Wilderness 38 Information, Review, Specs

The Wilderness 38 began production in 1979, during the operational period of Wilderness Boat Works, which ran from 1977 to 1986. The company, founded by Lynn Daugherty and John Josephs, established a reputation for well-crafted fiberglass monohulls. Gary Mull, a prolific and successful U.S. sailboat designer, was instrumental in the creation of the Wilderness 38, ensuring professional and thoughtful naval architecture. The builder's ethos during this era focused on solid, hand-laid fiberglass construction, prioritizing durability and practical design over extravagance. It is also thought that the Wilderness 40, another Gary Mull design, originated from the same tooling, suggesting a shared lineage and design principles between the two models.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Wilderness 38's design metrics suggest a capable and responsive sailing vessel. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 21.88, she is well-canvassed, indicating a strong ability to perform in light to moderate wind conditions. Her impressive ballast-to-displacement ratio of 0.50 points to exceptional stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up to its canvas effectively and providing a comfortable motion, even in challenging conditions. The displacement to length ratio of approximately 148.8 places the Wilderness 38 in the lighter end of the cruising boat spectrum for its size, suggesting a relatively easily driven hull that contributes to her performance-oriented nature. Generally, Wilderness boats are appreciated for their solid construction and seaworthy characteristics. Anecdotal information suggests the Wilderness 38 was designed for speed and could handle demanding conditions, appealing to sailors seeking a performance cruiser.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior layouts of the Wilderness 38 are not widely documented, a vessel of its size, with a beam of 12.0 feet, would typically feature a functional interior suitable for cruising. Common arrangements for sailboats of this era and type often include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a table, a galley, and a head compartment. Given the builder's focus on robust and functional designs, the interior finishes would likely emphasize practicality and durability, common for fiberglass production yachts of the late 1970s. Specific information regarding maximum headroom or detailed cabin configurations is not readily available through general searches.