Admiral 38 - Some random thoughts

[bvimatelot]

I have just finished delivering an Admiral 38 from Greece to Delaware (via Sicily, Gibraltar, Canaries and Bermuda) and offer some random thoughts on this South African built cat.

PROs

Strongly built, one always felt confident that she could handle just about anything the sea and wind would throw at it. This passage only had a maximum of 43 knots true wind and maybe 15-18 foot seas (I always find it difficult to estimate wave height and would hate to exaggerate).

Internal Layout: well thought out with a good "galley-up". This was the 4 cabin version and the cabins and 2 heads were more than adequate. She has a nicely clear electrical panel and everything inboard is "get at-able".

Her internal storeage space is more than sufficient for a long passage and she has excellent Freezer and Fridge capacities.

CONs

External Layout. The ergonomics are not ideal, with narrow side decks and hand holds not very well positioned. The primary winches are set too far aft of the steering position on both sides, so single-handed tacking or gybing makes you run around rather more than should be necessary. the main sail winch serves the sheet and traveller (not always needed for the traveller...but sometimes!) and are just a tad too far forward of the helmsman's position. With a hard bimini (mind your head - but you'll probably only bang it a couple of times) you have to leave the wheel to be able to lean out to check your mainsail trim.

I personally would not buy one but that's just me. Overall, however, her sea-kindliness was her major advantage.

Tony

[Seafari]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Tony. The Admiral 38 is one of the boats that I want to look at in more detail.