Tripp 38 Information, Review, Specs

The yacht is a direct evolution of the successful Tripp 37, often seen as a more refined, volume-rich sibling that optimized the burgeoning IMS rule. While the 37 focused heavily on upwind performance, the Tripp 38 balanced these traits with improved reaching and running capabilities. Holby Marine utilized advanced construction techniques for the era, often employing vacuum-bagged cores and E-glass reinforcements to ensure a high strength-to-weight ratio. This meticulous build process, documented in the archives of Tripp Design, allowed the vessel to maintain a competitive displacement-to-length ratio while providing a much more rigid platform than contemporary mass-production models.

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Tripp 38 is defined by its balance and sensitivity. Bill Tripp’s design philosophy for this model prioritized a high-aspect-ratio sail plan and a deep, high-performance fin keel (often featuring a lead bulb), which provides the righting moment necessary to carry a powerful rig. With a Sail Area-to-Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio typically hovering in the low-to-mid 20s, the boat is exceptionally lively in light air, a trait frequently praised in regional PHRF and IMS racing circles.

The boat tracks with precision, owing to its deep spade rudder and relatively narrow waterline. Unlike the "twitchy" nature of pure IOR designs, the Tripp 38 exhibits a more linear power curve; as the breeze increases, the hull remains predictable rather than loading up the helm excessively. Sailors often note that the boat rewards active trimming, particularly with the fractional rig that allows for significant mast bend to flatten the mainsail in gusts. While it is a performance-oriented hull, the motion in a seaway is surprisingly dampened, a testament to the structural rigidity provided by Holby Marine’s core-cell or balsa-cored laminates.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Unlike many "stripped-out" racers of the late 80s and early 90s, the Tripp 38 was built with a genuine interior that reflects Holby Marine’s Rhode Island craftsmanship. The layout is typically traditional but executed with high-grade materials like teak or cherry. A standard configuration includes a comfortable V-berth forward, a central salon with settee berths, and a functional galley and navigation station flanking the companionway.

A key variation among Tripp 38s is the level of "racer" vs. "cruiser" finish. Because Holby Marine operated as a semi-custom builder, some hulls were delivered with lighter, more minimalist interiors to save weight for grand prix competition, while others feature rich wood cabinetry and pressurized water systems for comfortable weekend voyages. The "IMS 40" and "Tripp 41" siblings often share this DNA, though the 38 is frequently cited as the most manageable size for a husband-and-wife team to handle without a full racing crew. Headroom is generous for a boat of this pedigree, often exceeding six feet in the main cabin, which differentiates it from the flatter, more cramped decks of pure racing shells.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners should approach a Tripp 38 with the understanding that it is a high-performance machine that requires diligent maintenance.

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many Holby builds, the decks are cored for weight savings. Areas around high-load hardware (winches, genoa tracks) must be inspected with a moisture meter and percussion hammer to ensure no water ingress has softened the core.
• Keel-to-Hull Joint: Given its racing pedigree, the "Tripp Smile"—a small crack at the leading edge of the keel-to-stub joint—should be inspected. While often cosmetic, it can indicate the need for re-torquing keel bolts or addressing historical groundings.
• Rod Rigging: Most Tripp 38s were equipped with Nitronic 50 rod rigging. If the rigging is more than 10-12 years old, it should be professionally inspected or replaced, as rod rigging can fail without the visible fraying seen in wire rigging.
• Rudder Bearings: The high-aspect spade rudder puts significant stress on its bearings. Any "slop" or vibration in the wheel can indicate that the bearings are due for replacement.

Community & Resources

The primary technical resource for this model remains Tripp Design, where archival data and original design philosophies are maintained. Owners also frequently interact through regional performance handicap racing fleets, such as PHRF-NE (New England), where the boat’s rating history and performance data are well-documented. While there is no longer a dedicated "one-design" association, the shared lineage with the Tripp 37 and Tripp 41 means owners often find community within broader Bill Tripp design forums and Rhode Island-based yacht clubs.

The Verdict

The Tripp 38 is an "expert’s boat" that manages to be both a formidable weapon on the racecourse and a dignified coastal cruiser. It is a relic of an era where speed and beauty were not mutually exclusive.

Pros:

• Exceptional Speed: Dominates in light-to-moderate air and remains competitive in modern handicap fleets.
• Build Quality: Holby Marine’s construction is significantly more robust and lighter than production-line competitors.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Clean, timeless lines that avoid the dated look of many 1980s designs.

Cons:

• Maintenance Requirements: High-performance components (rod rigging, cored hulls) require more expensive upkeep.
• Draft: The deep keel, while great for performance, limits access to some shallow cruising grounds and gunkholes.
• Complexity: The fractional rig and sophisticated sail controls may be overwhelming for novice sailors.