Design & Construction
Camper & Nicholsons commissioned hulls from Halmatic, moulded in heavy GRP and finished to a standard that often included Lloyd's survey. The long keel carries a cutaway forefoot and an attached rudder, favouring directional stability over marina agility. The encapsulated lead ballast is bolted securely to the hull, giving the boat a reassuring stiffness and the ability to carry cruising loads without complaint. Deck hardware is mounted on solid laminate, and while systemic core issues are rare, any boat of this age benefits from a moisture survey around stanchions and fittings. The chainplates are stainless steel, through‑bolted to substantial GRP knees, but the factory installation hides them behind interior mouldings, which can conceal crevice corrosion.
Under Sail: Performance and Handling
The ketch rig offers a balanced sail plan that can be shortened progressively without fuss. Upwind, the boat is not a close‑winded performer, but once settled it holds a comfortable pace in moderate breezes. On a reach or broad reach, the divided rig comes into its own, and many crews favour "jib and jigger" downwind for easy control. The helm is light once underway, and the hull tracks beautifully. The trade‑off is that manoeuvring astern demands confident bursts of power and an acceptance of prop walk. In a blow, the Nicholson 38 is steady, predictable and reassuring, though it is never quick in light airs.
Accommodation and the Wheelhouse
The centre cockpit is sheltered by a semi‑enclosed wheelhouse that becomes a major advantage in cold or wet climates, transforming what would be an exposed watch into a usable living space. Below, the traditional layout places a forward cabin, a compact saloon, an amidships galley and heads, and a separate aft cabin reached from the cockpit. The saloon is smaller than those found on many modern designs, but storage is adequate and the arrangement works well for a couple or a small family seeking a liveaboard base.
Common Problem Areas and Refit Priorities
Age‑related maintenance is unavoidable. Aluminium‑framed portlights are mechanically fastened and often suffer from corrosion and persistent leaks. The rudder stock and its internal structure should be inspected thoroughly, as some boats have shown age‑related issues. Keel bolts and the hull structure around them deserve close attention, looking for weeping or movement. Many examples still carry their original Perkins engines, which will need a realistic assessment of condition. Standing rigging, electrical systems, tankage, and interior cosmetics—headlinings, varnish, mouldings—typically require significant attention. A buyer who takes on a tired example should expect a substantial investment over the first few years to bring systems up to modern cruising standards.
The Verdict
The Nicholson 38 is a reliable, solid cruiser that remains suited to long‑distance sailing decades after the last hull left the yard. It rewards owners who value seakindliness and a protected wheelhouse over light‑air performance, and it delivers a level of structural integrity that is increasingly rare. The necessary refit work is well understood, and the result is a yacht that feels composed and capable when the weather turns.
Pros
- Robust GRP construction with encapsulated lead ballast
- Semi‑enclosed wheelhouse ideal for high‑latitude or wet‑weather cruising
- Seakindly, predictable motion in a seaway
- Versatile ketch rig with easy reefing options
- Practical liveaboard layout with a separate aft cabin
Cons
- Modest performance in light winds
- Awkward astern handling typical of long‑keel designs
- Age‑related issues with chainplates, portlights, rudder, and original systems require committed refit work
