Panda 38 Information, Review, Specs

The Panda 38 entered production in 1982, with only 29 units ultimately built by Ta Shing Yacht Building Ltd.. The vessel was conceived by Berg, who brought together the design talents of Gary Grant with the burgeoning Taiwanese shipyard, Ta Shing (then Shing Sheng). Grant, having worked in the Robert Perry design office, imbued the Panda 38 with traditional lines that emphasized solid offshore capability, a hallmark of Berg's previous successful designs, such as the Panda 40. Though lighter than the Panda 40, the 38 aimed to retain the same robust cruising characteristics.

During this era, Ta Shing was establishing its formidable reputation through Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) contracts for esteemed brands like Panda, Mason, Baba, and Skye. The shipyard's manufacturing ethos focused on meticulous craftsmanship, solid fiberglass hull construction, and the use of premium woods and hand-joined cabinetry, ensuring both longevity and aesthetic excellence. The design process for the Panda 38 involved a keen eye for detail, with Berg known to meticulously optimize every available space within the factory. While primarily offered with a cutter rig, some owners have adapted their Panda 38s to sail as sloops with furling genoas, and minor variations in the interior, such as the reversal of the galley and navigation station layouts, were present across the production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Panda 38 is characterized by a long keel hull type, a design choice that enhances directional stability compared to boats with fin keels. With a displacement of 19,000 lbs and a waterline length of 31.5 feet, its displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 271.4 indicates a moderate to heavy displacement vessel, typical of a serious offshore cruiser built for strength and comfort rather than pure speed. The ballast-to-displacement ratio of about 0.35, combined with its long keel, contributes to a stable and stiff platform, ensuring a good righting capability and comfortable motion even in challenging sea states.

The sail area to displacement ratio of roughly 16.1 suggests that the Panda 38 is a moderate performer, prioritizing a steady and predictable ride over exceptional light-air speed. Owners and reviewers often describe the Panda 38 as a sailboat with sea-kindly motion, easy handling, and brisk performance, making it a pleasurable vessel to sail. Its design ensures a safe and enjoyable experience in various conditions, with a timeless elegance that belies its solid cruising capabilities.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its moderate size, the Panda 38 is lauded for its incredibly livable interior, reflecting designer Gary Grant's and Berg's dedication to optimizing every available space. The interior follows a "Scandinavian style" cruiser layout, characterized by functional design and quality finishes. Ta Shing's commitment to high-quality construction is evident throughout the cabin, featuring premium wood trim and hand-joined cabinetry that contribute to a warm and traditional aesthetic.

While specific headroom information is not universally available, the design maximizes storage solutions, with reviewers noting "huge well designed storage" integrated throughout the boat. The layout typically includes a V-berth forward, a main salon, galley, and navigation station, with some variations in the positioning of the galley and nav station among different hulls. Effective ventilation is achieved through the main salon and V-berth cabin, ensuring good airflow throughout the interior. The overall impression is one of a comfortable and well-appointed living space, suitable for extended periods aboard.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently praise the Panda 38 for its robust and solid construction, often describing it as a comfortable home on the water. The high build quality associated with Ta Shing Yacht Building Ltd., known for producing custom bluewater cruising yachts, translates into a vessel that inspires confidence for long-distance voyaging. Many owners commend the boat's seaworthiness and comfortable motion, reinforcing its reputation as a capable offshore cruiser. The meticulous attention to detail and high-quality materials, including teak and bronze finishes, are frequently appreciated by those who own and sail the Panda 38. While the limited production run means a smaller owner community, those who possess these vessels often highlight their enduring value and reliable performance for extended cruising adventures. No widely reported common design flaws or recurring major problems were found, which is a testament to Ta Shing's reputation for quality craftsmanship.