This design was commissioned by a couple who wanted a coastwise cruiser with some offshore ability. It is based on an earlier 38 ‘scout’ boat which has been working with the west coast (Canada) fishing fleet on a year round basis since 1988.

The hull is of welded aluminum construction with scantlings in conformance with American Bureau of Shipping rules. The bottom and sides are conically developed with performance, maneuvering, and directional stability enhanced by chine flats, moderated bottom deadrise variance, and high-lift rudders. To reduce draft and shaft angle, the design features partial tunnels for the propellers.

The owner (who also owns a sailboat) reports that the vessel tracks well in all sea states and headings and can maintain cruising speed (20 knots) in all but the worst of conditions.

The superstructure is of aluminum and outfitted with heavy duty windows, doors, and hatches. Unlike many vessels which have the engine room vents on the hull side, this design has adopted the commercial system with vents at the house side: This achieves a higher angle of downflooding and hence a greater safety margin.

The interior layout features all the best appointments needed for extensive cruising. Of note is the large, well equipped galley with double sink, stove, and freezer (with second access from cockpit). Opposite is the settee with table, which can be converted to a double (extension) berth for ‘visitors’. Forward is the master stateroom with ‘head’, locker, and berth(s).

All steering is done from the flying bridge which is enclosed with a ‘Bimini’ shelter. Should inside controls be required they can be located in place of the starboard settee, forward of the galley.

The cockpit is large enough (9′ long) for fishing and entertaining. Aft is the 3′ wide boarding platform to facilitate loading and boarding from dinghy or dockside.