CT-38 (Warwick) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the CT-38 (Warwick) marks a significant collaboration between a visionary designer and a pioneering builder. Alan Warwick, known for his continuous pursuit of new concepts in boat design, crafted the CT-38 as one of his initial designs, with a clear objective of maximizing blue water speed. Ta Chiao, founded in Taiwan by the Kuo family around 1960, began its journey building wooden fishing boats before becoming a pioneer in fiberglass construction in Taiwan by 1965. The shipyard rapidly gained renown for its meticulous manufacturing processes, enduring quality, and the timeless aesthetics of its sailing yachts, particularly the popular CT series. The CT-38 (Warwick) benefits from this legacy, featuring solid fiberglass hull construction typical of Ta Chiao's robust, ocean-capable cruising yachts. It is important to note that this specific Alan Warwick design should not be confused with another CT-38 model from the same builder, which was an entirely different design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The CT-38 (Warwick) is designed for serious sailing, balancing cruising comfort with a strong performance pedigree. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 15.33, the vessel is moderately powered, suggesting a boat that performs well in a range of conditions but is particularly suited to handle stronger winds rather than excelling in very light air. Her substantial Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of around 44.86% points to a stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to significant wind and maintaining an even keel in a seaway. This high ballast ratio contributes to the vessel's reputation for stability in open ocean conditions. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 256.26 places the CT-38 (Warwick) firmly in the category of a moderate to heavy cruiser, indicating a solid, sea-kindly motion that instills confidence on long passages. Overall, owners consistently praise the CT-38 for its excellent handling characteristics and its ability to manage diverse sailing conditions with poise and speed. The masthead sloop rig provides a straightforward and efficient sail plan.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the CT-38 (Warwick) reflects Ta Chiao's commitment to creating comfortable and spacious cruising environments, often characterized by luxurious teak woodwork. Owners frequently describe the interior as very spacious, well-suited for liveaboard cruising, and possessing a "glorious" feel compared to some contemporaries. While specific details can vary between individual boats based on owner modifications, the general layout often includes a forward cabin and a rear port cabin, providing private sleeping areas. The boat offers a substantial water capacity of 100 gallons and a fuel capacity of 55 gallons, supporting extended periods away from shore. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the general impression is one of generous space within. Interior lighting fixtures are often updated to LED by owners, suggesting the original installations were of an older style.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Warwick CT-38 frequently express strong satisfaction with their vessels, particularly highlighting the boat's solid construction and its admirable handling in various sea states. The design's emphasis on blue water speed and stability resonates deeply with those who appreciate a capable offshore cruiser. While specific common weaknesses or recurring maintenance issues are not widely reported in public forums, the enduring presence of these boats on the brokerage market and the positive remarks from owners are a testament to their robust build quality and thoughtful design. The spacious and well-appointed interiors are consistently noted as a significant strength, contributing to a comfortable cruising experience.