Taylor 38 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Taylor 38 can be traced back to the early 1980s, with the first hulls launched around 1983, and official production beginning in 1984. Designed by Jim Taylor, a naval architect who established Jim Taylor Yacht Designs in 1978, the Taylor 38 (Design #45) quickly became a notable project for both designer and builder. Wiggers Custom Yachts Ltd., founded by Andy Wiggers in 1978, was already gaining significant recognition for its "craftsman extraordinaire" approach and commitment to high-quality custom builds. During this era, Wiggers had achieved considerable acclaim, including building racing yachts that secured victories in the prestigious Canada's Cup in both 1981 and 1984, the latter coinciding with the Taylor 38's production start., 9] This background underscores the performance pedigree and superior build quality inherent in the Taylor 38, crafted by a builder at the peak of its reputation for custom racing yachts. While individual "Mk" variations are not widely documented, the "semi-custom" nature of these boats suggests a degree of owner input and potential for variations in rigging and interior fit-out.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Taylor 38's design specifications reveal a boat engineered for exhilarating performance and confident handling. With a length overall of 37.5 feet and a waterline length of 30 feet, she possesses a sleek profile. The boat features a fin keel and a spade rudder, a combination characteristic of performance yachts, designed for excellent hydrodynamics and responsive steering.

Key performance ratios further illustrate its capabilities:

• Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D): At approximately 20.98, this ratio indicates a powerful sail plan relative to its displacement. A high SA/D suggests the Taylor 38 will perform exceptionally well in light to moderate air, capable of generating speed even in marginal conditions.
• Ballast to Displacement (B/D): With an impressive ratio of approximately 55.31%, the Taylor 38 boasts substantial ballast. This high percentage signifies exceptional stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up to heavy winds, carry its canvas effectively, and maintain a comfortable motion in a seaway.
• Displacement to Length (D/L): A D/L ratio of around 186.84 positions the Taylor 38 firmly in the lighter, more performance-oriented category. This, combined with its hull speed of 7.34 knots, suggests a yacht designed for speed and agile handling.

While specific anecdotal reviews on its handling are not readily available, the combination of a high SA/D, a very high B/D, and a low D/L ratio, along with its fin keel and spade rudder configuration, points to a boat that is responsive at the helm, tracks well, and is capable of impressive upwind performance. Its design intent as a semi-custom racer implies a lively and engaging sailing experience, capable of holding its own in competitive settings while also offering a rewarding feel for a cruising sailor.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the specific interior accommodations and layout of the Taylor 38 is not extensively detailed in publicly available resources. Given its designation as a semi-custom racer and the era of its construction by Wiggers Custom Yachts, it is reasonable to infer a functional and well-crafted interior, likely with a focus on efficient use of space for both racing crew and comfortable cruising. Wiggers Custom Yachts was renowned for its high standard of quality workmanship, particularly in woodworking, which would have translated into a finely finished interior. While precise headroom figures are not available, boats of this size and vintage typically offer standing headroom in the main salon. The layout would likely include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a table, a compact galley, and a navigation station. Due to the boat's performance-oriented nature, storage solutions would likely be practical and secure for offshore conditions.