Hans Christian 38 Mk II Sailboats for Sale

Layouts on the Used Market

The 38 Mk II was produced with a fairly consistent interior arrangement, and the used fleet reflects that uniformity. The most recognizable departure from the 38 Traditional is the galley: rather than the U-shaped arrangement of the earlier boat, the Mk II features a sink set on an island bench, giving the galley a more open character. The engine sits behind the companionway stairs rather than under the sink, a practical improvement that makes access far more straightforward for maintenance at sea. The saloon carries the classic double-ender feeling — snug, ship-like, heavily built — and the forward cabin in most examples is a proper offshore berth rather than a marina double. Variations in joinery and fit-out exist, as was common with Taiwanese production of this period, and some owners have undertaken interior refreshes over the decades, so buyers will encounter a range from original teak-and-holly to more modern upgrades.

Equipment and Common Upgrades

Given the offshore pedigree of most 38 Mk II owners, examples on the market tend to arrive comprehensively equipped. Solar panels and an inverter are commonly fitted, reflecting the self-sufficiency demands of long-passage sailing. Radar, autopilot, and a chartplotter are standard expectations on any passage-ready boat, and the used fleet largely conforms — these are not bare-bones cruising boats. Watermakers appear frequently, as do dodgers and biminis that have often been custom built or upgraded from factory originals. Heating systems turn up on boats from the Pacific Northwest and Northern Europe, and hot water systems are common enough to expect rather than treat as a bonus. Life rafts are frequently carried, and spinnakers — both symmetric and asymmetric — appear on a meaningful share of examples, reflecting owners who pushed the boat in light air.

Among owner upgrades that appear regularly but are not universal, wind generators complement solar installations on boats that see high-latitude or overcast passages. Furling mains are often seen, fitted either at the factory toward the later production run or added by owners seeking easier short-handed sailing. Dinghy davits are a common addition on boats that have settled into cruising life rather than racing. Teak decks appear on a portion of the fleet — a hallmark of the era's aesthetic but one that introduces long-term maintenance considerations. Cockpit showers, electric winches, AIS transponders, and more recently Starlink installations represent a layer of contemporary upgrades that active cruising owners have added. A gennaker is a sometimes-seen addition for owners who want downwind versatility without the complexity of a pole-and-symmetric setup.

What to Inspect

The Hans Christian 38 Mk II's heavy displacement construction — encapsulated iron ballast and a long keel — means the boat's core structure tends to age well, but its age demands systematic inspection. The hull alterations that distinguish the Mk II from the Traditional — including the flattened bottom sections and repositioned rudder — should be reviewed carefully for any signs of stress cracking or repair around the keel-to-hull junction, a common focus for surveyors on long-keel boats of this vintage. Encapsulated iron ballast can rust internally over decades without external evidence; moisture readings in the lower hull and keel should be interpreted carefully alongside any visible rust staining on the interior.

Standing rigging deserves close attention on any boat built in this era. The rig is taller than the 38 Traditional's and carries more sail area; wire rigging on a boat that has been offshore should be treated as a replacement item unless recently renewed. Chainplates, often buried in cabinetry on boats of this style, warrant removal and inspection for corrosion — this is a known deferred-maintenance item on heavily built cruising boats where access is inconvenient. The engine relocation behind the companionway stairs, noted as a deliberate improvement for accessibility, means inspection is easier than on earlier Hans Christian models, but hose runs, stuffing box or shaft seal condition, and engine mounts still deserve hands-on evaluation. Teak decks, where fitted, should be sounded for delamination and the fastenings inspected; aging teak deck installations are a significant cost item if replacement is required. Electrical systems on boats that have been continuously upgraded by successive owners are often layered and complex — trace the DC system carefully, particularly on boats that have added lithium battery banks alongside legacy alternator and charging arrangements.

Availability and Buyer's Takeaway

The 38 Mk II is concentrated primarily in North American waters — the United States West Coast and the Pacific Northwest are particularly active markets, with examples also found in Mexico and Canada. The small production run means patience is required; this is not a boat where the buyer can simply compare a dozen examples and walk away from a marginal deal. When one comes to market in good condition, buyers should move decisively.

Pre-purchase checklist:

• Commission a full survey by a surveyor experienced with heavy-displacement Taiwanese bluewater boats
• Sound the hull for moisture, focusing on lower sections and keel area
• Remove and inspect chainplates regardless of apparent condition
• Verify standing rigging age and condition; budget for replacement if unknown
• Test the engine in load conditions; inspect all hose runs, shaft seal, and mounts
• Inspect teak decks where present for fastenings and underlying deck condition
• Audit the electrical system, especially if lithium batteries have been integrated into legacy wiring
• Confirm life raft service dates and EPIRB registration status
• Inventory all offshore safety equipment and assess what will need renewal
• Sail the boat in at least moderate breeze before committing