Wauquiez Hood 38 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Hood 38 is a heavy-displacement cruiser that prioritizes motion comfort and sea-kindliness over raw light-wind agility. With a displacement-to-length ratio typically exceeding 300, the hull is designed to "smooth out" a confused sea state, making it an exceptional choice for long-range passage making. Its most defining technical feature is the centerboard configuration. With the board up, the boat draws only approximately 4'6", allowing access to shallow Caribbean or Bahamian anchorages. When the board is fully extended to nearly 11 feet, the yacht gains significant lift and tracking ability, allowing it to point surprisingly well for a vessel of its era and weight.

Under sail, the boat feels exceptionally balanced. Handling anecdotes often highlight its ability to track as if on rails, even in heavy weather. The heavy displacement and relatively high ballast ratio provide high initial stability, meaning the boat stands up well to its canvas before requiring a reef. According to technical assessments in editorial reviews from the era, the Hood 38 excels on a reach, where its momentum and generous sail area allow it to maintain high average speeds. However, the large wetted surface area inherent in the "whale-bottom" design means it requires a decent breeze to get moving; in winds under 8 knots, the boat can feel sluggish compared to modern performance cruisers.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Wauquiez gained its reputation largely through its interior joinery, and the Hood 38 is a showcase of traditional French woodworking. The cabin is typically finished in rich, high-grade teak with a level of fit and finish rarely seen in mass-produced boats. The layout is classical: a large V-berth forward, a main salon with a folding centerline table, and a functional U-shaped galley to port of the companionway. Because these boats were intended for offshore work, the interior is replete with secure handholds and deep, seaworthy bins for storage.

There are two primary variations of the model: the Mk I and the Mk II. The Mk I often features a more traditional "pilot berth" arrangement in the salon, which provides excellent sleeping quarters at sea but can make the salon feel slightly more enclosed. The Mk II variants generally moved toward more storage cabinetry in the salon and sometimes featured updates to the cockpit ergonomics and rig height. Some rare versions were built with a fixed deep keel rather than the centerboard, though these are significantly less common on the secondary market. The interior remains highly prized for its "old-world" feel, characterized by solid wood soles and heavy bronze portlights that underscore the vessel's durability.

Sibling Models

The Hood 38 shares a strong DNA with other Ted Hood designs of the same era, most notably the Bristol 38.8. While the Bristol 38.8 was built in the United States, the Wauquiez version is often cited by researchers as having superior interior finishing and a slightly more robust hull layup. Another "sibling" in design spirit is the Little Harbor 38, which was Ted Hood’s own premium brand; the Wauquiez Hood 38 served as a slightly more accessible but equally seaworthy alternative to the ultra-luxury Little Harbor line.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Wauquiez Hood 38 with a focus on its complex mechanical systems. The primary "gotcha" for this model is the centerboard assembly. The pivot pin, lifting cable, and the trunk itself require periodic inspection; if the board has been allowed to bang in the trunk due to worn bushings, repairs can be labor-intensive and expensive.

Additionally, while Wauquiez used high-quality resins, boats of this vintage are not immune to osmotic blistering, and a bottom survey is essential. The original teak decks, if present, are another significant concern. They were often screwed into the sub-deck, leading to potential core saturation if the bungs and caulking have failed over forty years. Buyers should also inspect the engine—originally often a Perkins 4.108—for signs of rear seal leaks and cooling system corrosion. Finally, the mast step and chainplates should be scrutinized, as the heavy rig loads of an offshore cruiser can cause fatigue in these areas over several decades of use.

Community & Resources

The Hood 38 benefits from a dedicated following within the Wauquiez Forever association, an organization founded to preserve the legacy of Henri Wauquiez’s yachts. This group provides a repository of technical drawings and historical data that is invaluable for restoration projects. Owners also frequently congregate on technical forums such as CruisersForum to share specific modifications for the Ted Hood centerboard system.

The Verdict

The Wauquiez Hood 38 remains a premier choice for the traditionalist sailor who values safety and craftsmanship over modern "condo-maran" volume. It is a boat that rewards a skilled hand and provides a sense of security in heavy weather that few modern 38-footers can match.

Pros:

• Exceptional Build Quality: Superior teak joinery and a robust, hand-laid fiberglass hull.
• Versatile Draft: The centerboard design allows for both deep-water performance and shallow-water exploration.
• Motion Comfort: A heavy displacement hull that handles offshore conditions with minimal stress on the crew.

Cons:

• Maintenance Intensity: The centerboard and aging teak decks require specialized and potentially costly upkeep.
• Light Air Performance: Significant wetted surface area makes it slow in light winds without a cruising spinnaker.
• Engine Access: Like many yachts of its era, the engine compartment can be cramped for major mechanical work.