Hughes 38-3 Information, Review, Specs

The Hughes 38-3's production ran from 1977 until 1982. This model represents a significant evolution in the Sparkman & Stephens Design #1903 hull, which had been the basis for earlier Hughes 38 versions (38-1 and 38-2). The 38-3 distinguishes itself with a redesigned deck featuring a longer coachroof and a shorter cockpit compared to its predecessors, among other refinements.

During this period, Hughes Boat Works was under the renewed leadership of founder Howard Hughes, who had repurchased the company in 1977 and reverted its name from Northstar Yachts. This era saw a revitalization of existing designs, with a focus on delivering comfortable and capable cruisers. Sparkman & Stephens, a firm synonymous with elegant and performant yacht design, imbued the Hughes 38 with characteristics aligned with the Cruising Club of America (CCA) Rule, emphasizing both cruising comfort and racing potential. The collaboration between Hughes Boat Works' commitment to quality fiberglass construction and Sparkman & Stephens' design prowess resulted in a vessel intended for serious sailing.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Hughes 38-3's design specifications translate into a specific set of sailing characteristics. With a displacement of 14,500 lbs and a sail area of 584.89 sq ft, its sail area to displacement ratio (SA/Disp) is approximately 15.78. This suggests that while she is capable, the 38-3 is more geared towards comfortable cruising than being a light-air flyer, needing a bit of breeze to truly come alive.

Her ballast of 6,400 lbs against a displacement of 14,500 lbs results in a robust ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.441. This high ratio indicates a stiff and stable boat, well-equipped to stand up to significant wind and maintain an upright position, contributing to a comfortable motion in a seaway. The displacement to length ratio (Disp/LWL) of approximately 328.85 further classifies the Hughes 38-3 as a heavier, more traditional cruiser.

Anecdotal reports from owners and reviewers consistently describe the Hughes 38-3 as an excellent sailing yacht, particularly adept in challenging conditions. She is noted for her good performance in chop and heavy weather, and her ability to sail "superb upwind." The fin keel and skeg-hung rudder contribute to her directional stability and control. Additionally, the design is reported to exhibit little prop walk, a desirable trait when maneuvering under power.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom dimensions are not readily available in the provided data, the Hughes 38-3 was designed to offer substantial interior volume for comfortable cruising. Typical layouts for boats of this size and era generally include sleeping accommodations for five to seven people.

Based on common designs and some available descriptions, the interior of a Hughes 38-3 likely features a traditional arrangement. This would typically include a V-berth forward, serving as the primary sleeping cabin. A main salon would follow, often with a convertible dinette and a settee, providing seating and additional berths. The galley would be positioned to one side, equipped for meal preparation during voyages, and a dedicated head compartment with a marine toilet and possibly a shower would be on the opposite side. Aft, there might be quarter berths or a single aft berth. The construction typically involved solid fiberglass for the hull, and interiors of the era often featured a blend of fiberglass liners and wood trim, providing a durable yet classic aesthetic. The boat is equipped with a water capacity of 45 gallons.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Hughes 38-3 consistently praise its solid construction and robust build quality, a hallmark of Hughes Boat Works' manufacturing during that period. Many appreciate the boat's comfortable motion in a seaway and its dependable handling, especially when encountering rougher conditions or sailing to windward. The enduring nature of these vessels, many of which are still actively sailed decades after their production, speaks to their fundamental design and construction integrity.

However, as with any sailboat from the 1970s and early 1980s, prospective and current owners acknowledge that maintaining a Hughes 38-3 requires diligent attention. Given their age, these boats often necessitate ongoing upgrades and routine maintenance to ensure all systems are functioning optimally and to address the wear and tear accumulated over decades of use. While no single recurring manufacturing defect is widely reported, general issues associated with aging components, such as original deck fittings or plumbing, would be typical considerations for owners. Owners often form communities to share knowledge and experiences, underscoring the dedication to these classic Canadian-built cruisers.