HUGHES 38-2
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 38 ft |
| LWL | 27 ft |
| Beam | 10.17 ft |
| Draft | 6 ft |
| Displacement | 12,700 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.0 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 43.5 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 14.5 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 39.2 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 13.7 ft |
| FLforestay | 14.5 ft |
| Mainsail | 605.4 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 315.4 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 536.1 sq ft |
About the HUGHES 38-2
Salient differences from HUGHES 38-1: 'T' shaped cockpit, tall rig option, and number of changes to the interior. With the change of company ownership at this time, a name change to NORTH STAR 38. (S&S #1903)
The Hughes 38-2 is a Sparkman & Stephens designed cruising sloop built by Hughes Boatworks Ltd. in Canada between 1970 and 1971. With a displacement of 12700.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 29.49, this vessel represents a classic, heavy-displacement design from the early 1970s.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal and offshore cruisers who prioritize seakeeping comfort and stability over high-speed performance. Its substantial displacement and fin keel make it a stable platform for long-range cruising.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.75 and a displacement of 12700.0 lb, the Hughes 38-2 demonstrates strong offshore suitability and resistance to capsizing in heavy weather.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include other Sparkman & Stephens designs from the same era, such as the Tartan 38 or O'Day 38, which share similar heavy-displacement characteristics and cruising-oriented layouts. These boats offer similar comfort ratios and build quality for owners seeking a robust, traditional cruising experience.
Direct variant of the HUGHES 38-2
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
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the HUGHES 38-2 yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 38ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
We don't have enough data on the HUGHES 38-2yet to publish model-specific findings we'd stand behind — but here's a free general inspection checklist, built from our research into what actually goes wrong on boats of this kind.
Drawn from 7,029 documented issues across 2,391 models, ordered so the areas that most often turn up problems come first.
Own a HUGHES 38-2? Reports from owners are what turn this into a model-specific checklist — and they're the reason the boats above it have one.
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your HUGHES 38-2?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the HUGHES 38-2
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…