1986 Hans Christian 38

Step below and you immediately notice how dry and sweet the bilge smells, a good sign on any bluewater boat. The teak joinery has that deep, warm patina you only get after decades of careful ownership, and the updated upholstery and lighting keep it from feeling dark or dated. The nav station is truly a working nerve center, with space to spread real paper charts and still have room for tools and spares. In the galley, the dual Adler Barbour systems and front‑loading freezer are a game-changer for long passages. Between the windvane, solar, and wind generator, this is a boat you can actually take off the dock and keep off the dock.

A Hans Christian 38 excels where conditions change quickly and comfort matters as much as speed. The full keel and heavy displacement inspire confidence when the forecast shifts, while the generous tankage and robust electrical system reduce the need for frequent marina stops. Reverse-cycle heat and air, plus the full cockpit enclosure, make shoulder seasons and squally days far more pleasant. With multiple redundant navigation systems, serious ground tackle, and true offshore steering options, this is a cruiser that’s at home in exposed coastal stretches, open sounds, and longer offshore hops, yet still compact enough to tuck into snug harbors and crowded anchorages.