Sailing Performance & Handling
Under sail, the Odyssey 38 is defined by its predictable, "stiff" motion, a result of its generous displacement and ballast-to-displacement ratio. Unlike many modern light-displacement cruisers that tend to skitter over the chop, the Odyssey 38 uses its mass to punch through head seas, making it a favorite for long-distance passage making. The masthead sloop rig is conservatively stayed, providing a versatile sail plan that handles heavy weather with ease.
Technical assessments often highlight the boat's tracking ability; the skeg-hung rudder provides significant "bite," allowing the vessel to hold its course even when over-canvassed. While it may not be a contender in light-air club racing, once the wind speed exceeds 12 knots, the hull finds its stride. Owners frequently report that the boat remains remarkably balanced on a reach, requiring minimal helm correction. This inherent stability makes it an excellent candidate for windvane steering or lower-powered linear drive autopilots.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the Odyssey 38 reflects the "Golden Age" of Taiwanese yacht construction, characterized by an abundance of solid Burmese teak and high-quality joinery. The layout typically features a traditional V-berth forward, followed by a full-width head and a spacious saloon with a large drop-leaf table. A defining feature of this model is its substantial beam, which is carried well aft, allowing for a generous U-shaped galley that remains functional even at high angles of heel.
Variations between the Odyssey 38 and its sibling, the Nantucket Island 38, are most often found in the cabinetry and the configuration of the aft quarters. While the Nantucket models often leaned toward a "live-aboard" aesthetic with more intricate carvings, the Odyssey 38 frequently utilized a more streamlined, practical layout suited for active cruising. Some hulls were delivered as "owner completions," leading to slight variances in the quality of the final fit-out, though the structural bulkheads remained consistent across the production run. Headroom is excellent throughout the main cabin, often exceeding 6'3", which was a significant selling point compared to the narrower Australian designs of the same era.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should approach a 1980s Ho Hsing build with a focus on the structural "aging points" common to yachts of this vintage.
- Chainplate Anchorage: A known technical area for inspection involves the stainless steel chainplates. Because they are often glassed into the structure or hidden behind teak cabinetry, water ingress from the deck can lead to crevice corrosion that remains unseen.
- Teak Deck Longevity: Many Odyssey 38s were delivered with thick teak decks screwed into a balsa-cored fiberglass laminate. Over forty years, these screws can become conduits for moisture, leading to core delamination. A percussion "tap test" or moisture meter reading of the side decks is mandatory during survey.
- Osmotic Blistering: Taiwanese hulls from the early 1980s are occasionally prone to osmotic blistering. While rarely structural in these heavily built boats, it is a significant factor in resale value and maintenance budgeting.
- Fuel and Water Tanks: The original tanks were often made of mild steel (fuel) or stainless steel (water) and integrated into the hull or placed under the cabin sole. Inspecting the tank tops and seams for corrosion is vital, as replacement often requires significant cabinetry removal.
Community & Resources
The primary hub for technical support and historical data is the Cole Owners Association of Australia, which maintains a registry of Peter Cole designs and offers a repository of sail plans and original brochures. Because of the overlap with the Nantucket Island 38, owners also find significant value in international cruising forums where the Ho Hsing shipyard's construction methods are documented by global circumnavigators.
The Verdict
The Cole Odyssey 38 is a "sailor's boat"—a robust, heavy-duty cruiser that trades contemporary sprinting speeds for enduring safety and comfort. It remains a premier choice for those looking to cross oceans on a modest budget without sacrificing the aesthetic warmth of a classic wood-lined interior.
Pros
- Exceptional seaworthiness and tracking in heavy weather.
- High-quality Taiwanese teak joinery that surpasses modern production standards.
- Spacious, ergonomic galley and saloon for long-term living.
- Excellent support via the Cole Owners Association.
Cons
- Heavy displacement results in sluggish performance in light air (under 8 knots).
- High maintenance requirements if the original teak decks are still in place.
- Potential for hidden corrosion in aging chainplates and integrated tanks.
