Hughes 38-1 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Hughes 38-1 entered production in 1967 and was manufactured until 1969. It emerged from Hughes Boat Works, a company founded in 1963 by brothers Howard and Peter Hughes, which quickly transitioned from small dinghies to larger fiberglass sailboats by 1965. The collaboration with Sparkman & Stephens on the Hughes 38 (S&S Design #1903) was a pivotal moment, aligning Hughes with a firm celebrated for its elegant and high-performing yacht designs., 8] Sparkman & Stephens' design philosophy emphasized a blend of cruising comfort and racing potential, often adhering to the Cruising Club of America (CCA) Rule., 14] Their approach was to tailor designs to specific client goals and needs, ensuring a well-engineered and purposeful vessel.

During its initial production run, some Hughes 38 hulls were notably acquired by Henry Hinckley Co., which then fitted them with different decks and marketed them as the Hinckley 38. The Hughes 38-1 specifically came equipped with a tiller and end-boom sheeting with a traveler in the cockpit, distinguishing some of its early configurations. The model evolved through subsequent iterations, including the Hughes 38-2 and Hughes 38-3, with the 38-2 featuring a "T"-shaped cockpit and options for a taller rig and interior modifications. Hughes Boat Works' manufacturing ethos during this era centered on solid fiberglass construction, offering both finished boats and kit forms, making sailing accessible to a broader market., 11]

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Hughes 38-1's specifications translate into a qualitative understanding of its performance. With a total calculated sail area of 583.9 sq ft and a displacement of 12,700 lbs, its Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 17.16 suggests a boat that is well-powered and capable of performing admirably in lighter air while still being manageable in stronger breezes.

Its Ballast to Displacement ratio (Bal/Disp) of around 0.48 indicates a significant percentage of its displacement is dedicated to ballast (6,100 lbs of lead). This high ratio is indicative of a stiff and stable yacht, designed to stand up to a good deal of wind and carry its canvas effectively. The Displacement to Length ratio (Disp/LWL) of approximately 288.0 suggests the Hughes 38-1 leans towards the heavier side for a vessel of its waterline length, characterizing it as a traditional, robust cruiser rather than a light, pure-performance racer.

Owners consistently praise the Hughes 38-1 for its excellent handling and balance across various points of sail, particularly highlighting its reliable behavior in heavy weather. Anecdotal reports frequently describe it as a superb yacht for both coastal cruising and more ambitious offshore voyages, noted for its minimal prop walk under power.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior details for every Hughes 38-1 can vary, the design typically offered comfortable cruising accommodations. Owners have mentioned the potential for "detailed drawings of the boat (deck layout and interior layout)" indicating a well-thought-out arrangement. Given its era, the interior would likely feature solid fiberglass construction complemented by wood trim, common for Canadian-built vessels of that period.

General layouts for yachts of this size often include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a table, a galley area, and a navigation station. While the exact maximum headroom is not consistently documented, the overall design prioritizes functional cruising spaces. Some early 38-1 models were noted as having an "open under cockpit" arrangement, suggesting variations in the aft cabin or quarter berth configurations. Though some perspectives suggest the boat might be considered too narrow for extensive liveaboard use by modern standards, its robust construction and classic layout still appeal to those seeking a capable cruising platform.

Owner's Perspectives

The Hughes 38-1 continues to be sailed and discussed by a dedicated community of owners, with online forums serving as key platforms for sharing experiences. Owners frequently commend the boat's solid construction and its ability to handle challenging conditions with grace, often describing it as a "superb alongshore or offshore yacht." Its reputation for excellent handling and stability in heavy weather is a recurring theme among those who sail them.

While generally well-regarded, like any vessel of its age, the Hughes 38-1 may present its "host of problems" related to aging systems and components. For instance, some owners have noted challenges with engine installations, such as fitting a water lift muffler, particularly with heavier diesel options. Prospective owners should anticipate general maintenance and potential upgrades common to fiberglass boats from the 1960s. Despite these considerations, the enduring presence of Hughes 38-1s in harbors and cruising grounds attests to their fundamental soundness and the appreciation of their classic design and capable performance.