HANS CHRISTIAN 38T (TELSTAR KEEL)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 37.92 ft |
| LWL | 33 ft |
| Beam | 12.33 ft |
| Draft | 6 ft |
| Displacement | 27,500 lb |
| Ballast | 9,801 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.7 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 49.5 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 22 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 44.8 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 15.3 ft |
| FLforestay | 22 ft |
| Mainsail | 914.6 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 544.5 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 925.7 sq ft |
About the HANS CHRISTIAN 38T (TELSTAR KEEL)
Three versions of the HC 38 were produced though basic dimensions were similar. One version was designated the 'Traditional Cutter' or HANS CHRISTIAN 38T. Another version, usually referred to as the HANS CHRISTIAN 38 MKII (introduced in 1978 and built at another yard), has a slightly different hull shape, rig and interior. A few of both versions were delivered with a ketch rig. This version has a new underbody (with separate rudder on skeg) called the 'telstar keel' and was introduced in 1984. (Available on HC 38T only.) See HANS CHRISTIAN 38T for more details. Altogether, it is thought that around 210 HANS CHRISTIAN 38s were built. Thanks to Steve Cleary for providing corrections.
The Hans Christian 38T (Telstar Keel) is a heavy-displacement cutter designed by Harwood Ives and built by Anderson Yachts Ltd. in Taiwan, with production records indicating a build year of 1976. With a displacement of 27500.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 43.44, this vessel is engineered for stability and seakeeping rather than high-speed planing.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for experienced coastal cruisers and bluewater passagemakers who prioritize motion comfort and offshore durability over rapid acceleration. Its heavy displacement and cutter rig make it particularly appealing to those seeking a robust, traditional cruising platform.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.64 and a displacement of 27500.0 lb, the 38T demonstrates strong offshore suitability, though owners report keel smile and sump cracking issues that require careful structural inspection.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include the Tartan 38 and the O'Day 38, as they share similar heavy-displacement characteristics and cutter rigs from the same era. These boats offer similar interior volumes and offshore capabilities, making them direct competitors in the used market.
Direct variant of the HANS CHRISTIAN 38T (TELSTAR KEEL)
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 37.92ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
7 reported issues across 5 systems for the HANS CHRISTIAN 38T (TELSTAR KEEL), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a HANS CHRISTIAN 38T (TELSTAR KEEL)? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 7 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
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Used sails that fit the HANS CHRISTIAN 38T (TELSTAR KEEL)
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