Cheoy Lee Pedrick 38 Information, Review, Specs

The Pedrick 38 is frequently discussed alongside its smaller sibling, the Pedrick 36, and its larger counterpart, the Pedrick 41. In many instances, the "38" designation was applied to hulls featuring an extended transom or sugar-scoop stern, which increased the overall length from the base 36-foot design while maintaining the same beam and core architectural DNA. This family of yachts remains one of the few examples of Cheoy Lee’s foray into high-performance fiberglass hulls before the yard pivoted primarily toward large motor yachts in the 1990s.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Pedrick 38 are defined by its relatively modern underwater profile, featuring a deep fin keel and a balanced spade rudder. This configuration allows for much tighter tacking angles and higher speeds than the older, long-keeled Cheoy Lee designs. According to technical archives at the Cheoy Lee Association, the design emphasizes a high-aspect-ratio rig that performs exceptionally well in light to moderate winds, a trait inherited from David Pedrick’s racing background.

On the water, the boat feels responsive and tracks with more precision than typical heavy-displacement cruisers of its era. While it possesses the displacement-to-length ratio of a stout offshore vessel, its hull shape—characterized by a relatively flat bottom and moderate beam—allows it to surf in following seas rather than wallow. Owner anecdotes often highlight the boat’s stiffness and ability to carry sail late into a building breeze, though like many IOR-influenced designs of the late 70s, it can become "touchy" on the helm if over-canvassed when sailing downwind in heavy air.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Inside, the Pedrick 38 is an exercise in classic nautical elegance, showcasing the woodworking prowess that made Cheoy Lee a global name. The interior is typically finished in hand-rubbed Burmese teak, with solid teak trim and high-quality joinery throughout. Most layouts feature a traditional offshore arrangement: a forward V-berth, a main salon with a folding centerline table, and a large U-shaped galley to port.

Because the Pedrick 38 was often a refinement of the 36-foot hull, the extra length in the stern frequently allowed for a more generous quarter berth or an expanded navigation station compared to its predecessors. Headroom is ample, typically exceeding 6'2" in the main salon, which contributes to a feeling of spaciousness that belies its performance-oriented hull. The use of high-grade materials extends to the overheads and cabin sole, though the sheer volume of wood can make the interior feel dark by modern "open-concept" standards unless the ports and hatches are well-maintained to allow light in.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers must navigate the specific maintenance requirements associated with Cheoy Lee’s construction methods of the late 20th century. While the hulls are robustly laid up with hand-laminated fiberglass, three specific areas require rigorous inspection:

1. Teak Deck Integrity: Like many vessels of this era, the Pedrick 38 often featured teak decks screwed directly into a fiberglass-and-balsa sandwich core. Over decades, the balsa core can become saturated if the thousands of screw holes have not been meticulously re-bedded. Replacing a failed core and deck is a significant five-figure undertaking.
2. Stainless Steel Fuel & Water Tanks: Cheoy Lee was known for using stainless steel tanks that were often "built-in" to the furniture. While high quality, these tanks can suffer from crevice corrosion at the bottom where moisture settles. Buyers should verify if the tanks have been replaced or if there are signs of weeping at the welds.
3. Chainplate Reinforcement: The rig loads on the Pedrick 38 are higher than on older Cheoy Lee models due to its performance-oriented design. The points where the chainplates pass through the deck should be checked for signs of water intrusion and corrosion, as the loads are transferred to the bulkheads which must remain structurally sound.
4. The "Cheoy Lee Smile": Some owners report a hairline crack at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint. While often cosmetic, it should be surveyed to ensure the keel bolts are torqued correctly and that the structural sump is intact.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support and historical data is the Cheoy Lee Association, which maintains an extensive library of original brochures, line drawings, and a registry of hull numbers. This community is vital for owners seeking to source original hardware or understand the specific plumbing and electrical schematics used at the Penny's Bay shipyard during the Pedrick production run.

The Verdict

The Cheoy Lee Pedrick 38 is a sophisticated blend of East-meets-West maritime history. It offers the aesthetic soul of a classic yacht with a hull design that can still outrun many modern heavy-displacement cruisers. It is best suited for the sailor who appreciates fine woodwork and "yachty" aesthetics but refuses to sacrifice upwind performance for a traditional look.

Pros:

• Excellent windward performance and handling compared to traditional cruisers.
• Exceptional interior joinery and woodwork rarely found in modern production boats.
• Strong, hand-laid hull construction suitable for offshore passages.
• Aesthetic appeal that stands out in any marina.

Cons:

• High maintenance requirements for teak decks and brightwork.
• Potential for hidden core issues if deck hardware was not regularly re-bedded.
• Relatively complex interior systems that can be difficult to access for repairs.