Warwick CT-38 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Unlike the long-keeled CT-41, the Warwick CT-38 features a more contemporary underbody, typically utilizing a deep fin keel and a large skeg-hung rudder. This configuration significantly reduces wetted surface area, allowing the boat to track well while remaining responsive to the helm. According to historical design notes from Warwick Yacht Design, Alan Warwick’s hulls were engineered to handle the rigorous conditions of the Tasman Sea, which translates to a stiff, sea-kindly motion in the open ocean.

The boat’s Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio sits in the medium-heavy category, providing enough mass to punch through a chop, yet the relatively high ballast-to-displacement ratio ensures it can carry sail late into a rising breeze. Owners often report that the CT-38 excels on a reach, where the flat sections aft of the keel help the boat maintain stability and speed. While it lacks the extreme light-air agility of a modern racing yacht, it is a formidable performer compared to other heavy-displacement cruisers of the same vintage, particularly when beating to weather—a point of sail where traditional Ta Chiao models often struggle.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the CT-38 is a showcase of Ta Chiao’s legendary woodworking capabilities. The cabin is typically swathed in solid teak and high-quality veneers, featuring hand-rubbed finishes that create a warm, classic atmosphere. The standard layout focuses on offshore practicality, including a deep U-shaped galley located near the companionway for stability at sea and a dedicated forward-facing navigation station.

Accommodation usually consists of a large V-berth forward and a sizable quarter berth or a dedicated aft cabin, depending on the specific production year and owner specifications. Headroom is generous, often exceeding 6'3" in the main salon, which features a mix of settee seating and a central drop-leaf table.

The CT-38 shares its DNA with a larger sibling, the Warwick-designed CT-46. While the 46-foot version offers more expansive longitudinal space and often a center-cockpit configuration, the 38 remains the preferred choice for couples or solo sailors due to its manageable sail plan and lower maintenance overhead. Another variant often discussed in relation to this hull is the "Warwick 38" built by other yards, but the Ta Chiao version is specifically noted for its heavier scantlings and superior interior joinery.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Warwick CT-38 must account for the common "Taiwanese boat" maintenance requirements of the late 20th century. While the hulls are generally overbuilt solid fiberglass, specific technical areas require scrutiny:

• Teak Deck Integrity: Most CT-38s were delivered with thick teak decks fastened with screws into a balsa or foam-cored sub-deck. Over decades, these screws can allow water to penetrate the core. Buyers should check for "soft spots" and signs of delamination or water intrusion in the headliner below.
• Chainplates and Standing Rigging: Because Ta Chiao utilized stainless steel components that were sometimes sourced locally, internal crevice corrosion in the chainplates—where they pass through the deck—is a known issue. A thorough inspection of the swage fittings and the chainplate knees is essential.
• Fuel and Water Tanks: The original tanks were often constructed of black iron (fuel) or stainless steel (water) and glassed into the structure. Replacing these tanks can be a labor-intensive project, often requiring the removal of portions of the cabin sole or cabinetry.
• Osmotic Blistering: Like many boats from the early 1980s, the CT-38 can be prone to hull blistering. While rarely structural in these thick laminates, it is a significant factor in valuation and long-term maintenance planning.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Warwick CT-38 often congregate within the broader Ta Chiao and "CT" owner communities. While there is no exclusive Warwick 38 association, the Ta Chiao Owners Group and various "Taiwanese Boat" technical forums provide a wealth of shared knowledge regarding refit projects and parts sourcing. These communities are vital for owners looking to replicate original hardware or seeking advice on navigating the specific plumbing and electrical quirks of these hand-built vessels.

The Verdict

The Warwick CT-38 is a "sailor's Ta Chiao," offering a successful marriage of New Zealand performance design and Eastern craftsmanship. It is an ideal vessel for the cruiser who appreciates the aesthetic of a classic yacht but demands better-than-average performance when the wind turns foul.

Pros:

• Exceptional Joinery: The interior woodwork is of a quality rarely seen in modern production boats.
• Ocean-Ready: Designed by Alan Warwick for heavy-weather performance and offshore safety.
• Balanced Handling: The skeg-and-fin configuration provides a good balance of tracking and maneuverability.

Cons:

• Maintenance Intensive: Teak decks and aging metal tanks require significant upkeep or expensive replacement.
• Weight: It is heavy for its size, requiring a fair amount of breeze to truly "wake up" the hull.
• Complexity: The intricate interior can make accessing systems (plumbing/wiring) difficult for DIY repairs.