Sailing Performance & Handling
The Panda 38 is a heavy-displacement cruiser with a full keel and a protected rudder, a configuration that prioritizes directional stability over raw speed. With a displacement of approximately 20,000 lbs and a high displacement-to-length ratio, the hull is designed to "punch through" chop rather than bounce over it. This mass provides a comfortable, low-frequency motion that reduces crew fatigue during multi-day passages.
Under sail, the Panda 38 typically carries a cutter rig, which offers a versatile range of sail combinations. In heavy air, the ability to reef the main and fly a staysail allows the boat to remain balanced and manageable. While its light-air performance is hampered by its weight and significant wetted surface area, the boat finds its stride in 15 to 25 knots of wind. The cutaway forefoot on the keel helps the Panda 38 track better than a traditional full-keel boat while remaining easier to maneuver in tight quarters than its larger sibling, the Panda 40. Owners often report that the boat "sails on rails" once the sheets are trimmed, requiring minimal input from an autopilot or windvane.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the Panda 38 is a showcase of Ta Shing’s legendary woodworking. Utilizing high-grade teak throughout, the cabinetry is often hand-joined with a level of detail rarely seen in modern production boats. The layout typically features a large V-berth or a Pullman-style berth forward, a central salon with a U-shaped settee and a straight settee opposite, and a well-appointed galley near the companionway for optimal ventilation.
A defining characteristic of the Panda 38 is its generous storage, which was designed specifically for liveaboard cruising. Deep lockers, hanging lockers with louvered doors, and extensive bilge storage allow for the stowage of provisions and spares necessary for ocean crossings. Variations of the 38 occasionally surface with different navigation station configurations, but the core "Traditional" aesthetic remains consistent across the production run. The use of bronze opening ports provides both a classic look and excellent cross-ventilation, a necessity for tropical cruising.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should approach the Panda 38 with a checklist focused on the common vulnerabilities of Taiwan-built yachts from this era:
- Teak Deck Condition: Like many Ta Shing builds of the 1980s, the teak decks were often fastened with hundreds of screws. Over time, the bedding compound can fail, leading to water intrusion into the sub-deck core. Inspect for "bouncing" deck sections or brown staining on the interior headliner.
- Fuel and Water Tanks: The original tanks were often constructed of black iron (fuel) or stainless steel (water) and were sometimes glassed into the hull structure. Corrosion at the bottom of these tanks is a known issue, and replacement can be a major "engine-out" project.
- Chainplates: The stainless steel chainplates are subjected to cyclic loading and can suffer from crevice corrosion where they pass through the deck. A thorough inspection of the deck seals and the metal integrity is mandatory.
- Chain Locker Drainage: Some owners have noted that the drainage for the anchor locker can become clogged, leading to standing water and potential rot in the forward bulkhead.
- Mast Step: Check the mast step for signs of compression or corrosion, particularly if the boat has been raced or pushed hard in heavy seas.
Community & Resources
Owners of the Panda 38 benefit from a robust and knowledgeable community of Ta Shing enthusiasts. The most prominent resource is the Baba, Panda, Tashiba (BPT) Owners Group, which serves as a technical clearinghouse for maintenance and restoration advice. Additionally, because Robert Perry remains an active figure in the sailing community, technical drawings and design insights are occasionally available directly through his studio or through published retrospectives of his work.
The Verdict
The Panda 38 is a "forever boat" for the cruiser who values craftsmanship and seaworthiness over modern planing performance. While it requires a commitment to maintaining its extensive brightwork and aging systems, its ability to carry a crew safely across any ocean is undisputed.
Pros:
- Exquisite Ta Shing joinery and build quality.
- Exceptional heavy-weather stability and tracking.
- True bluewater tankage and storage capacities.
- Classic, timeless Robert Perry lines.
Cons:
- Maintenance-intensive teak decks and exterior brightwork.
- Sluggish performance in light winds (under 10 knots).
- Potential for expensive tank and chainplate replacements due to age.
