularly regarding the original teak decks. While these decks provide "really sure footing" and enhance the classic aesthetic, they do require diligent upkeep to prevent issues. Some owners have embarked on projects to address or remove older teak decks, suggesting it can be a significant maintenance item over time. Overall, the consensus among owners is that the Pedrick 38 represents a solid, comfortable, and capable cruising platform that, with proper care, continues to provide rewarding sailing experiences.