Odyssey 38 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

True to its George Cuthbertson pedigree, the Odyssey 38 is a performance cruiser that excels in upwind tracking and heavy-air stability. With a displacement of approximately 16,500 pounds and a lead ballast-to-displacement ratio hovering near 43%, the vessel is remarkably stiff. It typically draws 6.5 feet, allowing for a deep, high-aspect fin keel that provides excellent lift. This design reflects the philosophy of the C&C Design Group, prioritizing a "spirited" feel that rewards an active trimmer.

In lighter air, the Odyssey 38 requires a large genoa to overcome its moderate wetted surface area, but once the breeze exceeds 12 knots, the hull finds its groove. Owner accounts often highlight its "big boat" feel; unlike lighter modern cruisers, the 38 punches through chop with minimal hobby-horsing. The helm is generally described as well-balanced, providing enough feedback to be engaging without becoming fatiguing during long coastal passages. Because Ontario Yachts utilized high-quality laminates and often over-engineered the chainplate attachments, the rig remains rigid under load, a trait often discussed in technical retrospectives of the builder's work.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Odyssey 38 is a classic execution of the "golden age" of fiberglass boat building, defined by extensive use of hand-oiled teak and a functional, sea-going layout. Unlike its center-cockpit cousin, the Ontario 32, the Odyssey 38 utilizes a traditional aft-cockpit arrangement that allows for a deep, secure salon. The layout typically features a large V-berth forward, a wrap-around dinette to port that converts into a double berth, and a linear settee to starboard.

The galley is a highlight for long-term cruisers, usually positioned at the base of the companionway for optimal ventilation and communication with the cockpit. It features deep double sinks and a significant amount of insulated refrigeration space. The 38 also features a proper navigation station, reflecting an era when paper charts were the primary tool of the offshore sailor. Headroom is generous, often exceeding 6' 3" in the main salon, which makes the boat feel larger than its 38-foot LOA suggests. While the Odyssey 30 was the high-volume sibling, the 38 offered a vastly superior aft quarter berth and a more substantial head compartment with a dedicated shower area, making it the preferred choice for live-aboards.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of an Odyssey 38 should approach the vessel with an eye for the typical aging pains of late-70s composite construction.

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, Ontario Yachts used end-grain balsa coring in the decks. Moisture ingress around the stanchion bases, genoa tracks, and the windlass is common. A thorough percussion test (thumping the deck) or moisture meter reading is essential to identify delamination.
• Keel Bolt Tension: The 38 uses a heavy lead keel bolted to a reinforced fiberglass stub. While the construction is robust, owners have noted the importance of inspecting the "smile"—the joint where the keel meets the hull—for any signs of movement or weeping that might indicate the need to tighten or replace the stainless steel keel bolts.
• Original Engine Condition: Many hulls were originally fitted with Westerbeke or Universal diesel engines. While these are reliable workhorses, parts for older 1970s models are becoming increasingly scarce. A buyer should verify the service history of the heat exchanger and the state of the engine mounts.
• Grid and Liner Bonding: The Odyssey 38 features a structural fiberglass grid. In older vessels that have been raced hard or grounded, this grid can sometimes separate from the hull in hidden areas beneath the floorboards.

Community & Resources

While there is no dedicated "Odyssey 38 Owners Association," the model is frequently embraced by the broader community of C&C and Ontario Yachts enthusiasts. Information is often shared through the C&C Yachts historical archives, which tracks the design lineage of George Cuthbertson’s various projects. Additionally, the Ontario Yachts Facebook page occasionally features historical photos and technical support for legacy models. Owners looking for specific rigging schedules or original hardware specifications often find success contacting the builder directly, as the company remains active in Burlington, Ontario.

The Verdict

The Odyssey 38 is a "sailor’s sailboat," offering a level of build quality and design sophistication that is difficult to find in the modern mass-production market. It is a rare find that appeals to those who value the aesthetics and performance of the IOR era without the extreme "pinched" hull shapes of pure racers.

Pros:

• Exceptional build quality from a premier Canadian yard.
• Classic, timeless lines designed by George Cuthbertson.
• Stiff, seaworthy performance that inspires confidence in heavy weather.
• Rich, warm teak interior that provides a true "nautical" atmosphere.

Cons:

• Extremely limited production makes finding one on the market difficult.
• Maintenance-heavy teak requires consistent attention to prevent graying or leaks.
• High-aspect keel and 6.5-foot draft may limit access to some shallow cruising grounds.