Ohlson 38 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Ohlson 38 lies in the mid-1960s, driven by a demand for a successor to the highly successful Ohlson 36/Mark II cruiser-racer. Einar Ohlson, whose reputation was built on successful racing designs, aimed to create a boat that excelled across a wide range of conditions, without being strictly designed for a particular racing formula, yet accommodating various measurement rules like RORC, CCA, and IOR.

The construction of the Ohlson 38 exemplifies a significant period in yacht building history. The Tyler Boat Co. Ltd., founded by Edward Tyler, became a pivotal figure in the adoption of fiberglass for marine applications, known for their high-quality Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) laminations. Tyler's business model involved supplying hulls and decks to various finishing yards across Europe, including Malo Yachts and Ohlson Brothers of Sweden, and Robertson & Sons Ltd. of Scotland, allowing for diverse interior fit-outs while maintaining a consistent structural foundation. Interestingly, Tyler also offered partially completed boats, known as the TUFGLASS 38, to amateur builders, extending the reach of this classic design.

During its production run, the Ohlson 38 saw some variations. Buyers could choose between sloop or yawl rigs, and both traditional and reverse transom versions were produced. The rig dimensions also varied, with options for CCA (Cruising Club of America) and IOR (International Offshore Rule) configurations, the latter featuring a shorter boom.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Ohlson 38 is widely celebrated for its excellent sailing characteristics and ability to perform well across various conditions. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 15.58, the Ohlson 38 is a moderate performer, suggesting it is capable in light breezes but truly comes alive as the wind picks up. Its ballast to displacement ratio (Ballast/Disp) of around 0.40 indicates a stiff and stable hull, allowing it to stand up to significant wind and maintain its sail plan effectively.

Further reinforcing its reputation as a capable offshore vessel, the displacement to length ratio (Disp/LWL) of approximately 316.36 places the Ohlson 38 firmly in the category of a heavier, more traditional cruiser. This substantial build contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, a characteristic often praised by owners. Anecdotal evidence suggests the Ohlson 38 is a very seaworthy vessel, with one owner recounting a transatlantic voyage through three storms in 22 days, highlighting its robust construction and reliability. The hull speed is calculated at 7.04 knots, offering respectable cruising speeds for a boat of its size and type.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of an Ohlson 38, though varying slightly depending on the finishing yard and owner modifications, generally provides a classic and comfortable layout designed for extended cruising and living aboard. The design typically offers proper accommodation for 4 to 5 crew, with some configurations allowing for up to 7 with the addition of pilot berths.

Commonly, the interior features three separate cabins, including a forward cabin with a V-berth, a main salon, and sometimes quarter berths aft. The salon layout could be either a dinette or a settee with pilot berth style, offering flexibility for entertaining or additional sleeping arrangements. Descriptions often highlight the quality of interior woodwork, characteristic of many Scandinavian designs, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. While specific headroom measurements are not consistently available, the overall impression is of a spacious and cozy interior, well-suited for its cruising purpose. Storage and ventilation, while dependent on individual fit-outs, are typically addressed to facilitate comfortable living on board.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Ohlson 38 consistently praise its robust construction and seaworthiness, often highlighting its ability to handle challenging conditions with confidence. Many consider it a comfortable and thoroughly capable boat for cruising, with elegant accommodations for its size. The sailing characteristics are frequently lauded, with the boat being described as a "brilliant beauty performer" that is both fast and comfortable. Its classic lines and well-balanced helm contribute to an enjoyable sailing experience.

While generally well-regarded, like any classic yacht, the Ohlson 38 may present common maintenance considerations associated with boats of its era. These can include the need for ongoing care of the original systems and interior woodwork. However, the strong community of Ohlson 38 owners and enthusiasts often share knowledge and resources, making restoration and upkeep a rewarding endeavor. The enduring presence of Ohlson 38s sailing worldwide is a testament to their inherent quality and the dedication of their owners.