Ontario 38 Information, Review, Specs

The Ontario 38 emerged in 1985, a challenging period for the North American sailboat industry, which likely contributed to its limited production run, concluding in the same year. Designed by the prominent C&C Design, with George Cuthbertson at the helm, the vessel reflects a design philosophy that often balanced spirited sailing performance with practical cruising amenities. Ontario Yachts, founded by Dirk Kneulman Sr. in 1961, had established a strong reputation for high-quality composite boat building, transitioning from traditional wooden construction to fiberglass. During the mid-1980s, the company was known for its robust and performant vessels, and its ability to adapt through diversifying into non-marine applications helped it weather the industry slump that began in that era. The Ontario 38 features a fin keel and a spade rudder, indicative of a design intended for good maneuverability and performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 38.17 feet and a waterline length of 30.0 feet, the Ontario 38 is a substantial vessel designed for offshore capabilities. Its displacement of 14,675 lbs, combined with its waterline length, results in a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 242.64. This figure places the Ontario 38 in the category of a moderate displacement cruiser-racer, suggesting a boat that offers a good balance between speed and comfortable motion in a seaway. She is neither an ultralight racer nor an extremely heavy traditional cruiser, aiming for a versatile performance envelope. The theoretical hull speed for the Ontario 38 is calculated at 7.34 knots.

The boat's design incorporates a fin keel and spade rudder, which are characteristics typically associated with responsive handling and good upwind performance. The cutter rig, specified in the design, offers flexibility in sail configuration, allowing for efficient power management across a range of wind conditions. While specific anecdotal handling descriptions for the Ontario 38 are not widely available, her design elements suggest a boat capable of steady performance and a balanced helm, qualities that C&C designs are generally known for.

It is important to note that specific figures for the total sail area and ballast weight for the Ontario 38 are not readily available in public databases, preventing the calculation of the Sail Area to Displacement and Ballast to Displacement ratios. Therefore, a qualitative assessment of her light-air performance or stiffness under sail cannot be definitively made using these common metrics.

Accommodations and Layout

Detailed interior layouts and specific descriptions for the Ontario 38 are not widely documented, likely due to its limited production run. However, drawing from the builder's general philosophy and typical designs of the era for a 38-foot cruising sailboat, one can infer some characteristics. Ontario Yachts, known for models like the Ontario 32, often emphasized practical interior layouts with ample headroom and open spaces.

A 38-foot cutter from the mid-1980s would typically feature a traditional interior arrangement designed for comfortable cruising. This would likely include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that may convert to berths, a galley for meal preparation, and a dedicated head compartment. Storage would be a key consideration, with lockers and shelves throughout the cabin. The finish quality, consistent with Ontario Yachts' reputation, would likely involve good quality fiberglass work and potentially some wood trim to enhance the interior warmth. Ventilation would be provided by opening ports and deck hatches, common features for offshore comfort. However, without specific information for the Ontario 38, these details remain generalized based on common practices for similar vessels of its time and builder.