For sale - Nelson 38 built by Dale in 1999. Stunning example with a comprehensive refurbishment carried out in 2022 by Dale. This is an extremely high spec boat and comes with twin Volvo Penta 370 HP diesel engines (approx 1200 hours run to date) fitted to these extremely strong yet surprisingly economical motor cruisers. As reviewed by AQUAHOLIC he said "An absolute bruiser, this is what you buy if you're really serious about going boating. The Dale Nelson 38"
Broker comments
The Dale Nelson 38 Aft Cabin is a motor yacht that needs little introduction to motor-cruising enthusiasts.
From her fine-entry, immensely capable, commercially derived TT hull to her exemplary level of craftsmanship, the combination is much imitated but never surpassed. Her sharp bow and stem cleave through the water, while her rounded bilges displace rather than slam their way forward, resulting in a far smoother passage compared to her planing counterparts.
The Dale Nelson 38 Aft Cabin OUT OF THE BLUE has been extensively upgraded during her current ownership. Upgrades include Raymarine Axiom plotters at both helm positions, variable twin station thrusters for both bow and stern (with remote), and new simulated teak decking. With her low freeboard, clear decks, and abundant solid handholds, she is effortless to step onto, walk around, and hop off from when moored alongside. The vast majority of the work was carried out by Dale Nelson, her original builder, ensuring everything is executed to the highest standards. She is a thoroughly capable passage-maker.
OUT OF THE BLUE is fitted with stunning Limed Oak interior cabinetry, exquisitely finished and presented in exceptional condition. Her Eberspacher diesel heating system has been modernized with a new controller, and her interior seating has been re-upholstered in smart blue fabric. Twin ultra-reliable Volvo Penta TAMD63 370hp diesels rest comfortably in her engine room, with handed dipsticks and excellent all-round access. As a true Nelson, she embodies the working sea boat, from her stout deck gear to her low deck-line.
NAVIGATION AIDS - Lower Helm Station
Raymarine Axiom 7" MFD (new 2022)
Raymarine Qantum 2 Radar Scanner (new 2022)
Raymarine i70 (Speed/Depth) (new 2022)
Raymarine P70 Autopilot control (new 2022)Raymarine E127 Chart plotter
Raymarine Ray60 DSC VHF (new 2022)
Raymarine Remote Keypad (new 2022)
Heated Windscreens
3 Windscreen Wipes with Fresh Water Wash
NAVIGATION AIDS - Bridge Controls
Raymarine Axiom PRO12S colour chart plotter (new 2022)
Raymarine Quantum 2 Closed Radar Scanner
Raymarine i70 (Speed/Depth) (new 2022)
Raymarine P70 Autopilot control (new 2022)
Raymarine Ray90 DSC VHF (new 2022)
GROUND TACKLE
Lofrans X2 electric windlass to foredeck, with vertical rope drum.
Electric windlass controls at exterior helm.
Electric windlass controls foot switches on foredeck.
Pair of polished stainless-steel bitts, with polished stainless-steel fairleads, to foredeck.
Central foredeck highly polished stainless-steel bollard.
Two pairs of polished midships T-cleats.
Pair of polished stainless-steel bitts to aft deck.
1 x 20kg Bruce claw anchor in galvanised steel (new 2022) to 50m x 9.9mm galvanised steel chain.
Chain locker with overboard drain.
Warps, fenders, and boathook.
GENERAL EQUIPMENT - EXTERIOR
Blue Canvas Dodgers
Blue Canvas Helm Cover
Blue Bimini (new in 2022)
Simiulated Teak Deck throughout.
S/s pulpit and pushpit rails
S/s stanchions with guardwires with boarding gates to port, starboard and aft
S/s fender baskets for four fenders
S/s flagstaff holder
S/s exterior handrails to forward coach house and wheelhouse roof, exterior grab handles to side of wheelhouse.
S/s exterior helm seat with footrest, exterior pilot seat (both fully adjustable)
S/s four pairs of mooring cleats, centre mooring bollard to foredeck, two fairleads to foredeck toe-rail .
S/s boarding platform with teak treads
S/s boarding ladder with swim ladder
Aft deck lockers with GRP lids, cushion backs and bases and infill
Warps and fenders
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
ADEC Marine canister liferaft mounted to foredeck, with Hammar H20R hydrostatic release. (Service dates unverified).
Horseshoe life ring.
4 x portable manual fire extinguishers (serviceable type) throughout the boat with 5.6kg Seafire automatic system in engine room. (Service dates unverified).
Portable extinguishers through accommodation (Service dates unverified).
Air horn (with navy canvas bonnet), mounted on wheelhouse coachroof.
TWIN Volvo Penta TAMD63 6 cylinder, 4 Stroke direct injection turbo charged diesel engines
The engines are flexibly mounted with sea water filters to each engine
Racor type fuel filters with glass sediment bowls
Engine room extractor fan
Manufacturers instrumentation in custom-built helm panels
Bennett electro-hydraulic trim tabs with dual station controls
ZF electronic single lever throttle controls (new 2022)
Dual Station Sidepower variable bown and stern thrusters (new 2022) Also handheld remote.
Engine Hours, approx. 1200 to date (October 2025)
Stern Gear
Sure Seals type stern gland
Four bladed propellors
Rope cutters
Dual station hydraulic steering
Greasers to rudder tubes
Stainless steel emergency tiller
Exhaust System
Flexible hose wet exhaust with main engine muffler and twin station HMI temperature alarms
TANKAGE - FUEL
The fuel is contained within two centre line keel tanks for greater stability
Approx 1,300 litres (300 gallons)
Racnor filter system
Fuel filter shut off system with remote controls
TANKAGE - WATER
Freshwater Approx 400 litres (95 gallons),
TANKAGE - BLACK WATER
Approx. 80 litre (18 gallon)
Odour filter fitted to waste tank breather
Deck suction outlet and macerator for overboard discharge
ELECTRICS
12 volt system LED Lighting throughout (new 2022)
12 volt reading lights over beds in cabins (new 2022)
2 x 12v 110amp/hr batteries for engine start (new 2022)
2 x 12v 110amp / hr batteries for domestic
Victron Phoenix Energy Charger 12v/50A battery charger and Phoenix control.
2 x Volvo Alternators
240V shore power
LED anchor light & Navigation Lights (new 2022)
WATER SYSTEM
Fresh Water Tank approx 385 litres (85 gallons)
Hot water immersion tank approx 40 litres (9 gallons)
Pressurised hot and cold water
Freshwater washers to wheel house front screens
DALE NELSON 38 BUILT BY DALES OF PEMBROKESHIRE IN 1999
British-built motor-cruiser of extremely high quality
Designed by TT Boat Designs
CONSTRUCTION
Navy blue GRP solid laminate hull
Varnished teak badging, rubber 'D' fendering and spray rails
Teak-laid GRP side, aft and fore decks
GRP superstructure
Length over hull. 12.62m
Beam overall 3.75m
Draft 1.20m
Air draft 2.95m
Displacement 12 tons (dependent upon fit out)
All figures approximate