Pan Oceanic 38 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Pan Oceanic 38 traces back to 1982, marking its entry into the market as part of Pan Oceanic Marine's expanding lineup. Founded by Robert Pancoe, Pan Oceanic Marine established itself by focusing on building heavy, capable cruising yachts, primarily for the North American bluewater market. A significant chapter in the company's history involved relocating its manufacturing operations to the Philippines, where the Pan Oceanic 38 was subsequently developed, 3].

Ted Brewer, the naval architect behind all of Pan Oceanic's "Oceanic line" vessels, including the 38, instilled his signature design philosophy into this model. Brewer's designs consistently emphasized robust construction, exceptional seaworthiness, and a comfortable motion at sea, making his yachts well-suited for extensive coastal and offshore cruising, 7, 8]. While specific variations like MkI or MkII are not widely noted, the Pan Oceanic 38 is also known interchangeably as the Oceanic 38.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Pan Oceanic 38, with a length overall of just under 38 feet and a waterline length of 31.42 feet, is characterized by its sturdy build. Its sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 15.8 indicates it is a moderate performer, designed as a cruiser rather than a light-air racer. This characteristic suggests the boat might be "slightly under powered" in very light conditions but performs reliably in average to stronger winds.

With a ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.37 and a displacement to length ratio of approximately 270, the Pan Oceanic 38 is a heavy displacement vessel, aligning with its design as a comfortable and stable cruiser. Owners and designers alike confirm its excellent stability and stiffness, noting its "good righting capability if capsized". This inherent stability contributes to a comfortable motion, even in challenging sea states, a hallmark of Brewer's designs for offshore vessels. The yacht features a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, contributing to good directional stability and robust steering in varied conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the interior of the Pan Oceanic 38 is generally praised for its thoughtful and functional layout, consistent with a dedicated cruising vessel. Descriptions indicate a well-appointed interior featuring an "aft cabin, honest to god chart table and nav station, and a useable galley". Owners often highlight the quality of craftsmanship, with "solid wood for the interior" being a notable feature, reflecting a commitment to durability and traditional marine aesthetics. The boat is equipped with a generous freshwater capacity of 120 US gallons, supporting extended periods away from shore.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Pan Oceanic 38 consistently commend its robust construction and its capability as an offshore cruiser. The shared appreciation for these enduring classics is evident in active online communities. While largely praised for its solid build and comfortable motion, some owners have noted specific areas of attention, such as occasional "engine alignment" and "vibration issues". These observations, however, are typically outweighed by the overall satisfaction derived from owning a dependable and seaworthy vessel designed for serious cruising, 10].