Nantucket Island 38 Information, Review, Specs

The vessel’s lineage is closely tied to its smaller sibling, the Nantucket Island 33, which was launched two years prior in 1980. Both models share the same design DNA: a commitment to fiberglass durability and a hull shape that prioritizes comfort in a seaway. While Ho Hsing produced fewer units than the larger Taiwanese yards like Ta Shing or Lien Hwa, the Nantucket Island series earned a dedicated following for its "performance-cruiser" ethos, which was relatively distinct from the slower, full-keeled "double-enders" flooding the market at the time.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Nantucket Island 38 reflects Peter Cole’s background as both a sailmaker and a successful racing designer. This pedigree is evident in the boat’s sailing ratios and hull form. With a masthead sloop rig, the yacht provides a powerful sail plan that allows it to perform respectably in light winds, a common weakness in many overbuilt cruising yachts of the 1980s. The design features a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration that offers a notable upgrade in responsiveness and "feel" at the helm compared to full-keel designs.

Owners often report that the NI 38 tracks exceptionally well, requiring minimal effort from an autopilot or windvane once the sails are properly trimmed. The boat’s moderate displacement gives it enough mass to punch through a chop without losing momentum, yet it remains nimble enough to be handled comfortably by a cruising couple. Technical discussions on owner platforms highlight the boat's stiffness; it carries its canvas well into the mid-teens before requiring a reef, making it a reassuring platform for offshore work where conditions can change rapidly.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Nantucket Island 38 is a hallmark of the Taiwanese building style, characterized by extensive use of high-quality teak and a level of joinery that is difficult to find in modern production boats. The layout typically follows a traditional offshore arrangement designed for safety and utility at sea. This usually includes a U-shaped galley located near the companionway for stability while cooking under way, a dedicated navigation station, and a spacious main salon with a folding table.

The accommodation plan generally provides a V-berth forward and a private or semi-private cabin aft, often utilized as a master suite or a large quarter-berth area. Headroom is generous throughout the main cabin, accommodating taller sailors who often feel cramped in 30-to-35-foot vessels. Because Ho Hsing was a smaller yard, there is some variation in interior finishes and minor layout tweaks between hulls, as early owners often had input into the final cabinetry. The NI 38 offers significantly more storage volume and water/fuel capacity than its predecessor, the NI 33, making it the preferred choice for those planning multi-month voyages.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Nantucket Island 38 with the standard diligence required for 1980s-era Taiwanese fiberglass yachts. While the hulls are generally considered overbuilt and solid, specific technical areas require scrutiny:

• Teak Deck Integrity: Many models were delivered with screw-down teak decks. Over decades, the bungs can fail and the sealant can shrink, allowing water to migrate into the core. A thorough moisture meter test of the deck is essential to check for delamination or rot.
• Fuel and Water Tanks: The original tanks were often made of stainless steel or iron and were occasionally "built-in" before the deck was joined to the hull. Buyers should inspect for signs of corrosion or pitting, as replacement can be a labor-intensive project requiring the removal of furniture.
• Chainplates: As with any blue-water cruiser of this age, the stainless steel chainplates where they pass through the deck are prone to crevice corrosion. These should be pulled and inspected if there is no record of recent replacement.
• Osmotic Blistering: While Ho Hsing used heavy laminates, the resins of the early 80s were susceptible to blistering. A haul-out inspection is necessary to determine if the hull has undergone a barrier coat treatment or if active blisters are present.

Community & Resources

The Nantucket Island community is primarily centered around Australian and North American cruising circles. The most prominent resource for technical data and owner support is the Nantucket Island Owners Association, which maintains a repository of historical brochures and modification advice. Additionally, the Peter Cole Design archives are frequently cited by owners looking for original sail plans or rig dimensions.

The Verdict

The Nantucket Island 38 is an excellent choice for the sailor who desires the aesthetic and robust feel of a traditional cruiser without sacrificing the ability to actually sail upwind. It bridges the gap between the sluggish heavy-displacers and the lightweight modern cruisers.

Pros

• Exceptional Build Quality: Superior teak joinery and heavy fiberglass construction.
• Balanced Handling: A "sailor’s cruiser" that handles well across a variety of wind speeds.
• Offshore Capability: Well-suited for long-distance voyaging with ample tankage and storage.

Cons

• Maintenance Intensity: High volumes of exterior and interior wood require significant upkeep.
• Age-Related Systems: Original plumbing, wiring, and tanks likely require modernizing.
• Limited Market: As a lower-production model, finding one in prime condition may require an extensive search.