Sailing Performance & Handling
The Tailwind 38 was engineered for the demanding conditions of the North Sea and the English Channel, featuring a deep fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder that prioritize directional stability over the frantic maneuverability of modern light-displacement hulls. According to technical archives maintained by the Hurley Owners Association, the design leans heavily on Ian Anderson’s philosophy of "sea-kindliness," ensuring the hull remains balanced even when pressed hard under a large headsail.
With a Displacement/Length ratio that places it firmly in the medium-heavy category, the Tailwind 38 is not a light-air specialist; however, once the wind speed climbs above 12 knots, the hull’s momentum and generous waterline length (approximately 29 feet) allow it to power through chop with minimal slamming. Handling is described by owners as "heavy but honest," meaning the feedback through the wheel provides a clear sense of the boat’s trim. Its IOR influence is visible in the tumblehome and the relatively narrow ends, which contribute to its ability to track well when reaching, though it requires timely reefing to prevent the weather helm common to 1970s performance designs.
Interior Comfort & Variations
Unlike its smaller siblings, which often struggled with headroom, the Tailwind 38 offers a voluminous interior that takes full advantage of its 12-foot beam. The layout is traditional for its era, featuring a dedicated forward V-berth, a spacious main saloon with a folding central table, and a legitimate navigation station to starboard. The use of heavy teak joinery and thick fiberglass laminates creates an environment that feels secure and quiet while underway.
The most notable sibling to the Tailwind 38 is the Tailwind 36, which utilized a similar hull form but with a shortened transom. While the 38-foot version was the premium offering, a few custom interior variations exist, as Hurley Marine was known to accommodate owner requests for specific galley configurations or additional pilot berths during the boat's limited production run. The interior is often cited for its massive storage capacity, a byproduct of the deep hull sections designed to house heavy tankage low in the vessel.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should approach a Tailwind 38 with a focus on the structural integrity typical of 1970s fiberglass construction. While the hulls are notoriously overbuilt, the following areas require scrutiny:
- Deck Delamination: Like many boats of this vintage, the Tailwind 38 utilized a balsa or foam core in the deck. Moisture ingress around the stanchion bases or chainplates can lead to soft spots that require expensive "surgical" repair.
- Keel Bolt Integrity: Given its performance pedigree, some Tailwind 38s were campaigned in offshore races. It is essential to inspect the floors and the internal grid for signs of stress or movement around the keel-to-hull joint.
- Engine Access: While the engine is centrally located for weight distribution, access for routine maintenance (such as impeller changes) can be cramped, as Ian Anderson designs often prioritized cabin volume over mechanical serviceability.
- Osmotic Blistering: While Hurley used high-quality resins for the era, any hull that has spent decades in the water without a modern epoxy barrier coat should be surveyed for osmosis.
Community & Resources
The primary repository for technical drawings, sail plans, and historical data for this model is the Hurley Owners Association. This group is exceptionally active in the United Kingdom and provides a vital link for owners seeking to source replacement parts or advice on restoring Ian Anderson’s larger designs.
The Verdict
The Tailwind 38 is a "sailor’s sailboat," offering a level of offshore security and aesthetic grace that is increasingly rare in the era of high-volume, flat-bottomed production cruisers. It is a vessel designed for the passage, not just the destination.
Pros:
- Exceptional heavy-weather stability and tracking.
- Timeless Ian Anderson lines that stand out in any marina.
- Robust, "overbuilt" fiberglass layup providing peace of mind for blue-water crossings.
- Spacious, traditional interior suitable for long-term live-aboard use.
Cons:
- Heavier steering compared to modern spade-rudder designs.
- Requires a larger crew or powered winches to manage the high-overlap headsails.
- Maintenance-intensive exterior teak on many well-preserved examples.
- Limited availability on the secondary market due to low production numbers.
