Taylor 38 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Taylor 38 is defined by its responsiveness and its ability to maintain high average speeds in light to moderate air, a hallmark of Jim Taylor’s design philosophy. According to technical insights from Jim Taylor Yacht Design, the hull features a relatively narrow beam compared to modern high-volume cruisers, which reduces wetted surface area and allows for exceptional upwind pointing angles. The yacht typically employs a high-aspect fractional rig with a large mainsail, providing a powerful sail-area-to-displacement ratio that ensures the boat "powers up" in as little as five knots of true wind.

Handling is characterized by a high degree of "feel" through the helm, attributed to a large, balanced spade rudder that offers immediate feedback. Unlike many boats of its era that suffer from significant weather helm when pressed, the Taylor 38 remains remarkably neutral. Owners often report that the boat tracks with precision, requiring minimal correction even when sailing at high heel angles. The yacht’s sea-kindliness is a result of a well-distributed displacement and a moderate entry that slices through chop rather than pounding over it, making it a viable contender for offshore races like the Newport Bermuda or the Marblehead to Halifax.

Interior Comfort & Variations

While the exterior suggests a racing pedigree, the interior of the Taylor 38 reflects the woodworking heritage of Andy Wiggers. As a builder who honed his skills at Whitby Boat Works, Wiggers ensured the 38 was finished to a standard rarely seen in production yachts. The cabin is typically appointed in book-matched teak or cherry, with hand-fitted joinery that minimizes creaks while under strain. The layout is a classic offshore configuration, featuring a dedicated navigation station, a functional galley designed for use at sea, and a comfortable salon with settee berths.

Variations of the model were often semi-custom, as Wiggers collaborated closely with buyers to tailor the layout. Some versions feature a more traditional V-berth forward, while others were optimized for racing with lighter-weight cabinetry and increased sail storage. The Taylor 38 shares much of its DNA with its larger sibling, the Taylor 40, which was built on a similar design philosophy but offered increased headroom and a second head. Another notable sibling is the Taylor 42, which gained significant fame in the IMS racing circuit. The 38 remains the more accessible of the trio, favored by couples who desire the speed of a Grand Prix racer without the requirement of a large crew.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Taylor 38 should approach the purchase with an eye toward the specialized nature of its construction. Because these boats were built to a higher standard than production models, the issues are often related to age and maintenance rather than inherent design flaws.

1. Rudder Bearing Wear: Given the high loads placed on the spade rudder during performance sailing, the upper and lower bearings should be inspected for play. Any "thumping" at the helm usually indicates the need for sleeve replacement.
2. Chainplate Sealing: Like many performance yachts with high rig tension, the chainplates are subject to significant stress. Buyers should check the bulkheads below the chainplates for any signs of moisture ingress or "weeping" that could indicate compromised sealant or core rot in the surrounding deck.
3. Balsa Core Integrity: Wiggers utilized high-quality vacuum-bagging techniques, but the decks are balsa-cored for stiffness and weight savings. Any aftermarket hardware installations that were not properly "potted" in epoxy could lead to localized delamination. A thorough percussion sounding of the deck is mandatory.
4. Engine Access: While the Yanmar diesel engines typically found in these models are reliable, the compact engine box—designed to keep weight centralized—can make routine maintenance like impeller changes or belt tensioning difficult.

Community & Resources

The primary technical authority for the Taylor 38 remains Jim Taylor Yacht Design, which maintains archives on many of the custom and semi-custom projects built by Wiggers. While there is no formal "class association" due to the limited production numbers, the Taylor 38 community is tightly knit, often congregating around the Port Darlington and Oshawa areas where the boats were originally built. Technical support for structural repairs or refurbishments is still sought from the original builder, Wiggers Custom Yachts, which continues to operate in Bowmanville, Ontario.

The Verdict

The Taylor 38 is an "economies of excellence" yacht—a vessel for the sailor who values build quality and sailing sensations over maximum interior volume. It remains a benchmark for what a Canadian custom builder can achieve when paired with a world-class designer.

Pros

• Exceptional Build Quality: Wiggers’ interior joinery is among the best in the industry.
• Superior Light-Air Performance: Easily outpaces modern "fat" cruisers in typical summer conditions.
• Timeless Aesthetics: The Jim Taylor lines remain elegant and do not appear dated compared to modern "wedge-shaped" hulls.

Cons

• Deep Draft: The performance keel may limit access to shallower cruising grounds and "thin water" marinas.
• Limited Interior Volume: Narrower beam and lower freeboard result in less living space than a contemporary 38-foot production boat.
• Rarity: Low production numbers mean very few hit the market, and they often command a premium price.