Ontario 38 Information, Review, Specs

Constructed in Burlington, Ontario, the vessel reflects the high-end composite standards of Dirk Kneulman’s yard. It features a hand-laid fiberglass hull and a balsa-cored deck, a hallmark of C&C-era engineering that provided a high strength-to-weight ratio. Unlike the more racing-oriented C&C models of the same period, the Ontario 38 was purpose-built for the cruising sailor who refused to sacrifice upwind performance. The design profile is classic, with a moderate freeboard, a subtly balanced sail plan, and the clean, functional deck layout characteristic of Cuthbertson’s later work. While it does not share a direct hull-mold sibling with the C&C Landfall series, it occupies a similar market niche—prioritizing robust scantlings and interior volume for extended coastal or blue-water voyaging.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Ontario 38 is frequently described by owners as a "stiff" boat, meaning it resists excessive heeling even when the wind freshens. This is largely due to its significant ballast-to-displacement ratio and a well-profiled fin keel. Because it was designed by George Cuthbertson, the hull geometry emphasizes a clean exit at the transom and a fine entry, allowing the boat to point higher than many contemporary cruisers of the 1980s.

Under sail, the boat exhibits a balanced helm. Technical data indicates a masthead sloop rig that provides ample power for light-air performance, a necessity for Great Lakes and East Coast summer sailing. In heavier conditions, the vessel is known for its sea-kindliness; it does not "hobby-horse" in a chop, a common complaint among lighter, flat-bottomed modern designs. Anecdotal evidence from long-term owners suggests the boat tracks exceptionally well, making it a candidate for windvane steering or mid-range autopilots without excessive power draw.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Stepping below deck reveals the "yacht-grade" finish for which Ontario Yachts was renowned. The interior is characterized by extensive use of warm teak and high-quality joinery that far exceeds the standards of high-volume production builders. The layout is a traditional offshore arrangement: a forward V-berth with ample storage, a large head with a shower, and a main salon featuring a U-shaped dinette that can be converted into a double berth.

The galley is a highlight for long-term cruisers, typically located to starboard at the base of the companionway. It is deep and secure, designed for use while underway, featuring a double stainless steel sink and a large insulated icebox (many of which have been converted to 12V refrigeration by subsequent owners). To port, a dedicated navigation station sits forward of a wide quarter berth. Unlike the Ontario 32, the 38 offers significantly more "elbow room" and standing headroom (exceeding 6'3" in the main cabin), making it a viable liveaboard for a couple. There were no major production variations in the cabin layout, though some hulls feature custom cabinetry or differing engine access panels depending on the year of build.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Ontario 38 with the same scrutiny applied to any premium balsa-cored vessel of its age. While the build quality is high, decades of use require specific inspections:

• Deck Delamination: The most critical check is for moisture in the balsa core, particularly around the chainplates, stanchion bases, and the mast step. Spongy sections or elevated moisture meter readings in these areas can indicate a need for labor-intensive core replacement.
• Chainplate Anchors: On older Ontario models, the chainplates are robust but should be inspected for crevice corrosion where they pass through the deck.
• Original Plumbing and Wiring: Many Ontario 38s still carry their original gate valves and AC/DC panels. Upgrading to modern seacocks and marine-grade tinned wiring is a common "first-year" project for new owners.
• Engine Service: Most units were originally powered by Westerbeke or Universal diesel engines. Check the heat exchanger and raw water pump for leaks, and verify the condition of the engine mounts, as the Ontario hulls were built quite stiffly and can transmit vibration if mounts are worn.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Ontario 38 often participate in broader Ontario Yachts or C&C Yachts communities due to the shared design DNA. Technical support and historical documentation can often be found through the Ontario Yachts Facebook Page, which remains the modern contact point for the company’s legacy. For specific design history, the archives of Canadian Yachting Magazine provide occasional historical profiles on the builder’s evolution and their collaboration with George Cuthbertson.

The Verdict

The Ontario 38 is a "sailor’s cruiser"—a rare, overbuilt vessel that offers a level of craftsmanship and performance rarely found in modern boats of the same length. It is ideally suited for a couple looking for a sophisticated, traditional yacht capable of both club racing and serious offshore cruising.

Pros:

• Exceptional build quality and high-end teak joinery.
• Superior upwind performance and stability designed by George Cuthbertson.
• Spacious, ergonomic interior with true liveaboard headroom.
• Robust construction suitable for blue-water passages.

Cons:

• Rare availability; finding one on the market can take years.
• Balsa-cored decks require diligent moisture maintenance.
• Systems (wiring/plumbing) on most hulls will likely require modernization.