Nicholson 38 Classic Long Keel Ketch Rigged Cruiser built circa 1968 and fitted with a Perkins 500 series 53hp inboard diesel REBUILD 2022. New Windlass, New Furler, 7 berths in 2 cabins, cabin heating. lying ashore Bangor

NEW LISTING

Overview

The Nicholson 38 is a classic, ocean-capable cruising yacht built by Camper & Nicholsons. Designed by Ray Wall, it has earned a reputation for exceptional seaworthiness, solid construction, and timeless lines. Ideal for serious cruising or comfortable liveaboard use, the Nicholson 38 combines traditional craftsmanship with dependable offshore performance.

Principal Dimensions

• Length Overall (LOA): 37 ft 6 in (11.43 m)


• Length Waterline (LWL): ~30 ft (9.14 m)


• Beam: 11 ft 3 in (3.43 m)


• Draft: 6 ft 3 in (1.90 m)


• Displacement: approx. 22,000 lbs (9,980 kg)


• Ballast: approx. 9,000 lbs (4,080 kg)


• Wheel Steering

Construction

• Heavy-duty GRP hull with hand-laid laminate


• Encapsulated long keel for strength and directional stability


• Skeg-hung rudder for protection and control


• Teak-laid decks


• Renowned for robust offshore build quality

Engine & Systems

• Fitted with a Perkins 500 series 53hp diesel inboard engine Full rebuild in 2022(last Service 2025)


• Shaft drive propulsion to a 3 bladed propellor


• Fuel capacity: approx. 45–60 gallons


• Fresh water capacity: approx. 120 gallons


• 12V onboard electrical system - 2 solar panels -


• Only 50hrs running time

Accommodation

• The Nicholson 38 offers a warm, traditional interior with quality joinery throughout:


• Forward cabin: V-berth with infill and storage


• Eberspacher cabin heating


• Saloon:
  
  
  
  • Seating to port & starbord
  
  
  • Plus additional cott berth to starboard
  
  
  • Large folding central table
  
  
  • Lots of Storage
  
  


• Galley:
  
  
  
  • Equipped with Plastimo stove/oven,
  
  
  • Fridge
  
  
  • Pressurised hot and cold water
  
  
  • Sink
  
  


• Navigation station:
  
  
  
  • Dedicated chart table and instrumentation
  
  


• Heads:
  
  
  
  • Marine toilet forward and to starboard . also second toilet in the aft cabin
  
  
  • Basin in both
  
  
  • Shower in forward heads
  
  


• Aft cabin:
  
  
  
  • Enclosed aft cabin with heads
  
  


• Sleeps 7

Rig & Sailing Characteristics

• Strong, predictable sailing performance


• Excels in heavy weather and long-distance cruising


• Easy motion at sea thanks to displacement and hull shape


• Aluminum mast and boom.
  
  
  
  • 1 main sail
  
  
  • 1 Mizzen sail
  
  
  • Several Furling Sails
  
  
  • New Furler fitted
  
  
  • Self tailing winches
  
  

Deck & Equipment

• Spacious cockpit with deep coamings for security


• Wheel steering


• Anchor locker and bow roller


• Anchor Chain & Warp


• Cockpit Enclosure


• Beaching legs


• New Electric Windlass

Navigation electronics

• Compass


• Echosounder


• Radar Furuno


• Laurance Chartplotter


• Garmin GPS


• Navman Speed Log & Depth


• Radio


• DSC VHF


• Raymarine Autopilot


• Radar Reflector


• Navigation lghts


• Navtex

Safety Equipment

• Gas Detector


• Lifebuoys


• Barometer


• Danbuoy


• Jackstays


• Liferaft


• Safety Harness


• Bilge pumps electric and manual

Key Features

• Proven bluewater cruiser pedigree


• Exceptional build strength and durability


• Classic styling with teak interior


• Stable, forgiving sailing characteristics


• Strong resale appeal among traditional yacht enthusiasts

Summary

The Nicholson 38 is a serious cruising yacht for sailors who value reliability, comfort, and offshore capability over modern lightweight performance. Whether crossing oceans or coastal cruising, it remains one of the most respected classic yachts in its class.