Hans Christian 38 T Information, Review, Specs

Built by Hans Christian Yachts, a company founded by John Edwards in 1973, the 38 T reflects the builder's commitment to "timeless design" and "unmatched craftsmanship" in their Taiwanese-produced yachts. The model is a testament to the brand's legacy of creating sturdy, traditional cruisers that are well-regarded for their ability to handle demanding ocean conditions with confidence and ease.

History and Design

The narrative of the Hans Christian 38 T began in 1976, marking a significant offering from Hans Christian Yachts during its foundational years. The model was designed by Harwood Ives, a notable naval architect who collaborated with Hans Christian to shape its iconic lines. While Hans Christian founder John Edwards initially approached Robert H. Perry for designs, the company later worked with Ives for models like the 38 T, focusing on creating vessels optimized for long-distance cruising. The design philosophy behind Hans Christian yachts, generally, was to produce high-quality, ocean-capable vessels with traditional aesthetics and robust construction.

During its production run, the Hans Christian 38 T saw some variations. It was primarily offered as a cutter rig, which proved to be the most popular, but a few units were also delivered with a ketch rig. A significant evolution occurred in 1984 with the introduction of a new underbody featuring a separate rudder on a skeg, known as the 'Telstar keel'. This modification was exclusive to the HC 38T and offered a different performance profile. It is important to note that the Hans Christian 38 T is distinct from the Hans Christian 38 MkII, which, though similar in basic dimensions, featured a slightly different hull shape, rig, and interior, and was built at a different yard. Approximately 210 Hans Christian 38s were built across all versions.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Hans Christian 38 T is characterized by its heavy displacement and full keel, attributes that directly influence its sailing performance and handling. With a displacement of 26,500 lbs and a length on waterline of 33.0 ft, its displacement-to-length ratio is approximately 737. This exceptionally high ratio firmly places the 38 T in the category of a very heavy, traditional cruiser, emphasizing stability and comfort over light-air speed.

Its sail area to displacement ratio of about 15.9 suggests that while capable, the 38 T is not a light-air flyer and performs best with a decent breeze. The cutter rig, featuring a total sail area of 887 square feet, breaks the yacht's sail plan into smaller, more manageable sails, a common and advantageous setup for offshore sailing. This configuration contributes to easier handling, especially when encountering demanding ocean conditions. The ballast to displacement ratio of approximately 0.37, derived from its 9,800 lbs of lead ballast, indicates solid stability, allowing the boat to stand up well to wind and provide a comfortable motion in a seaway. Owners consistently describe the 38 T as a robust and confidence-inspiring vessel that handles heavy weather with ease.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Hans Christian 38 T is designed for comfortable living during extended voyages, reflecting the brand's emphasis on liveaboard capability. While specific headroom details are not always consistently listed, the general layout prioritizes warmth, inviting spaces, and practical utility. Typical configurations include two double berths, catering to a crew or family on long passages.

The interior often features extensive use of traditional wood trim, contributing to a classic and cozy atmosphere, a hallmark of Hans Christian designs. Reviewers and owners frequently praise the solid finish quality and the thoughtful arrangement of the salon, galley, and sleeping quarters. Storage is ample, designed to accommodate the provisions and gear required for long-term cruising. Details such as a well-appointed U-shaped salon, often found in reviews, suggest a comfortable area for dining and socializing. While detailed schematics require specific model research, the Hans Christian 38 T aims to provide the accommodations typically expected of a larger cruising vessel, including features like a separate stall shower on some models. Overall, the interior is crafted to be a dependable and comfortable "home on the water."

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Hans Christian 38 T frequently express deep satisfaction with their vessels, often highlighting their robust construction and exceptional blue water capabilities. Many owners describe their 38 T as a "legendary world cruiser" and a "bluewater sailboat" designed for safety and luxury. The solid fiberglass hull and heavy displacement contribute to a secure and comfortable motion in challenging sea states, fostering confidence during offshore passages. Owners commend its ability to handle demanding ocean conditions with ease, with some even undertaking extensive voyages, such as sailing from Seattle to Malaysia.

Commonly praised strengths include the boat's overall seaworthiness, its comfortable motion, and the traditional, aesthetically pleasing design. The cutter rig is often appreciated for breaking down the sail area into more manageable components, making it easier to handle in varying wind conditions. The dedicated owner community, exemplified by resources like hanschristian.org, provides invaluable support and a strong sense of camaraderie, further enhancing the ownership experience.

While primarily known for its strengths, potential weaknesses or common maintenance points sometimes mentioned by owners typically revolve around the age of the vessels, as many are now several decades old. This can necessitate routine refit projects, such as re-bedding original deck fittings, which may develop leaks over time. However, Hans Christian yachts are widely considered excellent candidates for such refits, appealing to those looking for a well-built platform to customize for extended cruising. The enduring appeal of the 38 T is a testament to its fundamental quality and design.