Hughes North Star 38 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the North Star 38 is a product of its design pedigree, exhibiting the classic manners of an S&S hull. With a relatively narrow beam of approximately 10 feet, 2 inches and a deep-draft fin keel, the boat is optimized for upwind work. Owners and reviewers often describe the 38 as "sailing on rails" once the wind picks up, a characteristic attributed to its high ballast-to-displacement ratio and the directional stability provided by its hull shape.

According to technical specifications preserved by the Sparkman & Stephens design office, the hull was intended to be competitive under the racing rules of the late 1960s while maintaining a comfortable motion in a seaway. Because the design features significant overhangs, the waterline length increases as the boat heels, providing a higher theoretical hull speed than its static measurements suggest. However, like many CCA-era boats, the North Star 38 can be "tender" initially, meaning it heels quickly to about 15 degrees before the lead keel provides significant righting moment. Handling is generally considered superb in heavy air, though the narrow hull and small interior volume make it less efficient off the wind compared to modern wide-stern designs.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the North Star 38 reflects the constraints of its narrow-entry hull and low-profile cabin trunk. While it lacks the cavernous "great room" feel of 21st-century cruisers, it offers a secure, sea-kindly environment. The standard layout features a traditional V-berth forward, followed by a head and hanging locker. The main salon typically includes a U-shaped or straight settee to port and a bench settee to starboard, with a fold-down or fixed centerline table.

As the model evolved from the original Hughes 38 into the North Star 38 and eventually the Hughes 38-2 and 38-3, the interior finishes saw incremental improvements. Early models relied heavily on basic fiberglass liners with teak accents, while later versions produced under the Northstar brand or the subsequent Hughes-Columbia era often featured more extensive wood cabinetry and improved galley layouts. The galley is typically located near the companionway for ventilation and ease of use at sea, featuring a deep sink and an icebox or refrigerated unit. Headroom is adequate for those under 6 feet, though the tapering hull significantly reduces shoulder room in the forward cabin compared to modern designs.

Popular Mentions & Media

The design’s reputation for offshore durability is cemented by its lineage. The Hughes 38, which is fundamentally the same boat as the North Star 38, earned historical significance when it was chosen as a formidable competitor in grueling offshore races like the Newport to Bermuda Race. The S&S 38 design (Design #1903) was so well-regarded that it was also produced by other builders under different names, such as the Yankee 38, though the Hughes/Northstar builds remain the most numerous. These vessels are frequently featured in "classic plastic" retrospectives within publications like Good Old Boat magazine, which has historically analyzed the model’s longevity and suitability for budget-conscious offshore cruising.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a North Star 38 should focus on three primary areas of concern common to Canadian-built fiberglass yachts of this vintage:

1. Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats from the 1970s, Northstar used balsa coring in the decks. Moisture ingress around stanchion bases, chainplates, and the mast step is common. A thorough percussion test (tapping) or moisture meter reading is essential to identify delamination.
2. Rudder and Bearing Wear: The North Star 38 utilizes a spade rudder. Over decades, the internal stainless steel skeleton can corrode if water penetrates the fiberglass skin, and the bushings often develop "play," leading to vibration or heavy steering.
3. Engine Access and Repowering: Many North Star 38s were originally equipped with the Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine. While reliable if maintained, many have been repowered with diesels. The engine space is tight; check the quality of the repower installation and the state of the fuel tank, which is often made of mild steel and may be nearing the end of its lifespan.
4. Keel-to-Hull Joint: While the lead keel is internally encapsulated or securely bolted (depending on the specific production year and variant), the "smile" at the leading edge of the keel-hull joint is a common site for cosmetic cracking or structural movement that requires inspection.

Community & Resources

Owners of these vessels benefit from a robust, albeit decentralized, community. The Sparkman & Stephens Association is the primary technical resource for maintaining the design’s original specifications and history. Because the North Star 38 is so closely related to the Hughes and Columbia lines, owners often find technical support and spare part solutions through Columbia Yachts owner groups and Canadian heritage boat forums, which maintain archives of original brochures and wiring diagrams.

The Verdict

The North Star 38 is an "honest" sailboat that trades interior volume for timeless lines and offshore capability. It remains a top choice for traditionalists who value the safety and performance of a Sparkman & Stephens design.

Pros:

• Exceptional windward performance and tracking in heavy weather.
• Timeless, elegant aesthetics that stand out in a harbor of modern "caravan-style" boats.
• Strong, overbuilt hull construction typical of early Canadian fiberglass production.
• High ballast ratio provides a secure, predictable motion at sea.

Cons:

• Narrow interior feel with limited storage for long-term liveaboards.
• Age-related maintenance (deck core and original plumbing/wiring) is almost certain.
• The deep draft (approx. 6 feet) limits cruising in shallow areas like the Bahamas or Chesapeake Bay.
• Small cockpit by modern standards, which can feel cramped for a crew of four.