hughes 29 sailboat review

Review of Hughes 29

Basic specs..

The hull is made of fibreglass. Generally, a hull made of fibreglass requires only a minimum of maintenance during the sailing season. And outside the sailing season, just bottom cleaning and perhaps anti-fouling painting once a year - a few hours of work, that's all.

The boat equipped with a masthead rig. The advantage of a masthead rig is its simplicity and the fact that a given sail area - compared with a fractional rig - can be carried lower and thus with less heeling moment.

The Hughes 29 is equipped with a fin keel. The fin keel is the most common keel and provides splendid manoeuvrability. The downside is that it has less directional stability than a long keel.

The boat can enter even shallow marinas as the draft is just about 1.42 - 1.52 meter (4.66 - 4.96 ft) dependent on the load. See immersion rate below.

The boat is typically equipped with a Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine at 30 hp (22 kW). Calculated max speed is about 7.6 knots.

Sailing characteristics

This section covers widely used rules of thumb to describe the sailing characteristics. Please note that even though the calculations are correct, the interpretation of the results might not be valid for extreme boats.

What is Capsize Screening Formula (CSF)?

The capsize screening value for Hughes 29 is 1.75, indicating that this boat could - if evaluated by this formula alone - be accepted to participate in ocean races.

What is Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed?

The theoretical maximal speed of a displacement boat of this length is 6.4 knots. The term "Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed" is widely used even though a boat can sail faster. The term shall be interpreted as above the theoretical speed a great additional power is necessary for a small gain in speed.

The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for Hughes 29 is about 115 kg/cm, alternatively 649 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 115 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 649 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.

Sailing statistics

This section is statistical comparison with similar boats of the same category. The basis of the following statistical computations is our unique database with more than 26,000 different boat types and 350,000 data points.

What is Motion Comfort Ratio (MCR)?

What is L/B (Length Beam Ratio)?

What is a Ballast Ratio?

What is Displacement Length Ratio?

What is SA/D (Sail Area Displacement ratio)?

Maintenance

When buying anti-fouling bottom paint, it's nice to know how much to buy. The surface of the wet bottom is about 20m 2 (215 ft 2 ). Based on this, your favourite maritime shop can tell you the quantity you need.

Are your sails worn out? You might find your next sail here: Sails for Sale

If you need to renew parts of your running rig and is not quite sure of the dimensions, you may find the estimates computed below useful.

This section is reserved boat owner's modifications, improvements, etc. Here you might find (or contribute with) inspiration for your boat.

Do you have changes/improvements you would like to share? Upload a photo and describe what you have done.

We are always looking for new photos. If you can contribute with photos for Hughes 29 it would be a great help.

If you have any comments to the review, improvement suggestions, or the like, feel free to contact us . Criticism helps us to improve.

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• Sailboat Guide

Hughes Boat Works

Hughes Boat Works was founded by brothers, Howard and Peter Hughes and first located at Willowdale, Ontario, Canada, (near Toronto) where they built small dinghies. In 1965 the company moved to Scarborough, Ontario, and from 1965 to 1967 they built the HUGHES 24 (using tooling purchased from Tanzer Industries Ltd.), the HUGHES 27 (designed by Howard Hughes), and the HUGHES 38 (Sparkman & Stevens design #1903). In 1968 the company moved to Centralia, Ontario. The HUGHES 22, 25, and 29 (designed by Howard Hughes) went into production in 1968, as did the HUGHES 38 and HUGHES 48 (designed by Sparkman & Stevens in conjunction with Hughes). In 1969 the company was sold to US Steel. Both Hughes brothers stayed with the company until 1971. The name of the company was changed to Northstar Yachts Ltd. The Northstar line of sailboats were built to plans commissioned by Hughes Boat Works, most drawn by Sparkman and Stevens. From 1971 to 1974 the company built the NORTHSTAR 22, NORTHSTAR 500(S&S design #2135 ), NORTHSTAR 1000 (S&S design #2098-C6), NORTHSTAR 1500 (S&S design #2166), NORTHSTAR 38, and NORTHSTAR 80/20 (S&S design #2134). The 24 ft NS727 and the 30 ft N900 (both designed by Bruce Farr) were introduced in 1973. In 1977 Howard Hughes purchased Northstar Yachts and changed the name to Hughes Boatworks Inc. The NORTHSTAR 600 was modified and named the HUGHES 26. A new model called the HUGHES 27 was introduced. The NORTHSTAR 1000 was stretched (by extending the stern) and fattened and renamed the H31. The NORTHSTAR 1500 was renamed the HUGHES 35, the NORTHSTAR 38 was fitted with a new interior design and called the HUGHES 38-2, and the NORTHSTAR 80/20 was renamed the H40. A variant of the HORTHSTAR 35 was built by Coronado Yachts and called the CORONADO 36. In 1979 Hughes purchased Columbia Yachts and began building Columbia boats in Canada at the Huron Park factory under the name Hughes-Columbia. New models called the HUGHES-COLUMBIA 36, 8.3, 8.7 (motor sailer), 10.7, 11.8, 42, 48 (formerly SEAFARER 48) were introduced, while at the same time production of the HUGHES 26, 31, 35, 38, 40 (ketch) continued. All models were available fully finished or in kit form. In 1980 Hughes went into receivership and the factory was closed. Hughes sold Columbia Yachts to Aura Yachts, which was also based in Huron Park. Aura built their own versions of HUGHES 35, 40, COLUMBIA 7.6, 8.7 and 10.7 under the AURA name. A version of the HUGHES 35/AURA H35 was also built by South Hants Engineering in Great Britain (called the S.H.E. 36). South Hants Engineering may have also built some North Star 1500 variants, as the S.H.E. 1500. In 1986 Hughes bought his company back once again. (Orangeville, Ontario). A model called the HUGHES 41 was built (or at least advertised) during this period. A fire destroyed the factory in 1991, and no Hughes boats (or Columbia’s) have been built since that time. Hughes Boat Works Ltd. was the largest sailboat manufacturer in Canada for several years.

Associations

• Quarter Ton Class
• Half Ton Class
• Hughes 38 Site
• Hughes 29 Site
• Howard Hughes
• Sparkman & Stephens
• William H. Tripp Jr.
• William Shaw

29 sailboats built by Hughes Boat Works

Columbia 8.7

Columbia 8.3

Hinckley 38

North Star 1500/35

Hughes 38-2

North star 48.

Hughes 38-3

North Star 1000

North Star 80/20

Hughes 38-1

Hughes-Columbia 36

North Star 500

Hughes-columbia 27.

North Star 22

Hughes North Star 38

PJ-30 1/2 Ton

North Star 600

Columbia 7.6

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• Thread starter R & R
• Start date Apr 14, 2008
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• Ask All Sailors

Buying a used Hughes sailboat or a Catalina Looking to buy our first boat. We are considering a 1981 Hughes 31' or a l981 Hughes Columbia 29'. We have also been looking at Catalina 30'. The Catalina has more room inside than the Hughes. Wondering if you have any comments about either of the sailboats. Basically we would like some feedback or opinions from some Hughes owners.  

Bad Obsession

Can't comment on the Hughes But the Catalina is a very able boat. It is nice inside and sails well. The company is still in business and that means that parts are easy to aquire. There are a lot more of the around (most popluar 30 footer made). There is a good reason behind ths. I have had mine for two years and I love the boat. It has seen some nasty weather and gone through it just fine. I would say that you should look at both boats, write a list of positives and negatives for both boats, and buy the boat that fits your wants the best  

Thanks So you are happy with your Catalina. What about the Catalina smile -- we are hearing so much about that. Is it fixable or does it matter. We looked at 2 boat in Michigan - one smile was smaller than the other. The Hughes, I believe is Canadian made so I am sure there aren't too many in the States. Just trying to find out more about them.  

We had a visit from a friend the other night and we were talking about boat construction. Up until about 1960 most boats were built of wood to traditional shapes and amenities were added as they could be made to fit. The shapes were proven designs that sailed well and survived the sea well. From the early 1960's thru the mid 1970's the builders translated this to fiberglass. After that the builder started to build the amenities and fit the boats around the interior. I believe that a boater should buy the hull shape and style that will serve his needs and then find one that has the amenities that he would like to have.  

Hugh McCully

Try The Yahoo Group There is a Yahoo group for the Hughes 31.5. Group activity is up and down, but there are a group of owners there from whom you might get feedback. Worth a try.Some 31.5s were factory built, some were sold as DIY projects. Some are diesel, some are not. Generally, they are sturdily built.  

Rich (P303)

You should... look at Pearsons too. I don't think I ever herd of Hughes... even in Yacht World. I will have to look them up.Good time to buy a boat... take your time and look at many.  

sailortonyb Allied Mis

I had a Catalina 30 We lived aboard and coastal cruised it regularly. I loved my Catalina 30. We had the tall rig with the fin keel. It is a fun boat to sail, and that can not be said about a lot of other boats.In addition to what Bad Obsession said, the Catalina Owners website is very active and the factory is very helpful even with older boats. Mine was a 1984;I think that Catalina is the best built production boat.IMHOTony B  

Hughes Fatty Goodlander does a monthly column for Cruising World while he lives aboard sailing everywhere. He has a Hughes 38 and the fact he has done many offshore miles speaks for the boat. That makes me suspect that the Hughes line of boats are probably all pretty solid boats and are worth seriously looking into.  

Hughes Boats Were Well Built.. Hughes boat were very well built but current condition matters more than original build quality in many, many instances..Hughes began life as a small Canadian organization started in the mid to late 60's. The original owner, Howard Hughes, not to be confused with the rich one sold Huges to U.S. Steel during the sailboat boom of the 70's the name was changed from Hughes to Hughes/Northstar. Many, if not all, of the Hughes/Northstar boats were designed by Sparkman and Stevens including the 31. They were well built boats for their day and have stood the test of time well. many have been used for extended cruising and the construction lends itself well to holding up under those conditions. Bulkheads are glassed/tabbed to the hull and are not free floating like they are on a Catalina. Overall they are decent boats with quality similar to that of early Tartans. Keep in mind that Hughes boats were mostly designed as racer/cruisers, for their day, and S&S designed them to IOR specs so they can be squirmy down wind. Though the skeg hung rudder helps alleviates this somewhat.US Steel later sold the company again and I don't know who built them after US Steel/ Hughes/Northstar but I think it may have been called Hughes Boat Company.One of the Hughes 38's, they built a couple of different models of the 38, actually shared the same S&S designed hull with the Hinckley Competition 38 and Hinckley actually had Hughes lay up some of their hulls due to the quality of work coming out of Hughes (after US Steel)..I don't know much about the Hughes 31 other than to say it was probably well put together and the teak interior joinery will be far better than that of a Catalina. They have a stern quarter berth instead of a double and a skeg hung rudder which is a nice feature. Most that I've seen have mid boom sheeting..As for future re-sale the Catalina 30 may do better as it is the MOST POPULAR cruising boat ever built and one many people choose as their first "big boat". the Catalina also has a FAR better owners association as the Hughes owners assoc. is mostly no-existent. As Catalina's go the C-30 owners group is somewhat lacking when compared to the Catalina 34 & Catalina 36 groups (both of which are perhaps the best in the entire industry) but it's still better than most!All things being equal you MUST buy CONDITION first. Condition & maintenance is the single most important factor in boat buying and future re-sale, which WILL happen at some point. You'll have far more Catalina's to choose from, than Hughes, for condition, but if you buy a Catalina buy the cleanest & best maintained one you can possibly find. There are literally thousands of JUNK Catalina 30's out there clogging up the used boat market. Crappy ones are a dime a dozen and take FOREVER to sell DO NOT BUY A FIXER UPPER. Clean, well maintained boats in the top 10% of the market, condition wise, sell FAST so have your check book ready. DO NOT BUY A CLUNKER AND THINK YOU WILL SAVE MONEY FIXING IT UP! It won't happen...As always:1) Please register and fill out a profile including sailing waters so we can answer your questions with better and more thorough information.2) Include as much information in a questions as you can such as; ...A) How you will use the boat coastal or blue water cruising. ...B) Your experience....C) How many people you'll sail with....D) What is your budget.Hope this helps..!  

Very nice... go for the Sparkman and Stevens 31'. I wish I had looked at them.Very Nice.  

Catalina Smile I can't speak for the Hughes, but, as far as the Catalina smile, this is really a cosmetic issue involving the keel joint. I know Cat 30 owners who just leave it there season after season, and I know some that try fairing it out, either way, it does not comprimise the structural integrity of the boat. I do agree with the others though, the Catalina 30 was and still is hugely popular, but for that age of a boat, you need to be careful and get a survey done. Good luck, and fair winds...  

blisters Our first boat was a 1982 Catalina 30. We really enjoyed it, but there is one thing to keep in consideration: Catalinas built in the 1980s are prone to having osmotic blisters. Ours had a lot of them. The boat was relatively inexpensive, and it was also very easy to sell so I have no regrets, but it is just one thing to be aware of. (I think in the early '90s Catalina changed something in their formula or methods and later model Catalinas are not as prone to blistering.)  

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The Hughes 40 Sailboat Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The Hughes 40, a staysail ketch, was designed by Sparkman & Stephens and built in Canada by Hughes Boatworks.

Published Specification for the Hughes 40

Underwater Profile:  Fin keel with skeg-hung rudder

Hull Material:  GRP

Length Overall:  41'6" (13.3m

Waterline Length:  31'6"  ( 9.7m)

Beam:  13'4" (4.1m)

Draft:  5'0" (1.5m)

Rig Type:  Staysail ketch

Displacement:  24,000lb (10,886kg)

Designer:  Sparkman & Stephens

Builder:  Hughes Boatworks (Canada)

Year First Built:  1975

Design Ratios

• The Sail Area/Displacement Ratio , calculated by dividing the sail area by the vessel's displacement, predicts the sailboat's speed potential. A higher ratio suggests a speedier ship. The Hughes 40, with its modest rating (16.8), suggests a balanced design that does not compromise stability for speed, making it ideal for cruising.
• The Ballast/Displacement Ratio (38.5%) for the Hughes 40 underscores its durability and stiffness under harsh sea conditions. With a high ratio, the Hughes 40 offers increased stability, an essential trait for a cruising sailboat. The strength of this sailboat not only holds up to the challenges of the sea but also offers a comforting sense of security for seafarers.
• The Displacement/Length Ratio (246) of the Hughes 40 provides insights into its seaworthiness. A lower ratio indicates a lightweight and agile vessel, while a higher ratio signifies a heavy cruiser more suited for long, open water journeys. The Hughes 40 hits a sweet spot, offering an excellent compromise between weight and performance.
• The Comfort Ratio estimates the motion comfort of the boat under various sea conditions, giving potential buyers an idea of how smooth or rough the sailboat's ride will be. The Hughes 40 features a high Comfort Ratio of 34, implying a smooth ride even in rough waves, an asset on long voyages where fatigue from constant motion can set in.
• The Capsize Screening Formula of the Hughes 40 deserves mentioning, considering it to be a significant factor determining a sailboat's seaworthiness. This figure (1.7) suggests that the Hughes 40 is relatively resistant to capsizing, ensuring peace of mind for its users.

The all-important design ratios; what they mean and how they're derived...

The interior layout and design of the Hughes 40 sailboat focuses on practicality and efficiency for extended voyages. Here's a general description of the amenities it typically offers:

• Salon : The main salon features a spacious sitting area with comfortable sitting arrangments, which can also convert into additional berths for sleeping. This area generally accommodates a fold-down table for group meals, navigation tables, or card games.
• Galley : The galley, or kitchen, is typically designed for the economy of movement, with a stove, oven, sink, and storage for food and cooking equipment. Some models also feature a fridge and a microwave.
• Cabins : Hughes 40 usually offers two cabins – one forward and one aft. Both cabins usually have a double berth and are equipped with storage areas and hanging lockers.
• Head : The Hughes 40 offers a single marine toilet or 'head', sometimes with a separate shower area. The space is compact but designed to be easy to clean and maintain.
• Cockpit : On deck, there’s a large cockpit for navigation and outdoor living. It's designed for comfort and safety for both coastal and offshore expeditions.

Remember, each Hughes 40 sailboat might be different, as owners often modify their boats to fit their needs. These are general features and your actual layout and amenities may vary.

Alternatives & Options

Toward the later production years of the Hughes 40, some different versions and modifications were introduced to meet diverse sailors' preferences and requirements. However, details on these variants may not always be clear due to the customizations done by owners over the years.

• Hughes 40 Pilothouse : Some versions of the Hughes 40 were produced with a pilothouse layout, providing an enclosed steering station. Pilothouse boats are popular among cruisers as they combine the security of an inside steering station with the visibility of outdoor navigation.
• Interior Modifications : While the traditional Hughes 40 has a two-cabin layout, some versions might have come with a single-cabin layout that provides more open space in the salon area.
• Rigging Variations : There are some versions of Hughes 40 with cutter rigs, which involve a second, smaller headsail for more sailing versatility, particularly in harsh weather conditions.

Keep in mind that each Hughes boat is unique, regardless of the model, thanks to the company's tradition of encouraging owners to customize their boats to suit personal needs and ambitions. Therefore, it is always recommended to inspect a prospective Hughes 40 carefully to assess modifications and confirm the boat's current condition.

The Competition

The Hughes 40 is a stable and sturdy cruiser, built for long-distance voyages. However, other sailboats in its class also have unique characteristics that make them suitable for specific sailing conditions. Let's compare it with a couple of other similarly sized sailboats.

1. Hughes 40 vs. Catalina 400

• Speed : Hughes 40, with its sleek design and large sail area, tends to be faster in the right conditions. Meanwhile, the Catalina 400 is also fast but it's more reliable at moderate wind speeds.
• Comfort : The Catalina 400 has a more spacious interior, making it more suitable for extended periods of cruising.
• Durability : Hughes 40 is recognized for its robust build, designed to withstand tough weather conditions.

2. Hughes 40 vs. Beneteau 40

• Performance : The Beneteau 40 has a reputation for being more maneuverable due to its fin keel with spade rudder. Hughes 40, however, is known for its cruising stability, especially in high winds.
• Comfort : Once again, the Hughes 40 may be outclassed by the Beneteau 40, which offers a more luxurious interior and better facilities.
• Maintenance : Owners often find the Hughes 40 easier and more affordable to maintain over the long term, due to its simpler design and durable construction.

Take note that each of these sailing yachts has its pros and cons, so the best choice depends on your personal needs, preferences, and sailing conditions. For instance, if you value interior comfort and luxury over everything else, then the Catalina 400 or Beneteau 40 might be more appealing. Conversely, if you are planning long voyages and want a sea-worthy vessel that can withstand harsh weather, the Hughes 40 would be more suitable.

Possible issues...

Common issues and complaints about Hughes 40 sailboats are not widely documented due to the boat's robust and reliable construction. However, no boat is without its quirks and potential concerns. Here are some common issues that some Hughes 40 owners might express:

• Aging Systems : Given the Hughes 40s were built during the 1970s, many of the original boats will require updating of electrical wiring, plumbing, and onboard electronics. This effort can be time-consuming and may bring unanticipated expenses.
• Interior Space : While the Hughes 40 is well-known for its sailing performance and seaworthiness, some might find the interior living space to be relatively compact, particularly when compared to more modern cruising yachts in the same size bracket.
• Availability of Spare Parts : Due to the age of these boats and the closure of Hughes Boat Works, finding exact replacement parts can sometimes be a challenge.
• Deck Leaks : Like many used boats, older models may have issues with deck leaks. Potential buyers should bear this in mind during inspection and budget for any necessary repairs.
• Heavy Steering : Some owners have noted that the Hughes 40 can be noticeably heavy on the helm in certain wind conditions. This can make short-handed sailing more challenging.
• Variability in Maintenance and Condition : The Hughes 40 is a vintage boat, and the condition of individual boats on the market can vary widely, depending on how well previous owners have preserved and updated them.

Keep in mind, these issues will not apply to all Hughes 40 boats, and many owners have found them to be dependable and enjoyable cruising yachts. As with all used boat purchases, thorough research and careful inspection are key before making a decision.

The Secondhand Market

Considering the availability of Hughes 40 for sale in the secondhand market, while not overflowing, there's a decent selection available for prospective buyers. This offers an opportunity for many sailing enthusiasts to own this magnificent sailboat, often at a fraction of the price of a brand-new one.

The asking prices for secondhand Hughes 40 sailboats vary considerably, depending on the condition, age, location, and included equipment. However, generally, these boats are priced competitively when compared to other sailboats in the same class, making them an affordable choice for many.

We found several used Hughes 40 sailboats listed for sale online at prices ranging from $50,000 to $100,000.

I wrote this article using GPT-4, OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model, as a research assistant to develop source material. I wrote the final draft in its entirety and believe it to be accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Dick McClary, creator and owner of sailboat-cruising.com

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Beam:  12'    Draft:  6'     Beam:  10'    Draft:  6'     Beam:  13.25'    Draft:  4.67'     Beam:  13.25'    Draft:  4.68'     Beam:  13'    Draft:  5'     Beam:  10'    Draft:  5'     Beam:  9'    Draft:  4'     Beam:  9'    Draft:  4'     Beam:  10'    Draft:  4.6'     Beam:  9.5'    Draft:  5.3'     Beam:  10'    Draft:  4'8'     Beam:  11'    Draft:  4.5'     Beam:  9'8'    Draft:  5'2'     Beam:  9.4'    Draft:  4.4'     Beam:  10.4'    Draft:  5.8'     Beam:  9.67'    Draft:  5'     Beam:  10''    Draft:  5''     Beam:  9'    Draft:  5.2'     Beam:  10.04'    Draft:  5.10'     Beam:  10'    Draft:  4'8"'     Beam:  9.6'    Draft:  4'     Beam:  9.67'    Draft:  5'2'''     Beam:  9'    Draft:  4.25'     Beam:  7'-6'    Draft:  3' © 2001-2024 ./)   . . ./)   . . Forum Listing Marketplace Advanced Search About The Boat Boat Review Forum SailNet is a forum community dedicated to Sailing enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about sailing, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, repairs, reviews, maintenance, and more! Evaluating a Hughes Northstar 38 Add to quote If things work out, we're driving north this weekend to evaluate a '72 Hughes Northstar 38 that's for sale. The price is low, but the equipment list doesn't sound bad, and every evaluation is a learning experience for us. We'd consider it if it checked out-- as a possible "two-year restoration" project for a longer cruise with our two kids. It may be too small. It may be too worn down. It could have structural issues that we don't/can't deal with. However, we have heard that these boats can be used for blue water cruising if maintained and set-up properly. Also, we've heard they can be less expensive than other 38s, even if the design is reported to be a bit dated. I have an Atomic 4 in our current boat, and I like it for river cruising, but I'd want a diesel for blue water. The Hughes we're looking at probably has an old Atomic 4, but supposedly has a 27 HP Yanmar ("ready for install') which could mean a lot of things. 27 hp for a 38 foot cruiser may or may not be enough. I know in general what to look for (hull, rigging, electrical, etc.), including the all-important first impressions, but is there anything in particular to consider when reviewing a '72 Hughes Northstar 38? We're expecting a rough interior, but the equipment list suggests that previous owners were taking it in the right direction (stainless propane tanks, wind generator, tiller pilot, etc.). Basically, we could put $40k into the restoration and still be below the opening bid for a Valiant 40 (with blisters) or around the bid for a Morgan 382. Thanks! Jim H p.s. Here's a link to the posting: http://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/boa/188198268.html (but this link may go bad soon.) We'd definitely have a professional survey done if we got serious.   As much as I like Hughes Northstars (I owned a Northstar 500 QT) the 35 and 38 were pretty lousey designs and certainly not boats that I would want to pour good earned money into if I was planning to go offshore. You could buy a whole lot of really good boats for what it would take to buy and fix up a worn out one and still have a really poor seaboat. Jeff   Here's a link with a small bit of info, possibly things you already know. http://sailquest.com/market/models/hugh38.htm   Jeff and PBeezer: I think you may be referring to the later Northstar 38's. The boat listing (with the link) is the earlier Hughes 38.   Jeff_H said: As much as I like Hughes Northstars (I owned a Northstar 500 QT) the 35 and 38 were pretty lousey designs and certainly not boats that I would want to pour good earned money into if I was planning to go offshore. You could buy a whole lot of really good boats for what it would take to buy and fix up a worn out one and still have a really poor seaboat. Jeff Click to expand... Wild card appears to be the second Hughes 38, which shared its hull and deck with the Hinckley Competition 38 and was an S&S design. That is an extremely different boat than the Northstar 38 which was also designed by Sparkman and Stevens which was designed as an IOR racer-cruiser. By 1972 you are probably looking at a Northstar 38 rather than the earlier Hughes 38. From what I gather, the Hughes 38 went out of production in 1971, but that a single last Hughes 38 was built in 1973 as a custom boat,on a hull and deck molded for Hinckley but never delivered. The link provided by PBeezer was for the later Hughes Northstar 38. The Northstar History is not terribly accurate. For example, it does not mention the three boats that Hughes produced from molds purchased from Seafarer (Which is how the reflected sailboat logo gets added to the Hughes former logos). Jeff   lgherb said: Here's a pic of the Hughes 38 I recently purchased. This was taken just before I purchased the boat anchored in her slip in a marina in the Potomac. Click to expand... Hughes 38 info Everyone I was looking at a Hughes 38 in Toronto a couple of weeks ago. I just got off the phone with Pat Sturgeon of Pat Sturgeon Yachts, he used to work for Hughes Boat Works and in fact commissioned a number of Hughes 38s. Pat said that contrary to popular belief there are only slight changes to all of the Hughes 38s. The boat is an S&S design, all later changes (you'll notice a late 70's boat has different port lights than an early 70's model) were in the interior and other cosmetics only. The hulls and decks are all out of the same mold, not just to the S & S design but to the S&S glass layup schedule and all other specifications as well. He said you'll see later 70's models listed as Hughes 38 or Northstar 38, it's the same boat. Pat even offered to give me Howard Hughes' phone number, he was just in Pat's office a couple of weeks ago. Hope this helps. Gary   Gary MCG: With all due respect, Pat Sturgeon may have worked for Hughes but he is dead wrong about the three 38 footers built by Hughes being the same boat. They each have very different waterline lengths, beams and displacement. The original Hughes 38 was designed by Howard Hughes. The later boats were designed by S&S. The deck plans and deck houses were very different as well. That said He is correct that except for one or two boats that were finished in 1972 and 73, all of the boats built after 1971 were the same IOR era hull and deck plan with minor interior changes and several layout options. JimH: There were only three 38 footers built by Hughes. The IOR era Hughes Northstar 38 that I mentioned was very similar to the S&S designed Catalina 38 (which began life as the Yankee 38). These were very much intended as full blown IOR race boats and coastal cruisers and like the Hughes Northstar 38 make really crummy offshore cruisers. Jeff   Jeff_H said: Gary MCG: With all due respect, Pat Sturgeon may have worked for Hughes but he is dead wrong about the three 38 footers built by Hughes being the same boat. They each have very different waterline lengths, beams and displacement. The original Hughes 38 was designed by Howard Hughes. The later boats were designed by S&S. The deck plans and deck houses were very different as well. That said He is correct that except for one or two boats that were finished in 1972 and 73, all of the boats built after 1971 were the same IOR era hull and deck plan with minor interior changes and several layout options. JimH: There were only three 38 footers built by Hughes. The IOR era Hughes Northstar 38 that I mentioned was very similar to the S&S designed Catalina 38 (which began life as the Yankee 38). These were very much intended as full blown IOR race boats and coastal cruisers and like the Hughes Northstar 38 make really crummy offshore cruisers. Jeff Click to expand... Jeff Sorry, I misstated what Pat told me. He speaks fast and it was hard to take notes. The early boats from the late 60's to early 70's were built by "(illegible note) Metals" and are not very good boats. All of the boats built after about '73 are the S&S boats. I liked the boat I looked at, a 1980 model, but I'm not sure about having an underpowered (15 hp) engine in the bilge. It seems like it would fail just when you really, really need it. Gary   garymcg said: Jeff Sorry, I misstated what Pat told me. He speaks fast and it was hard to take notes. The early boats from the late 60's to early 70's were built by "(illegible note) Metals" and are not very good boats. Click to expand... Actually the 38 that was built after 1969 were an S&S design and boats of this design had the best build quality and all around sailing capabilities. The Northstar 38 which was the last design was not very good design and was built during a time when quality was beginning to slide. By the late 1980's these were really a lot more cheesy boats build quality and design wise. The engine in the bilge was just one of the many race boat influenced not so great design decisions. Northstar was a divsion of US Steel, the "something metals" you refer to, but they did not buy the company until around 1973. Respectfully, Jeff   Advice on Hughes 38 Jim- I own a Hughes 38 like the one you are considering and have a few comments for you to consider. The original AT-4 is a very compact item. I have seen three diesel retrofits in this model boat. A raw water cooled 3GMD (like mine) will just fit under the floor boards. Taller engines may require that you to raise the height of the floor hatch. This looks bad and is a toe hazard. You might be able to fit the diesel offered with the boat (I assume this is a fresh water cooled 3GM30?) without altering the hatch if you relocate the heat exchanger. If your boat has the original AT-4, it probably has the original jacketed exhaust system. This will have to go. This will all at cost, of course. Another potential hazard is the shore-power system. You may find that the power cable is run through some interesting places, like the sum under your head! I could go on and on, but will wait for your response. sam in texas   And considering Jim has found his way to London for couple of yrs vs sailing out of portland Or! not sure that this boat is going to work for him! Not sure this thread really needed bringing up. Which comes to the , why are threads not automaticilly locked after X months, ie maybe 6-12? marty   blt2ski said: And considering Jim has found his way to London for couple of yrs vs sailing out of portland Or! not sure that this boat is going to work for him! Not sure this thread really needed bringing up. Which comes to the , why are threads not automaticilly locked after X months, ie maybe 6-12? marty Click to expand... Rob8888 said, “It seems to me that having the engine in the keel below the cabin sole is a good design feature. It keeps about 400 lb as low down as possible, and allows for the propeller shaft to be straight (actually it is at an angle of about 3 degrees) instead of being sharply angled down which is necessary in boats with the engine mounted under the cockpit. I replaced the Atomic Four in mine with a Universal M35B, and it just fits without raising the sole. Mounted like that it is very easy to work on after the 2 large floor boards are lifted up.” It’s six of one and a half dozen of another but I don’t consider this to be a good feature for any boat offshore or daysailor. It’s not that uncommon to have lots of water in the bilge so the engine is at risk because of corrosion and certainly at risk of being submerged early in the game if anything goes wrong. There is a trade off between stability and utility but the higher the engine the safer the installation. At least that’s my take on it. As far as the boat being suitable for offshore work the only examples I have seen were lightly built and would not be a candidate for trans-ocean work in my opinion. The fact they have windvanes doesn’t mean they are a good choice it just means other people don’t have my opinion of the boat. The fact that someone may have made a crossing also doesn’t make the boat suitable it just makes the person lucky and also proves he is willing to take more of a risk then I am. You ask about the difference between the Olson 38 and the Hughes 38. Simply put the Olson is a stronger built boat. Not my style for offshore but still a better choice then the Hughes. But that’s also largely an opinion so you have lots of room for discussion. All the best, Robert Gainer   Tartan34C said: Rob8888 said, "It seems to me that having the engine in the keel below the cabin sole is a good design feature. It keeps about 400 lb as low down as possible,...." It's six of one and a half dozen of another but I don't consider this to be a good feature for any boat offshore or daysailor. It's not that uncommon to have lots of water in the bilge so the engine is at risk because of corrosion and certainly at risk of being submerged early in the game if anything goes wrong. There is a trade off between stability and utility but the higher the engine the safer the installation. At least that's my take on it. Click to expand... Once your boat is on the hard, run plumb line down from the fartehest point forward, and aft, then measure. That is usually the easiest way. I would also NOT be suprised if your boat is about a foot longer than speced, being as marina's charge by the longest part. Along with my marina, goes from 37'3" to 38'3" is a 38' boat, so if you are 38'4" you're a 39' boat to them! marty   Hughes commissioned Sparkman & Stevens to design a 38' sloop in 1966. It was Sparkman & Stevens design #1903, and was used as the basis for all Hughes and Northstar 38s built from 1967 to 1980. There are different versions, but all use the same S&S design... the Mark I, the Mark II, the Mark III, and a tallmast version which seems to have only offerred in the Mark II version (it had a mast 4' taller than the standard mast). The Northstar 38 built from 1970 to 1974 while US Steel owned the company was probably the same as a Hughes Mark II. Click to expand... Do you have the beam dimensions for each?   I have lots of pictures of a 1968 Hughes 38 on my website.I think it is a good, strong, well designed bluewater boat. I bought it to circumnavigate. I wanted something larger and steel but didn't think I would find one affordable, I was wrong. Concerning the engine in the bilge, if you've got enough water in the the bilge to cause problems with a diesel, the engine in the bilge is not something you need to worry about. My opinion a gas engine has no business being anywhere near salt water for many reasons. Jon   Dear All, I read (and re-read) your discussion concerning the hughes 38. I'm a bit confused since Hughes 38 doesn't seem to refer to one boat, but three. ;-) What do you think about the version I'm interested in? Here is a picture of the hull: 1969 Anthony Hughes 38 - 38' Cruiser Sailboat for Sale in Clear Lake Shores, Texas I currently own a Hallberg P28 - kind of a big folkeboat. The length is 30ft. It's a full-keel design, and I've mounted an Aries windvane in order to sail single-handed. The boat doesn't tack below an angle of 105 degrees, but that's about the only negative in terms of sailing performance (as I see it). The Aires can steer the boat on any course. So, why am I looking for a new boat? Well, I'd need a bit more space down below. And, I'd like to have a boat with a bridge deck. I would like to continue using my Aries since I'd mostly sail single-handed. It is essential to me that I can trust the Aries to keep the boat under control on any course. I'm not too crazy about speed, but I wouldn't want a slow boat. Do you think that a Hughes 38 like the one above would fit me? Best regards, Alex   This appears to be the middle period Hughes 38 a Sparkman and Stephens designed Hughes Northstar 38 that shares the same hull with the Hinckley 38 of that same era. A friend of mine did a lot of distance cruising with the Hinckley version of this boat and he had an Aries style vane on his. The boat in question appears to have the trim tab on the aft face of the keel that was standard on the Competition version of the Hinckley and an option on the Hughes. The trim tab is helpful in balancing the helm. These were reasonably fast boats for their day upwind, but a bit squirely downwind. They also have a sailplan that depended on huge jibs and a very small mainsail making them less than ideal for single-handing and difficult to shift gears with changing conditions. Jeff   I'd also note that the photos of the boat are more than 5 1/2 years old. A lot can change in that much time, so hopefully you have some more recent information. P.S. Jeff, that trim tab is certainly a curiosity. How was it manipulated?   On the Hinckley versions there was a small steering wheel that was mounted on the binacle on the same shaft as the main steering wheel. The trim tab wheel was aft of and concentric with the main steering wheel. You could turn them both at the same time or independently and you could lock off the trim tab where you wanted it and steer with the main wheel. I also raced on another boat of that era with a trim tab that had a small throttle quadrant mounted on the deck that you turned one way or the other and it used a throttle cable to rotate a small tiller below the deck.   Thanks for your fast replies! My question wasn't really related to the Hughes that's currently for sale. I just posted the above-stated link s.t. we are on page regarding the version of the Hughes 38 that I'm interested in. Can you think of something similar, with a smaller headsail? Or would that be incompatible with the hull shape? To me, the hull shape looked quite attractive. Somewhere between a full and a fin keel, with a skeg-hung rudder. Best, Alex   ?             176K members Top Contributors this Month Visit our Popular Forums Monohull Sailboats Multihull Sailboats Powered Boats General Sailing Antares Yachts Fountaine Pajot Lagoon Catamarans Cruising Business Boat Classifieds General Classifieds Crew Positions Commercial Posts Vendor Spotlight Life Aboard a Boat Provisioning: Food & Drink Families, Kids, & Pets Afloat Recreation, Entertainment, & Fun Boat Ownership & Making a Living Liveaboard's Forum Seamanship, Navigation & Boat Handling Seamanship & Boat Handling Training, Licensing, & Certification Health, Safety, & Related Gear Rules of the Road, Regulations, & Red Tape Engineering & Systems Const. / Maint. / Refit Product / Service Reviews Electronics: Comms / AV Electrical: Batts / Gen / Solar Lithium Power Systems Engines & Propulsion Propellers & Drive Systems Plumbing / Fixtures Deck Hdw: Rigging / Sails Aux. Equipment & Dinghy Anchoring & Mooring Photo Categories Member Galleries Life Onboard Sailing in the Wind Power Boats Cruising Destinations Maint. & Boat Building Marine Life Scuba Diving & Divers General Photos Recent Photos Listing Categories African Cats view more » Crew Wanted Crew Available Enhance Your Account Meet the Mods Meet the Advisors Signup for The Daily Cruiser Email   > > Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on Cruisers Forums. 07-07-2010, 10:16   38 but have no idea if its worthy of cruising. I can t really find any proper info on the damn thing. I know its a Sparkman & Stephen's design so that should be good , right ?? Any light on the subject is greatly appreciated , as I have never seen a of this type in so can t really try one or something. Thanks Zoidz 07-07-2010, 10:27   Boat: CS36Merlin, "La Belle Aurore" . Hope the one you're looking at has a and not the atomic 4. A couple of these are cruising around the world right now. I think Fatty Goodlander has one. 07-07-2010, 11:35   38, AKA S&S 38 AKA Northstar 38, is a very strong vessel. Designed in the 1960s, they are still very good . Fatty Goodlander has circumnavigated in one, and is still somewhere "out there". His articles have appeared in a number of sailing magazines. My friend, Scott, had one for many years. Cruised it to the and back a number of times. His had an Atomic 4, which he upgraded to a Universal . These boats are good sea boats. They sail pretty well...not as fast as designs, but very solid and dependable. In good condition, they are a very good value. See, e.g., post #15 in this thread: Bill 07-07-2010, 12:45   Boat: Beneteau First 42 . You can them or see 08-07-2010, 08:06   Boat: 1990 Macintosh 47, "Merlin" 08-07-2010, 17:19   . I really liked the design. A little deep for a Bahama boat though. Ken 09-07-2010, 02:01   to ... as they are dead cheap 09-07-2010, 04:52   Boat: CS36Merlin, "La Belle Aurore" to malta ... as they are dead cheap 12-08-2010, 09:46   Boat: S&S Hughes 38 like a dream.Just finished the , to Mex.,sailing home next year .The Northstar is not the same boat,the Northstar is a beamier boat. She tracks very well when on or off the .The way the is laid out makes the boat feel wider than it is.Been out in conditions I shouldn't have more than once, boat handled it well,surfed at 10 to 14 knots 15hrs. straight.Minor window are about my only complaint.Universal diesel in the has mainly advantages,the goes way deep still below ,I also have a highwater . 07-11-2014, 16:47   Boat: Cross 24 trimaran me directly. i will answer all emails. " highseas" especially. i have a question: Does anybody know how to contact the hughes 31 users group? they have not answered my attempt to join for over a month. it is frustrating to think that they have information on a boat that i am interested in but i cant access it. any ideas? jon 07-11-2014, 17:04   , and has written extensively about the voyages in popular magazines over the last decade or more. My friend Scott also had one and sailed it numerous times. Maybe he'll chime in. Bill 08-11-2014, 05:50   Boat: (Cruiser Living On Dirt) ➥ ➥ ➥ 08-11-2014, 06:21   Boat: a sailing boat , and , and off you go sailing. Good luck! Let us know how it goes! b. 24-02-2015, 09:21   Boat: Hughs 38 24-02-2015, 09:27   Boat: csy 37 lockers were DELAMINATING! However, the owner had put it years before we saw it and never came back, so I have no idea what it's real was. Having said that, Fatty rebuilt one from a wreck and sailed it around the world. He's going around again right now. As for the Atomic 4, it's a wonderful old gasoline engine. But I, and many many others here, don't think a gasoline engine belongs on a cruising boat. Besides the dangers of lots of gasoline on the boat, they use too much and have an actual , always a sore point in conditions. All of the above is free, and you know what they say about getting something for nothing.... Thread Tools Rate This Thread : Posting Rules post new threads post replies post attachments edit your posts is are code is are are are Similar Threads Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post jackdale Navigation 26 03-01-2010 14:17 hatteras Classifieds Archive 3 17-10-2008 06:51 jheldatksuedu Classifieds Archive 0 09-04-2008 18:16 BBWolf The Sailor's Confessional 29 10-02-2008 16:14 bajamas General Sailing Forum 13 24-09-2004 17:06 No Threads to Display. - - - - - - - Privacy Guaranteed - your email is never shared with anyone, opt out any time. 248 IMAGES Hughes 29 Sailboat Project Oak Bay, Victoria HUGHES 29 Hughes 29 Taxidancer Hughes 29 Goderich Ontario Lake Huron HUGHES 29 Hughes 29 Sailboat Project Oak Bay, Victoria COMMENTS HUGHES 29 Not to be confused with the HUGHES-COLUMBIA 8.7. Thanks to HUGHES 29 owner Dick de Lange for providing the drawings and updated information. It is thought that nearly 200 of these yachts were built. Dates have been hard to confirm. Photo courtesy of Adam Hunt. Looking for info on Hughes 29 (1972) Boat Review Forum. SailNet is a forum community dedicated to Sailing enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about sailing, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, ... the Hughes 29 is rated to be more stable and comfortable than both the Catalinas 28 to 32 and Hunters of similar size. It''s a tad (half knot) slower than either due to it''s ... Hardly any Hughes 29 for sale..why? 12510 posts · Joined 2000. #3 · Jul 30, 2009. There were not many Hughes 29's built for some pretty good reasons. First of all, I assume that you are referring to the late 1960's/ very early 1970's era Hughes 29 and not the Hughes Northstar 1000 or the Hughes Aura 8.7 which are sometimes listed as 29 footers. The Hughes 29's were pretty odd ... Review of Hughes 29 The Hughes 29 is equipped with a fin keel. The fin keel is the most common keel and provides splendid manoeuvrability. The downside is that it has less directional stability than a long keel. The boat can enter even shallow marinas as the draft is just about 1.42 - 1.52 meter (4.66 - 4.96 ft) dependent on the load. Hughes 29ft sailboat Does anyone have any experience with the Hughes 29. Its only 8 ft wide and 29ft long. ... Boat Review Forum. Boat Reviews. ... Hughes 29ft sailboat. 3107 Views 5 Replies 5 Participants Last post by MKR, Mar 11, 2017 Jump to Latest B. baloo750 Discussion starter · Mar 14, 2016. Add to quote; Share Only show this user ... Hughes 29 Hughes 29 is a 29′ 3″ / 8.9 m monohull sailboat designed by Howard Hughes and built by Hughes Boat Works starting in 1975. Great choice! Your favorites are temporarily saved for this session. Hughes 29 The Hughes 29 is a recreational keelboat, built predominantly of fibreglass, with wood trim. It has a masthead sloop rig; a raked stem; a raised counter, reverse transom; an internally mounted spade-type rudder controlled by a wheel and a fixed, swept fin keel. It displaces 6,500 lb (2,948 kg) and carries 3,000 lb (1,361 kg) of ballast. Hughes 29, Seaworthy? Now I want to know if I can take a Hughes 29 and smack it into the sea for some travel. Bahamas ? Caribbean ? I don't know some, place nice. ... Product / Service Reviews; Electronics: Comms / AV; Electrical: Batts / Gen / Solar; Lithium Power Systems ... Cruisers & Sailing Forums > The Fleet > Monohull Sailboats: Hughes 29, Seaworthy? Click ... Hughes Boat Works Columbia 7.6. 1976 • 7.6 m. Sailboat. Hughes 25. 1968 • 7.7 m. Hughes Boat Works was founded by brothers, Howard and Peter Hughes and first located at Willowdale, Ontario, Canada, (near Toronto) where they built small dinghies. In 1965 the company moved to Scarborough, Ontario, and from 1965 to 1967 they built the HUGHES 24 (using tooling ... Hughes 29 Does anyone here have one of these boats. 1978 Hughes 29 Sailboat. Would like your thoughts and some photos of both the outside and cabin . Thanks Hughes Boat Works Hughes Boat Works was founded by brothers, Howard and Peter Hughes and first located at Willowdale, Ontario, Canada, (near Toronto) where they built small dinghies. In 1965 the company moved to Scarborough, Ontario, and from 1965 to 1967 they built the HUGHES 24 (using tooling purchased from Tanzer Industries Ltd.), the HUGHES 27 (designed by Howard Hughes), and the HUGHES 38 (Sparkman ... Hughes 26 Gord's last link has a reference to this page which has a good list of projects performed on a Hughes 29 over the years. There was a comment there about the boat having a lot of weather helm. We found the Hughes 26 suffered from a lot of weather helm too. Any advice Buying a used Hughes sailboat or a Catalina Looking to buy our first boat. We are considering a 1981 Hughes 31' or a l981 Hughes Columbia 29'. We have also been looking at Catalina 30'. The Catalina has more room inside than the Hughes. Wondering if you have any comments about either of the sailboats. The Hughes 40 Sailboat The Hughes 40 is a stable and sturdy cruiser, built for long-distance voyages. However, other sailboats in its class also have unique characteristics that make them suitable for specific sailing conditions. Let's compare it with a couple of other similarly sized sailboats. 1. Hughes 40 vs. Catalina 400. HUGHES 25 It is thought that this boat derived from the NUTMEG 24, designed by William Shaw (1964). Despite the reverse transom, fin keel with spade rudder, the basic hull shape seems strikingly similar. At about this time, Hughes Boatworks acquired the tooling from Tanzer Industries, the original builder of NUTMEG 24. Little notice has been made […] Hughes Sailboats Unknown member. #2 · Jul 11, 2001. I owned a Hughes quarter tonner back in the 1970''s and I am reasonably familiar with Hughes as a company. Hughes was a small Canadian boat builder started in the 1960''s. They originally produced a line of boat designed by founder Howard Hughes (not that Howard Hughes) Later they were bought by US Steel and ... Hughes sailboats for sale by owner. Hughes preowned sailboats for sale by owner. Hughes used sailboats for sale by owner. Home. Register & Post. View All Sailboats. Search. Avoid Fraud. ... 29' Bayfield 29C Milwaukee, Wisconsin Asking $10,000. 27' Catalina C-27 Chula Vista Safe Harbor Bayfront Marina, California Asking $10,500. Hughes boats for sale Some of the best-known Hughes models currently listed include: 34 Trimaran, 38, 38 MKII, 38 MKIII and 40. Various Hughes models are currently offered for sale by specialized yacht brokers, dealers and brokerages on YachtWorld, with listings ranging from 1975 year models up to 2019. Find Hughes boats for sale in your area & across the world on ... Hughes 26 Pros and cons The Hughes 26 started life as the S&S designed Northstar 500. I actually owned a 500 for a while. The 500 was an IOR race boat and as such was a good boat in its day. Its day came and went quite quickly when boats like the J-24 came along. These newer boats were much faster and easier to sail. The 26 had a retooled deck, keel and interior. Hughes 40 As the fortunes of Hughes rose and fell, so did specs and quality of workmanship. Quite a number of these boats were sold in various stages of completion with several sold as bare hull and deck mouldings, then finished with varying degrees of expertise. Take a very hard look at the structure supporting the main mast as I have seen everthing from severly corroded (pull apart by hand) steel I ... Opinions on the Hughes Columbia 35 relmason. 5 posts · Joined 2010. #2 · Jun 6, 2010. I just bought a 1979 10.7 from a fellow who has sailed and owned numerous boats for much of his 75 years and though my personal experience is very limited so far, he stated that this boat pointed very well and rode rough seas quite comfortably having singled-handed it from the Keys to Mobile ... Evaluating a Hughes Northstar 38 Boat Review Forum. SailNet is a forum community dedicated to Sailing enthusiasts. ... Toronto a couple of weeks ago. I just got off the phone with Pat Sturgeon of Pat Sturgeon Yachts, he used to work for Hughes Boat Works and in fact commissioned a number of Hughes 38s. ... #14 · Aug 29, 2006. Advice on Hughes 38 Jim- Hughes 38 The Hughes 38 (AKA Sparkman & Stevens 38 & at least one other designation) is an excellent design. Fatty Goodlander took one around the world at least once with his family, and has written extensively about the voyages in popular boating magazines over the last decade or more. My friend Scott also had one and sailed it offshore numerous times. catamaran gulet motorboat powerboat riverboat sailboat trimaran yacht