Design and Construction
Above the waterline the 38T reads as a classic Hans Christian: a long bowsprit, a springy sheerline, and a rounded canoe stern covered with teak hull styling above the waterline. Below the waterline the picture is different — a hull with exceptionally rounded sections, a full keel with a forefoot cutaway, and a large barn-door rudder underwater profile. The sheer weight is substantial; she tops 30,000 pounds in ordinary cruising trim, and that mass is central to how she behaves under sail.
Rig and Handling
The original 38T was offered as a cutter or ketch, with the cutter far more popular, and she carries a significant amount of sail area for her displacement. Even so, light-air performance suffers under the burden of that weight. Owners report the standard boat doesn't point high — about 40 degrees of apparent wind is the practical best poor upwind angle. With 10–15 knots of wind she makes 6 knots to weather and 7 off the breeze, and the first reef normally comes in at 15–18 knots, after which weather helm develops as winds build. In heavy airs and seas the design shows its pedigree: she stays seaworthy and dry, with none of the bobbing or banging that troubles lighter hulls.
Evolution and the Telstar
In 1984 one of the two 38T manufacturing molds was modified to improve performance, producing the Telstar 38 Traditional. The keel's leading edge was pushed aft, a considerable bite taken from the trailing edge, and a revised skeg-mounted rudder added keel and rudder revision. The mast was moved 12 inches forward to extend its lead and greatly lower weather helm, and the taller MkII rig became standard. Beckwith, who records that 167 Traditionals including 30 Telstars were built, judged the Telstar keel a significant improvement — pointing higher and notably better in light wind. The MkII interior was dropped on Telstars because the forward-shifted compression post blocked the bunk entry.
Accommodations
Two interior configurations were available from the start: a pullman berth or a v-berth in the forepeak. Soon after debut a MkII Interior appeared, moving the pullman bunk aft and relocating the head to the forepeak; on those boats the main bulkhead was shifted aft to make room. The MkII is externally identifiable by a truncated teak coaming at the stern, a detail shared only with the Hans Christian 33 Traditional stern coaming telltale.
Known Issues
Prospective owners should check chainplates for leakage, and inspect hoses for deterioration with clamps for rust and corrosion — early vessels did not always use high-quality metals. Through-hulls and seacocks need thorough inspection since some loosen with age, and any original teak decks that have not been replaced should be examined. The weakest link is electrical: as a Taiwanese-built 1970s–80s boat, some older examples used automotive-grade wiring prone to corrosion, and the looms were tucked beneath teak battens and ceiling liners where repairs cost plenty wiring access problem.
The Verdict
The 38T is a purpose-built bluewater double-ender whose rounded hull and full keel trade light-air sparkle for composure in heavy weather. The Telstar evolution addressed her principal handling shortcoming without abandoning the traditional brief. She rewards a buyer who accepts modest upwind reach and budgeted electrical remediation.
Pros
- Proven seaworthy with numerous circumnavigations
- Dry and stable in heavy airs and seas
- Telstar variant corrects weather helm and light-air pointing
- Distinctive traditional styling with identifiable MkII details
Cons
- Light-air performance suffers from 30,000+ lb displacement
- Standard boat points no higher than ~40 degrees apparent
- Electrical systems are the weak link; looms hard to reach
- Early hulls may have inferior metals in clamps and fittings
