Hughes 38-2 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Hughes 38-2's lineage traces back to the original Hughes 38, designed by Sparkman & Stephens (design #1903) in the mid-1960s. Production of the Hughes 38-2 specifically ran from 1970 to 1971. This period was marked by significant corporate changes for the builder, Hughes Boat Works. Founded by brothers Howard and Peter Hughes in 1963, the company grew rapidly, eventually being acquired by US Steel in 1969 and subsequently renamed Northstar Yachts Ltd. The Hughes 38-2 emerged during this transitional era, essentially being a refined version of the Hughes 38 that was also marketed as the Northstar 38.

Key differences distinguished the 38-2 from its predecessor, the Hughes 38-1, including a "T" shaped cockpit design, the availability of a tall rig option, and several modifications to the interior layout. Sparkman & Stephens, known for their elegant and performant yacht designs, created the Hughes 38 series to adhere to the Cruising Club of America (CCA) Rule, a testament to its dual focus on cruising comfort and racing capabilities. This design philosophy resulted in a vessel often described as "overbuilt" in its construction, ensuring durability and structural integrity.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Hughes 38-2, with a length overall of 38.0 feet and a waterline length of 27.0 feet, delivers a sailing experience characterized by stability and upwind prowess. Her reported sail area of 584.0 sq ft combined with a displacement of 12,700 lbs gives her a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 17.17. While not exceptionally high, this ratio suggests a boat with respectable light-air performance, capable of moving well in lighter breezes.

A significant contributor to her stable nature is her ballast-to-displacement ratio, calculated at an impressive 0.50. This high ratio, well above the 0.40 threshold, indicates a very stiff and powerful boat, well-equipped to stand up to strong winds and maintain a more upright position under sail. Her displacement to length ratio of approximately 288.04 categorizes her as a medium-heavy cruiser, offering a comfortable motion through a seaway rather than a light, skittish ride.

Anecdotal reports from owners consistently praise the Hughes 38-2 for its robust handling. She is described as being "great in chop," performing "good in heavy weather," and "superb upwind," particularly when utilizing the trim tab. This strong upwind performance, characteristic of many Sparkman & Stephens designs, makes her a rewarding boat to sail to weather. While some owners note a wide tacking angle, typically not tacking below 105 degrees, this is often considered a minor trade-off for her overall stability and seaworthiness.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior dimensions like maximum headroom are not detailed in all records, the Hughes 38-2 offered a thoughtfully arranged interior for a boat of her era. Designed with several layout options and minor interior changes from the earlier Hughes 38-1, she aimed to provide comfortable accommodations for cruising. Typical layouts likely included a V-berth forward, a head compartment, a main salon with settees and a table, a galley area, and potentially a quarter berth or an aft cabin.

Online discussions and reviews suggest that while the joinery and interior finish were considered "on the low end of OK" by some, the overall construction of the boat remained solid. Owners have undertaken efforts to document and share detailed drawings of the interior, highlighting the enduring interest in optimizing her living spaces. Despite some perceptions of being "too narrow to be a good liveaboard" for extended periods, her interior provides adequate space and storage for coastal cruising and longer trips, especially for a yacht of her size and vintage.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Hughes 38-2 (and its Northstar 38 iteration) frequently commend its solid construction and the comfortable motion it exhibits in a seaway. The boat's ability to handle challenging weather conditions and its excellent upwind performance are recurring themes in owner forums and discussions, cementing its reputation as a capable offshore vessel. The Sparkman & Stephens design is often cited as a key factor in its enduring appeal, with many appreciating the robust build quality that Hughes Boat Works delivered.

However, like many boats of its age, the Hughes 38-2 is not without its common maintenance considerations. A frequently mentioned issue by owners involves the original deck fittings, which can be prone to developing leaks over time and often require re-bedding. Some owners also discuss the challenges of engine access or modifying engine components, such as installing a water-lift muffler. Despite these typical considerations for older vessels, the dedicated community of Hughes 38 owners actively shares knowledge and solutions, contributing to the continued enjoyment and maintenance of these classic Canadian-built yachts.