Wylie 38 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Wylie 38 commenced in 1984. Only a limited number of these vessels, thought to be around 11 hulls in total, were built, with the Wylie 38, 39, and Wyliecat 39 models potentially sharing the same mold. This semi-custom approach allowed for a degree of personalization within a proven hull design. The builder, Westerly Marine Inc., established in Santa Ana, California, in 1970, distinguished itself by focusing on advanced composite construction, including early adoption of carbon fiber, for high-performance racing and cruising yachts. This ethos of innovation and custom solutions for performance-seeking clients perfectly aligned with designer Tom Wylie's philosophy.

Tom Wylie himself is celebrated for his versatile design portfolio, encompassing everything from ultralight racers to robust long-range cruisers. He is known for incorporating individual owner desires into his projects, particularly regarding interior layouts, while maintaining a production-standard exterior. This collaboration with Westerly Marine allowed Wylie's sleek, performance-oriented designs to be brought to life using the builder's expertise in lightweight yet strong composite structures.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Wylie 38 was designed for spirited performance, evident in its calculated ratios. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 19.33, the Wylie 38 exhibits a strong sail plan relative to its weight, suggesting excellent performance in lighter air conditions. This is further complemented by an impressive Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 0.537 (53.7%). Such a high ratio indicates a remarkably stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to significant wind and maintaining its sail-carrying ability even in challenging conditions.

While not designed as an ultralight displacement vessel, the Wylie 38 features a Displacement to Length ratio of nearly 299, indicating a robust and solidly built hull, rather than a featherweight racer. This combination of attributes points to a yacht that is not only fast but also inspires confidence in a seaway. Owners and reviewers often describe the Wylie 38 as a "well-balanced boat," capable of both efficient upwind performance and exhilarating downwind surfing. Its deep fin keel (6.75 ft maximum draft) and spade rudder contribute to precise handling and excellent control.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior accommodations of the Wylie 38, consistent with Tom Wylie's design philosophy and Westerly Marine's semi-custom approach, often featured personalized layouts tailored to owner preferences. While specific detailed interior diagrams are not widely available, one noted configuration for the Wylie 38 includes four single berths, with two to starboard and two to port amidships. This suggests a practical and functional layout, prioritizing sleeping capacity for a crew or family, suitable for both racing and coastal cruising. The emphasis on custom interiors meant that finishes, materials, storage solutions, and ventilation could vary significantly from one hull to another, reflecting the individual tastes and requirements of the original commissioning owners.