Sailing Performance & Handling
The Nicholson 38 is defined by its long keel with a cutaway forefoot and a heavy displacement-to-length ratio (roughly 360), which places it firmly in the category of traditional blue-water cruisers. This weight, combined with a high motion comfort ratio, results in a vessel that remains exceptionally stable and "dry" in heavy weather. While her relatively short waterline length of 27 feet limits her theoretical hull speed to around 7 knots, owners and reviewers, such as those at Yachting Monthly, frequently note that she holds her canvas exceptionally well in a blow, often overhauling more modern designs when conditions deteriorate.
Handling is characterized by superb directional stability, making her a "hands-off" tracker on long passages. However, like most long-keelers of this vintage, she is notoriously difficult to maneuver in reverse, requiring the use of prop walk and careful planning in tight marinas. The ketch rig is a significant asset for a cruising couple; by dropping the main and sailing under "jib and jigger" (mizzen), the boat remains perfectly balanced and manageable even in gale-force winds.
Interior Comfort & Variations
By modern standards, the interior of the Nicholson 38 is considered snug for a vessel of nearly 38 feet. This is largely due to her narrow 10' 6" beam and fine ends, a hallmark of 1960s naval architecture. The layout typically features a V-berth forward, a main saloon with a fold-down table, and a galley to port. The defining feature of the model is its separate aft cabin, which is accessed via the cockpit rather than an internal walkthrough. This cabin contains two single berths and, in many hulls, a dedicated vanity or small heads.
Materials throughout are of high quality, featuring extensive use of solid teak and high-grade joinery that has stood the test of time. Headroom is approximately 6' 2" in the main saloon but becomes more restricted in the cabins. Sibling models like the later Nicholson 39 addressed the "walkthrough" issue by redesigning the galley and providing internal access to the aft quarters, but the 38 remains favored by those who prefer the total privacy and deck-layout benefits of the original center-cockpit design.
Popular Mentions & Media
The Nicholson 38 earned its blue-water stripes early in its production life when hull No. 26, Mauna Kea, completed a successful circumnavigation in the early 1970s. This feat cemented the model's reputation as a "bombproof" choice for long-distance voyaging. Technical details and historical documentation are maintained by the highly active Nicholson 38 Owners Group, which preserves original brochures and build specifications edited by C&N designer Jeremy Lines.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should approach the Nicholson 38 with an awareness of its age and specific construction quirks. High-priority inspection areas include:
- Rudder Stock Bonding: The bronze rudder stock is bonded into the GRP rudder blade. Over time, this bond can loosen, leading to play in the steering or internal delamination.
- Deck Core & Backing Plates: Some hulls utilized aluminum backing plates for stanchions embedded within the deck. If water penetrates the laminate, these plates can corrode and expand, causing the GRP to crack or heave.
- Stern Bearing: Unlike modern boats with rubber cutless bearings, many Nicholson 38s were fitted with a "white metal" bearing in the stern tube, which requires specialized knowledge to service or replace.
- Cockpit Drains: Owners often report that the original cockpit drain valves were poorly positioned (sometimes located beneath the batteries), making them difficult to inspect and prone to seizing.
- Freshwater Tank Blistering: The integral freshwater tanks are known to develop osmotic blisters on the interior surfaces, which can affect water taste and quality.
Community & Resources
The primary hub for technical support is the Nicholson 38 Owners Group. This organization provides a technical wiki, scanned manuals for the original Perkins 4.107 engines, and a forum where owners discuss modern upgrades, such as fitting bow thrusters or converting the original fixed glass windscreens.
The Verdict
The Nicholson 38 is a quintessential "heart over head" yacht—a beautifully lines, ruggedly built ketch that prioritizes sea-kindliness over interior volume.
Pros:
- Exceptional heavy-weather performance and safety.
- High-quality Camper & Nicholsons craftsmanship.
- Versatile ketch rig for easy shorthanded sailing.
- Protected center cockpit with a fixed windscreen.
Cons:
- Restricted interior volume and lack of an internal walkthrough.
- Difficult handling in reverse.
- Potential for high maintenance costs due to 50+ year-old systems and unique hardware.
