Shannon 38 PH Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Shannon 38 PH emerged from Shannon Yachts' founding year in 1975, marking the company's ambitious entry into the yacht-building world. Founder Walter Schulz, with foundational experience apprenticing under George Stadel, envisioned offshore yachts built to the highest standards. The Shannon 38, including its pilot house iteration, was a product of this vision, designed to excel in serious offshore sailing conditions. The design philosophy for the Shannon 38 specifically centered around a 5-foot draft limitation, influencing the lateral plane in its long keel design.

Throughout its production, the Shannon 38 was offered in various configurations, including both cutter and ketch rigs, with some notable pilot house versions produced, such as the 38 PH. There were also keel/centerboard versions available, further demonstrating the builder's commitment to adapting the design for different sailing preferences and conditions. Shannon Yachts, known for its "old-school craftsmanship" blended with the "latest in technology and materials," maintained a focus on robust construction techniques, notably avoiding bolted-on keels due to long-term integrity concerns for their owners.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Shannon 38 PH, with a length overall of 37.75 feet and a waterline length of 29.16 feet, is characterized by its heavy displacement. With a displacement-to-length ratio around 333.5, it falls firmly into the category of a heavy cruiser, prioritizing comfort and stability in challenging conditions over pure speed. This substantial build contributes to its reputation as a "reasonably stable / stiff" vessel with "excellent righting capability if capsized".

Its reported sail area of 650 square feet combined with a displacement of 18,500 pounds results in a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 14.9. This ratio suggests the Shannon 38 PH is "slightly under powered," implying a steady, powerful motion that is well-suited for extended cruising rather than light-air racing. The long keel design of the Shannon 38 PH offers superior directional stability, which is a significant advantage for long-distance cruising, though it may result in a wider turning radius compared to boats with fin keels. Anecdotal accounts suggest the boat can achieve speeds of around 7 knots when sailing upwind at a 35-40 degree angle, indicating respectable performance for an offshore cruiser.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior details for the Shannon 38 PH vary, general descriptions highlight a functional and comfortable arrangement designed for liveaboard or extended cruising. The vessel boasts a generous maximum headroom of approximately 6 feet 5 inches, providing ample vertical space for most occupants.

Typically, the interior features a "cozy cabin" ambiance, often characterized by a rich wooden finish and skylights that enhance natural light and ventilation. The layout of Shannon 38s, including the pilot house versions, often included a seagoing galley, separate berths, and a salon area. While there were minor variations, Shannon models from this era generally offered two main interior configurations, focusing on maximizing interior volume and providing practical living spaces for extended periods at sea. The emphasis on custom interiors by Shannon Yachts means that individual boats may feature unique layouts and finishes tailored to the original owner's specifications.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Shannon yachts, particularly the esteemed Shannon 38 PH, consistently laud its robust construction and exceptional seaworthiness. The fact that the very first Shannon 38, built in 1975, continues to circumnavigate the globe speaks volumes about the enduring quality and design of these vessels. Many owners have undertaken extensive blue-water passages and even round-the-world cruises, testifying to the boat's ability to handle diverse and challenging offshore conditions.

The "Shannon Difference," a philosophy rooted in "uncompromised standards and seaworthiness," resonates deeply with its owners, who appreciate the solid feel and comfortable motion in a seaway that these heavy displacement boats provide. While specific common weaknesses are not frequently highlighted in owner discussions, the general consensus points to the enduring reliability and solid build quality, which has fostered a strong and exclusive community among Shannon owners.