Ohlson 38 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Ohlson 38 is characterized by its exceptional tracking and "sea-kindly" motion, a direct result of its heavy displacement and high ballast ratio. With a displacement of approximately 14,900 pounds and nearly 6,000 pounds of lead ballast, the boat feels remarkably stable when the wind freshens. Its underwater profile typically features a deep fin keel and a skeg-mounted rudder, providing a balance between the agility required for racing and the directional stability desired for long-distance cruising.

According to editorial evaluations by Yachting Monthly, the boat is particularly powerful when sailing upwind, slicing through chop without the jarring "slamming" motion common in modern, flatter-bottomed hulls. However, the design's IOR-influenced narrow beam (just 10 feet 3 inches) and pinched ends can lead to some rolling when sailing dead downwind in a following sea. The sail area-to-displacement ratio is moderate, ensuring that while it isn't a "light-air flyer" by contemporary standards, it maintains momentum through heavy swell where lighter vessels might stall.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Ohlson 38 reflects the maritime standards of the 1970s, prioritizing functionality and security at sea over the expansive "open-concept" layouts of modern Mediterranean-style cruisers. The layout typically features a traditional V-berth in the forward cabin, followed by a heads compartment and hanging lockers. The main salon utilizes the narrow beam efficiently with a central folding table flanked by two deep settee berths, which are often equipped with lee cloths for sleeping while underway.

Because Tyler Boat Co. supplied these hulls to various finishing yards, the interior joinery can vary significantly from one hull to the next. Some examples feature high-end Scandinavian teak finishes, while others, completed by smaller UK yards or owners, may have more utilitarian layouts. Headroom is generally adequate at approximately 6 feet 1 inch in the main cabin, though it tapers forward. Storage is abundant, with lockers tucked behind the settees and under the berths, making it a viable platform for extended passage-making despite its slender profile.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Ohlson 38 occupies a prestigious niche in offshore racing history. Einar Ohlson's designs were famous for their performance in the 5.5 Metre class, and that pedigree translated directly to the 38. The model's success in the 1970s racing circuit helped solidify the Tyler Boat Co.'s reputation as the premier molder for high-performance hulls. The boat's classic lines have also made it a favorite for maritime photographers, often appearing in retrospectives regarding the evolution of Swedish yacht design.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their inspections on the specific characteristics of Tyler’s GRP construction and the age of the yacht’s systems:

1. Deck Delamination: Like many boats of this era, the Ohlson 38 often utilized a balsa-cored deck. Moisture ingress around stanchion bases or the toe rail can lead to core rot and "spongy" sections. A thorough percussion test (hammer sounding) is essential.
2. Chainplate Anchorage: The chainplates on the 38 are internal. Owners have reported that leaks from the deck glands can cause corrosion in the hidden portions of the stainless steel plates or the plywood bulkheads to which they are bolted.
3. Osmotic Blistering: While Tyler was known for high-quality laminates, early fiberglass boats are susceptible to osmosis. It is common to find older hulls that have undergone—or currently require—an epoxy peel and treatment.
4. Engine Access: The auxiliary engine (originally often a Volvo Penta or Bukh) is located under the companionway. Access for routine maintenance is generally good, but major repairs or a repower can be challenging due to the narrow engine bed configuration.
5. Toe Rail Leaks: The aluminum toe rail is a common source of persistent small leaks into the cabin, which can damage interior woodwork if left unaddressed for several seasons.

Community & Resources

Owners and enthusiasts of this model are served by the Ohlson 38 Class Association, which provides a technical repository for refit projects and historical documentation. The association is instrumental in tracking the provenance of individual hulls, many of which have migrated from the UK and Sweden to the United States and Australia.

The Verdict

The Ohlson 38 is a "sailor's boat," offering timeless aesthetics and a level of offshore security that is increasingly rare in the modern market. It is an ideal choice for the traditionalist who values windward performance and heavy-weather capability over interior volume.

Pros:

• Exquisite, classic lines that turn heads in any marina.
• Superb heavy-weather handling and a comfortable, predictable motion at sea.
• Robust hull construction from the renowned Tyler Boat Co.
• Strong racing pedigree and active owner community.

Cons:

• Narrow interior feels cramped compared to modern 38-footers.
• Small cockpit can be wet in a blow due to the low freeboard.
• Age-related maintenance (deck cores and osmosis) is a significant factor for buyers.