Boat Description
The Nicholson 38 is a respected classic cruising yacht, admired for its solid construction, seaworthiness, and timeless design. Built by Camper & Nicholsons in 1970, it features a heavy displacement hull and long keel, making it exceptionally stable and capable in offshore conditions. Sailors will appreciate its safe and comfortable motion at sea, even in rough weather. The center cockpit layout provides excellent protection and visibility, while the roomy interior, including a separate aft cabin, offers livability rarely found in boats of this size. With its graceful lines, the Nic 38 combines traditional charm with bluewater capability. Many have circumnavigated or completed transatlantic crossings, proving its reliability as a long-distance cruiser. Though not a racer, its steady performance, ease of handling, and dependable Perkins engine make it ideal for serious cruising couples or families seeking adventure with peace of mind. Priced to reflect her current condition, Blue Idyl is available to view at Hayling Island.
Mechanical- Engine: Perkins 4107
- Power: 45hp
- Drive: Shaft Drive
- Propeller: 3 blade RH 16" 11.5" pitch
- Last serviced: April 2025
- Hours: unknown
Electrical- Batteries: 2 x 12v batteries
- Total Capacity: 230Ah
- Charging: Alternator charging
- Solar Panel: 100w
Navigation- Chartplotter: Raymarine Raychart 435
- Autopilot: Autohelm 4000
- AIS: Quark QK-A026
- Speed/Depth: Navman multi
- VHF: Midland Neptune
Sails, Spars and Rigging- Rig Type: Fractional rig
- Mast and Spars: Aluminium mast and spars - replaced circa 2017
- Standing Rigging: Believed to have been replaced 2017
- Running Rigging: Believed to have been replaced 2017
- Mainsail: Slab reefing mainsail
- Headsail: Furling headsail - Profurl
- Spinnaker Pole: Yes
- Mast Winches: 3 x Mast winches
- Rod Kicker: Yes
Sails
- Main: Yes
- Genoa: Seateach - 2017
- Spare Mainsails: 2 Spare laminated mainsails - One unfitted and one in poor condition
Interior & Domestic- Berths: 6 berths in 2 cabins plus saloon
- Heads: 2 x heads - 1 with shower
- Water System: Pressurised hot and cold water - Valiant standard heater - requires servicing
- V Berth: in Bow
- Forward Heads: with shower and sink
- Galley: with Oven and 4 ring burner
- Sink: Yes
- Coolbox: Yes
- Aft Cabin: with separate heads and sink
- Wheelhouse: with removable hardtop
Deck- Steering: Wheel steering
- Deck Type: Teak deck
- Cockpit Type: Centre cockpit
- Anchor Windlass: not working
- Anchor: 35lb CQR anchor and chain
- Anchor Locker: Yes
- Lazarette Locker: Large lazarette locker
- Pushpit and Pulpit: S/S Pushpit and Pulpit
- Side Gates: Yes
- Primary Winches: 2 x Primary winches
Safety- Liferaft: requires servicing
- Bilge Pump: Electric bilge pump
- Danbuoy: Yes
- Horseshoe Lifebuoys: 2 x Horseshoe lifebuoys
- Fireblanket: Yes
Canvas- Cockpit Side Panels: Vinyl
- Sail Cover: poor condition
Documentation- Bill of Sale: to current owners - 2020
- Clear Title Evidence: Evidence of 5 years clear title - Historical registry transcript showing owners from 1993
- VAT Evidence: Pre 1973 Build plus marina letter confirming UK location 31/12/202
DisclaimerFor a full, detailed specification with additional photographs and direct contact details for the listing office visit our website at www.watersideboatsales.com
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
Unless otherwise stated on the specification sheet the following presumptions are made:
- Sail drive and shaft seals are more than 5 years of age
- Gas hoses and regulators are over 5 years old
- Standing rigging and sails are more than 10 years old
NOTE - Please ring our offices prior to visiting, as the boat may be unavailable for viewing or located at a different marina.