North Wind 38 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The North Wind 38 is characterized by its moderate-to-heavy displacement and a hull form that favors stability over outright speed. With a design lineage that traces back to Primrose’s work on sturdy offshore vessels like the Moody 33 and the Warrior 35, the 38 features a relatively full bow and a significant lateral plane that aids in directional stability. Owners frequently report that the boat tracks exceptionally well, requiring minimal attention to the helm when properly balanced.

While the North Wind 38 is not a light-air specialist, its high ballast ratio ensures it remains stiff and composed as the breeze freshens. In a blow, the vessel’s mass allows it to punch through head seas without the rhythmic pounding associated with modern, flat-bottomed designs. The center-cockpit arrangement places the crew high and dry, though it does result in a slightly higher center of gravity compared to the rarer aft-cockpit variants. Handling under power is generally predictable, though like many fin-keel boats of this vintage with a skeg-hung rudder, prop walk can be pronounced when reversing in tight marinas.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the North Wind 38 is where the shipyard's "artisanal skills" mentioned by the builder's history truly shine. The layout is dominated by a spacious saloon and a dedicated navigation station, but the pièce de résistance is the aft cabin. Accessed via a walkthrough—usually on the port side—the master stateroom offers a level of privacy and headroom that was rare for 38-footers of the early 1980s.

The woodwork typically utilizes high-quality teak veneers and solid trim, reflecting the shipyard’s recruitment of craftsmen from the luxury-oriented Astilleros Viudes. Two primary configurations were produced: the standard center-cockpit cruiser and a more traditional aft-cockpit version. While the aft-cockpit model offers a more "sporty" feel and a larger cockpit for entertaining, the center-cockpit version remains the definitive iteration of the 38, maximizing the living space for long-term cruising. The sibling North Wind 40, which was built during the same era, shares much of the 38’s aesthetic and interior logic, though it provides an elongated stern and slightly more buoyancy in the aft sections.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Purchasing a North Wind 38 today requires a specialized focus on the construction techniques of the 1980s. While the hulls are generally considered "overbuilt" in terms of fiberglass thickness, specific areas require scrutiny:

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the 38 utilized a balsa-cored deck. Buyers should check for soft spots, particularly around stanchion bases, windlasses, and the chainplates, where water ingress can lead to core rot.
• Osmotic Blistering: Early North Wind models have been known to develop osmotic blisters in the gelcoat. A professional moisture meter reading of the hull below the waterline is essential during a pre-purchase survey.
• Rigging and Chainplates: The 38’s rig is stout, but the internal chainplate attachments should be inspected for "crevice corrosion," especially where they pass through the deck.
• Engine Accessibility: In the center-cockpit models, the engine is housed beneath the cockpit sole or within the walkthrough. While this provides good lateral access, reaching the top of the engine or the exhaust elbow can be challenging in certain configurations.

Community & Resources

Owners of North Wind yachts often find technical support through broader European cruising forums, as the brand maintains a loyal following in Spain and Italy. The most prominent technical resource for heritage models is the North Wind Owners group, which functions as a repository for original wiring diagrams and plumbing schematics that are no longer available from the successor company, Monty North.

The Verdict

The North Wind 38 is a quintessential "blue-water lite" cruiser that offers an impressive balance of Mediterranean craftsmanship and British design pedigree. It is an ideal vessel for a couple seeking a safe, comfortable platform for extended coastal cruising or trans-Atlantic passages.

Pros

• Superior Joinery: The interior finish often surpasses contemporary mass-produced French and American yachts.
• Sea-Kindliness: The Angus Primrose hull design provides a stable and predictable motion in heavy weather.
• Owner Privacy: The center-cockpit layout provides an excellent master suite separation.

Cons

• Light Air Performance: The heavy displacement makes it sluggish in winds under 10 knots.
• Maintenance Access: Certain systems in the center-cockpit "walkthrough" can be difficult to service.
• Vintage Tech: Older units may still have original Perkins or Volvo engines that require significant upkeep or replacement.