MG 38 Information, Review, Specs

The design was specifically targeted at the competitive "38-foot" bracket, placing it in direct competition with the Sigma 38 and the Westerly Storm. Unlike many of its contemporaries that were constrained by the more extreme IOR (International Offshore Rule) nuances of the time, the MG 38, as noted by Humphreys Yacht Design, utilized a more balanced hull form that prioritized sea-kindliness and predictable handling over the "twitchy" characteristics of pure-bred racers. While most units were finished as standard cruisers, Northshore also offered the hull in varied states of trim to suit the owner's preference for either club racing or family cruising.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The MG 38 is defined by a powerful masthead rig and a deep-finned keel that provides a high ballast-to-displacement ratio, ensuring excellent stiffness when beating to windward. With a Displacement/Length ratio that leans toward the "moderate-light" category for its era, the boat is surprisingly responsive in light airs but truly comes alive in a breeze. Handling is typically described as precise; those equipped with the standard large-diameter wheel offer significant feedback, though some earlier versions were fitted with tillers to maximize cockpit space for racing crews.

The boat’s tracking ability is a testament to its underwater profile. Unlike the flat-bottomed designs of the modern era, the MG 38 has enough of a "V" in its forward sections to prevent excessive slamming in a head sea. On a reach, the boat is remarkably stable, benefiting from a hull that carries its beam well aft without the exaggerated "bustle" seen in earlier IOR designs. Owners often report that the boat feels "tucked in" and secure even when over-canvassed, a characteristic often attributed to the robust internal stiffening grid used by Northshore during construction.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel with such sporting credentials, the interior of the MG 38 is remarkably civilized, reflecting Northshore’s heritage of building comfortable cruising yachts. The layout typically features a classic three-cabin arrangement: a spacious V-berth forward, a large saloon with a folding central table, and two symmetrical aft cabins. This configuration made it a popular choice for charter fleets and large families, though a two-cabin "owner’s version" was also discussed during the production run, prioritizing storage and a larger heads compartment.

The joinery is predominantly finished in teak or mahogany veneers, providing a warm, traditional feel that contrasts with its sleek, modern exterior profile. Headroom is generous, often exceeding 6'2" in the main saloon, which was a significant selling point compared to the more cramped racing hulls of the period. The galley is generally L-shaped and positioned to port, designed to be functional at sea with deep sinks and secure bracing points for the cook. While the sibling models like the MG 335 and MG 346 offered similar styling, the 38-foot hull provided the necessary volume to make the aft cabins truly habitable rather than just "pipe cots" with cushions.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of an MG 38 should focus their attention on the specific stresses associated with a performance-oriented hull that is now three decades old.

• Internal Grid Bonding: The MG 38 utilizes an internal GRP grid (matrix) to distribute loads from the keel and rig. In boats that have been raced hard or suffered a grounding, this grid can occasionally delaminate from the hull. Inspect the areas around the keel floors for any signs of cracking or "crazing" in the topcoat.
• Rod Rigging Fatigue: Many MG 38s were delivered with rod rigging rather than standing wire to improve racing performance. Rod rigging has a finite lifespan (often cited as 10–15 years) and does not show signs of failure as clearly as wire. If the rigging history is unknown, a full replacement should be factored into the purchase price.
• Deck Core Integrity: Like many Northshore builds of this era, the deck is a sandwich construction, likely using balsa or foam. Check for soft spots around high-load fittings like the genoa tracks and the base of the mast, where moisture ingress can rot the core.
• Engine Maintenance: The original powerplants were often Volvo Penta units (such as the 2003 series). While reliable, these engines can suffer from "spline wear" on the gearbox coupling and require a clean cooling system to prevent overheating.

Community & Resources

Owners of the MG 38 benefit from a cross-pollination of support communities. Because the boat was built by Northshore, it is frequently supported by the Northshore Owners Association, which provides a wealth of technical knowledge regarding the yard’s construction methods. Additionally, as a Rob Humphreys design, technical drawings and original design philosophy are often accessible through the designer’s own archives, which is a rare luxury for boats of this vintage.

The Verdict

The MG 38 remains a "wolf in sheep’s clothing"—a yacht that offers the pace and pedigree of a racing design with the build quality and interior warmth of a premium British cruiser. It is an ideal choice for the sailor who refuses to sacrifice sailing sensation for living space.

Pros:

• Exceptional build quality from the Northshore yard.
• Timeless, balanced performance from a world-class designer.
• True three-cabin layout that remains functional for modern cruising.
• Predictable handling that rewards an experienced hand without punishing a novice.

Cons:

• The deep draft (approx. 2.0m) limits access to some of the shallow-water havens the Southerly brand is known for.
• Original rod rigging and performance hardware can be expensive to modernize.
• Older Volvo Penta engines may be nearing the end of their service life if not meticulously maintained.