Harmony 38 (Poncin) Information, Review, Specs

The Harmony 38's production run spanned from 2004 to 2011, during a period when Harmony Yachts operated as a key division of the Poncin Yacht Group. The group, led by Olivier Poncin, aimed to offer yachts that balanced performance with the comfort and safety essential for extended voyages. Olivier Poncin himself was actively involved in the conception of the Harmony 38, targeting a larger and more accessible market within the cruising segment. The design by Mortain & Mavrikios emphasized quality and robustness, with the hull crafted from solid fiberglass for durability., The Harmony 38 was offered with two keel options: a standard deep keel drawing 6.4 feet, and an optional shallower tandem keel with a draft of 4.92 feet, providing flexibility for various cruising grounds. Furthermore, buyers could choose between aft cockpit and center cockpit configurations, with the latter notably offering a larger aft cabin. The interior layouts also varied, available in either a two or three-cabin arrangement, typically accompanied by one or two heads.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Harmony 38 exhibits sailing characteristics well-suited for its cruising purpose. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 18.46, she suggests a decent turn of speed, particularly in lighter wind conditions, allowing for comfortable progress without requiring excessive breeze. Her Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of around 31.3% indicates a design prioritizing comfort and a gentle motion at sea over extreme stiffness, making her a pleasant vessel for passage making. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 205.36 places the Harmony 38 in the medium-light cruiser category, suggesting a hull that is neither excessively heavy nor overly light, contributing to a balanced sailing experience. Anecdotal evidence from owners often praises the Harmony 38 as "well balanced and pleasant at sea" and commend its "smooth sailing" qualities. The yacht received a CE Class A (Ocean) certification, confirming its suitability for extended voyages in potentially challenging conditions. Its fractional rig is noted for making tacking easier, a practical advantage for cruisers.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed headroom figures are not consistently published, the Harmony 38 offers a spacious interior, enhanced by its relatively high freeboard. The yacht was available in both two- and three-cabin configurations, typically featuring one or two heads. The cabins are generally described as large, with beds that are rectangular and spacious rather than the more common V-shaped berths often found forward, providing enhanced comfort. The interior commonly features a teak finish, contributing to a classic marine aesthetic, though some describe the overall interior as "a bit plain." Storage is a notable strength, with owners frequently highlighting the "huge" cockpit lockers and ample anchor locker space.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Harmony 38 frequently commend its robust construction and comfortable motion, particularly in a seaway. Many appreciate its "good value" as a cruising boat, noting its well-balanced nature and pleasant handling characteristics. The generous cabin sizes, including the large aft and fore cabins, are often cited as a significant advantage, particularly in the center cockpit versions. The solid hull-to-deck joint and the reliable Lewmar 40 self-tailing winches have also received positive feedback from owners. While no widespread common issues are consistently reported, one isolated instance noted a mainsheet track car breaking, which was jury-rigged by the crew, suggesting the importance of routine maintenance on deck gear. Overall, the Harmony 38 is largely seen as a reliable and comfortable cruiser, well-suited for extended voyages.