the BRUTAL take down of a Hans Christian 38T - Ep 237 - Lady K Sailing 

I’m the guy who acquired this boat. The assessment wasn’t bad but off on many major issues. The sails for example were quite new (5 years old Norrh Sails). The engine has 5000 hours but runs great, minus the raw water inlet pump that was trashed and needed replacing. The interior took about a week of sweat time to get right: all the hardware was I. The boat. A new stove was free on craigslist with tanks. the decks need resealing or removing, will do this job later this summer. They leak in three places. The compass pedestal needed sealing up. And yes there was a compass because it’s a worm gear set up. New compass and pedestal guard cost $300 from Minnie’s and a face book marketplace. Bottom needs paint but no blisters, will do this in a few months. Chain plates leak and need replacing or restoring TBD on that one. the fiberglass scratch’s are not cracks and will be a few days of glass work, sanding and painting. The boat had some nice VDO gauges on board and I’ll have an electronics package put in soon. All in all this boat with parts and buying it will cost me $15-$20k. I bought it for $5k after some asshole stole the dodger (the police know who it is). So yeah all you guys who were scared of this boat missed out on a diamond in the rough. This wasn’t my first Taiwanese blue water boat, I fully restored an amazing Norseman 447 a few years ago too. So I know what I’m doing. This HC needs work for sure but they’re built so incredibly well and this boat will be worth more than what I paid when I’m done. Thanks to Lady K for the review but it wasn’t accurate and for a little sweat equity this boat will be a beauty again in a matter of months.

Another great video Tim. From your video, I believe that there might be a surface compass in the pedestal. That being said, after owning boats for 50+ years, here is my rule of thumb: Make an estimate of what you anticipate it will cost you to put your new toy into seaworthy condition. Then multiply that figure by two. The do not be disappointed when you find out that the actual cost was twice that number. And don't forget the aggravation from not being able to find parts, scraped knuckles, knocked noggin, and just about everything else you will do to yourself. If you're going to have to do heavy repairs, figure in a trip or two to the hospital for good measure. Then there is the time. Ahhh the time working on Serenity and not on the water sailing. Triple all estimates. For whatever it is worth, I thought you were being kind with your $100K estimate. I was more than double your figure and that was before outfitting for safety items (life raft, EPIRB, MOM, life jackets, harnesses, etc.). All in all, I have found that it is far less expensive to buy a boat where someone else has done all of the work that is ready to go. Even then you are going to find stuff that will need your attention. Thanks again.

I purchased a HC33 last year in close to this condition. I've replaced the entire teak deck with fiberglass and gelcoat. New yanmar 30hp and am 3 months into completely rebuilding the companion way. Next will be the bottom job and new chain plates. I can see how this would be scary to people that do not know how to do the work. But for other that love these boats ..it's a labor of love.

Agree with what you are saying. I have owned 5 pretty serous cruising boats. Up to 46’. A school that I taught sailing for in San Francisco, had a HC 38. The most noteworthy memory on it was when I was coming back in the approaches to the GG Bridge from off shore. We hit the ebb unfortunately. Which set up some steep 3+ meter seas. We were sailing dead down Wind with standard sail. The note worthy part is how the boat tracked in those conditions………like it was on rails. You could let go of the helm for minutes. Never sailed a boat that could do that in these conditions. My Alberg 35 would take a good amount of steering, My K Peterson 44 would too MY Cal 46 was the best for this but that HC 38 could really track, but did have a heavy helm. 15 grand? Yeah 25 yrs ago. Been there done that. Ha ha. Nice boat for a younger person with good ambition and some knowledge.

Video idea: list of the tools you bring on a cruise/passing. Love your content, keep it up!

It's funny, this specific boat is on my favorites list on Boat Trader and as someone who knows nothing about boats it looked totally fine to me. If I had the money fully saved up, I may have even considered buying this one. After seeing this video it's clear to me I still have a lot to learn.

I refinished the brightwork on an old Tollycraft half that size. That was 25 years ago, but I feel the pain as if it were yesterday. I love the Hans Christian boats, but I wouldn’t touch this one with a whisker pole. and I absolutely agree about your assessment of double Enders in general. Solid content sir as always. Keep up the good work!

Really interesting walk through of a potential boat purchase. I would like to see more of these.

please make more video's about boats to stay away from and things to watch out for.. its very usefull for those of us trying to save and trying to judge what we can or cannot afford..

Several sailboats were in a horseshoe bay. Early in the morning the wind came up directly into the bay. My friend got going and warned the others. Everyone got going and sailed away to the next destination. The exception was the Hans Christian that came in 24 hours after everone else. It was a relatively short leg. The skipper said he almost lost the boat because it couldn't tack out of the bay until condiions lightened. This has been my experience with this model. So, don't count on doing anything but tradewind sailing. Otherwise you will be disappointed and motoring home.

This boat looks like a boat someone bought to renovate, before they realised how much work it was going to take to renovate.

Great Vid Tim. Maybe next one should be on dealing with mould on a boat and the damage it causes. Rectification works required. George

This is the most informative, honest, and helpful post I’ve seen in a while. You need to want a long difficult project and enjoy doing work more than sailing otherwise expect to be in boat yard hell. Oh, don’t forget yard fees and transportation costs to a yard where you are allowed to do the work yourself!

I bought an 84 HC 38 ten years ago. Look out for the six hardwood blocks that lie between the chain plates and the hull interior. Mine were rotting due to rain water ingress. Hard to replace. Also rot under the bowsprit. Plus assume the balsa deck and cabin top cores have rotted due to water ingress through the teak screws. Plus check the sink drain area which is around the waterline and once compromised by rust can slowly sink your boat even in a Marina. Otherwise the HC is wonderful, particularly as a live aboard.

Been following you for some time and absolutely love your videos. You were spot on with this vid and I was more than impressed. Keep up the good work.

This one is right on the edge. If you are someone who has all the needed skills and experience in rebuilding a sailing vessel (as opposed to refitting) and burning desire to save this one then maybe. Sadly this one looks to be past the point of no return for most folks. There are $30k boats out there in Way better condition that are better candidates for refit. You might as well build one from scratch.

Another great breakdown, I'm leaving so much from your channel. Great content! An idea for the next episode; if you're already at the Annapolis boat show interview vendors, builders, showgoers young and old asking what do they like/hate most about the sailing lifestyle.

Another great educational video, thanks! I have learned so much from these episodes that I take notes. ...I would love to see you make a video about the perfect island hoping sailboat for older novice sailors who want to retire and sail off into the Caribbean. One that is comfortable, safe, easy to handle, and is less then 100k. I'm being selfish and want you to pick a boat for my wife and I. lol. I imagine Bennetou will be the one you might pick.

Video idea: Boat with all the gear already on vs none. So maybe one with water maker, solar, lithium, arch, davits etc vs naked standard boat and whether you actually save money. Do you save, or is it in the price of the listing!?

Hi Tim, it’s at my marina and will take a look at it next week after I get back from the island :)

Deck project is huge manageable. Having done a recore on a Pearson 31 the owner discovered that doing a Plasdeck refit was cheaper than the yard doing a awlgrip non skid job. The out come was fabulous. Engine wise I've become a fan of Beta diesel replacement. I as broker sold a Tayana 37 that had davits on its stern and they worked great. All about the intended use. Crossing oceans I'm still a Swan fan. A motorsailor episode would be great.

This is truly a great one. I found an old beat up HC last year and i've be so temped to buy it . This Video set me strait. Thanks.

Keeping in mind that buying a sail-ready boat means you can finance it as ready, otherwise your 100k out of pocket.

sailed across the sea of cortez in an Albin Ballad along with an HC 38... gale force winds... we surfed with wind on the quarter up to 12 knots... hand steering on the tiller of course.. hove to for a bit during the night to get some rest... pulled into Mazatlan and they were rattled... surprised by that...she being so well equipped... perhaps we just got lucky...

Great analysis very informative.! Thank you.

Thanks for posting! I've considered both of these boats, and after rebuilding a Cheoy Lee Cadet some years ago, I'd opt for the more expensive one. Amazing how I drooled over both these boats for a week or so, only to find your video.

Chainplates, new wiring, plumbing, prop and shaft, cushions, bottom work, it’s a huge pass by me even if it was free.

Smaller boats sub 30ft. They aren't as roomy but can and do get the job done. Great video as usual and always looking forward to the next one.

When buying anything that needs massive repairs the best way to look at it is can it be done for nearly the same price as one ready to go. The main difference is everything will be new on the one needing repairs and the one that is ready to go you still don't know how much life is left in the parts and systems.

Great video ! started working on sailboats with Dad when i was 12 , old now and have re-planked ect... a few old boats in life time , some things like the rigging when it's out of the water , because your having to do the bottom job anyway , pulling the mast and making up new rigging is not that big a job , but you have 6 to 12 months sentences of work in video , like redo the deck and while it's out the thru hulls , then rebuild or replace the engine and wiring , then months of things like systems an setting it up , if your married an 25 both making more money than God then this is the boat for you if you like it , it's a clean sheet , if your old and spend the summer watering the yard because your wife talks so much you have a choice of sitting down or fainting or looking busy outside this is not the boat for you 🙂

Absolute great content! Thank you!

About 100k for refit was my thought also. Plus the cost of labor, hardstand, Living where the boat is. Probably better be prepared for 200K.

Another great video Tim! Usually you try to encourage people to go small go now but here you did a great job with providing your honest opinion and potentially making a cold shower for some new sailors. All the best :)

Same as buying a car: what you save upfront you pay out over time. If you enjoy the work and your objective is to work on the boast rather than sail then you can save a ton of money and just add an extension to the kitchen in your house. That said, you will really get to know the boat by doing all of the work yourself, she will be a true friend and you will need a friend since your wife will have left you for a guy who remodels kitchens.

I live in Long Beach. Next time I go paddle boarding, I’ll check it out.

Great info. Thanks

Thank you for this video. I am currently in the market for a 40ft + boat. I am going to go look at a carter 42, a racing cruiser, and this has certainly given me food for thought. Best regards, Nigel.

I saw this pop up as well and contemplated how long it would be before it was relisted for 50k after someone thought they could do all the work. If you had a place to work on it and had a 10 year plan when to sail it, there is your boat.

Uncanny...I just saw one of these this week while strolling the docks at a marina in Sidney on Vancouver Island. The wife and I had no idea of the make, but undeniably an HC now that I've seen your video. Never have I seen so much teak!

Love the channel! This sounds like a familiar story :) I am all for saving a classic old boat and am working on a pretty big refit of an '89 Liberty 458 but oh man, that will be a ton of work! I don't think that you mentioned the deck core that is surely rotten on this boat given all of the screw heads that are exposed on the tired teak decks. Add a 20-30 more boat bucks for that repair (probably even more these days...) I am working on my decks now over on my channel and have been blown away by the amount of water that I am finding in with the failed ply and balsa... They only made 31 of the Liberty 458, but they are a bit of a cult boat and I'd be interested to hear your thoughts. Cheers.

Thanks for this video. I love every single one. I'm a cat sailor by preference, but your reviews are totally awesome.

Thanks, great review. Next? You did teak deck headaches?! ;-) What to do about leakages?..temporary solutions and the better permanent ones. Moisture on board? Sail a longkeeler backwards well? All kind of positions for your dinghy..the pro and conts?

So Tim if you know anything about hull shape and how they act in the water, you know this canoe stern means it will be slow. While a sugar scoop tricks the water to think your boat is longer, a canoe stern fools the water into thinking the boat is shorter. Don't ask me to explain it, it just is.

Great video! I noticed that boat online several days ago.

Too much stuff to fix agreed. Good analysis. It's so easy to fall in love with how they look and logic goes out the window. 130k and two years later your still working on it. Just coordinating yard time can be challenging.

Great video!

Great info

Great video sir.

The way I would look at it, is - what is the hull condition, what would be a fair price for a barebones hull in that condition, and what else can be salvaged. As Captain Q would say, 10 points because it floats. It is clearly a project boat. On the other hand, how turnkey - really - is the 130K one? I very much doubt you can easily find a true turnkey blue water sailboat on the used market. There will be some amount of refitting no matter the starting price.

Omg i love this episode. I am a huge Hans Christian fan they give these pirateship vibes. And the best model (36) has the bathroom in the front which just makes sense to me.

Definitely a good exemple of a wreck not even worth free... I really like your videos and your sens of humour! Half a forest of teak...Can you imagine the cost of undoing and then redoing piece by piece all the decking and extras!?? And as it leaks, you will require to destroy the whole interior, imagine that... The weight really surprised me. Sounds like a double hull! I agree of the proposition about a video where you would talk about tools, equipment and mandatory spare parts needed for offshore getaways. God Bless.

Video idea: moving from a trailer sailer to your first in the water boat. How big, and all the other consideration.

Absolutely loving your channel. Love your focus on boats. My suggestion for a video, which I haven't seen you cover, is boat resale value. When I buy a boat I'm also thinking about how easily I can sell it. There are a lot of cheap boats out there but when you want to move on they are really hard to sell. I would rather pay more money up front for a brand that will keep better value and sell easily than buy the least expense boat I can find. I would love to see a video looking at which brands keep there value and are desirable.

I bought a very similar project earlier this year, a 1980 Baba 30, and I think your assessments are correct if your talking about a typical “pay to do anything on your boat” type person. For someone with any skills it’s a good buy. I did a lot of work myself on mine and saved quite a bit, only relegating the work I couldn’t do myself, to experts ie bottom paint. It definitely won’t end up any cheaper than buying a ready to cruise boat but I’ll know every part of it by the end and can fix things the right way and buy the best parts since I’m not spending it all at once. The boats in the water and sailing currently but it’s still a work in progress

Exterior teak on an old boat is likely very grainy and if the boat was kept in a hot climate, it is probably also moldy. Teak trim can be made to look good with epoxy and paint, but a deck of it will likely have to be pulled up and there well may be rot in the deck caused by the many screw holes.

muy buen video, veo varios videos de proyectos de restauracion de barcos donde terminan gastando mas de lo que vale el barco, sin cuantificar el tiempo y trabajo personal invertido. a veces dan pena ver esos veleros abandonados, y en mas de una oportunidad estuve tentado con alguno, pero haciendo cuentas objetivas, en muchos no se justifica ni aunque te los regalen. Un saludo.

I bought a 1976 Catalina 22. I used it to live on while traveling for jobs. Reading through various cruising forums I have heard the arguments for the capability and also many against the capability of the Catalina 22. Mine is in need of a good deal of work but the dreamer in me would love to hop across the Gulf on her one day but I know that is probably a horrible idea.

i bought a 15k fixer upper sailboat and am doing all the work myself. its daunting and very expensive even with the right skillset. ive gained a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge doing the work over the paset 5 years. i would not even pay 15k for this one UNLESS, i had very deep pockets, a tremendous amount of free time and a cheap and affordable place to haul out and work on this boat for 1-3 years, or more. ideally someone would gut this boat and rebuild her from the ground up.

Speaking of classic looking double-ended boats can you make a video on the Fisher series, specifically the 34 and 37? I know you did a Motorsailer video a while ago, but it was focused on Nauticat.

Love your videos. Want to get a job selling yachts so I can keep finding more about it.

That was a good list and you have a sharp eye. My take is you spend a little and you can go sailing. Maybe you watch the weather and do short trips on nice weekends but hey, you have a boat. The other thing is if you were to spend the 100k to put it in ship shape you would have new sails, rigging, and motor which the other boat would not have. Take the slow route if you need/want. Spend an extra 10k each year on new stuff. Sail it a bit and in the off season fix a thing or two and then you are sailing. If it was on the east coast I'd buy it and enjoy it no problem. It's in the water so presumably you can get take if for a test drive and shake out the sails and fire up the motor. It's an old diesel so all we need is a battery, a fuel supply, and a motor that runs. No electronics required. A survey will also fill in your priority list and act as your final go/no-go on this boat.

I'm 71 years old now, been messing about in and with boats since the age of about 6. Over the years I have had a lot of yachts, buy em., do em up sell for a profit (not counting my own labour costs) and get a bigger one. I have a rule of thumb, like Lady K Sailing I work out all the costs excluding my own labour, work back and that is the price I offer on the boat. Unfortunately the demand for second hand boats especially the mass produced craft of the late 70's upto the mid 90's and even pedigrees like Hans Christian, Swan etc. has fallen off a cliff edge. So looking at what seems like a bargain most likely will not be. looking at a reasonable sale value of most yachts, and working back on the cost of a refit even with second had parts it has reached a stage were the seller would have to pay you to take it away or give it away. The boat I have now has new sails, new electrics, a new to me recond. engine and new berth cushions, It is a trailer sailor, I bought another boat, sold it and refurbished the trailer. I know for a fact I will get more money scraping it & selling all the good bits separately, than the price the total package would be listed at today, and thats a good little boat with nothing else to spend on it. Read reellove670's comments and totally agree, there are so many good boats with every electric on them, electric winches recent sails etc, etc. and a buyers market, so buy one of them, there will still be something that needs doing!

Tim, there's also a Hans Christian here in Honolulu for sale (It is listed in Yachtworld). They asking $79.5 K (tax not included) but It needs a lot of work . Aloha from Hawaii!

A 43 Foot HC Ketch just sold in SD for 42k. I looked it over and wanted it to be my forever ship but the timing wasn’t right and yeah it was gonna need 50 to 100k to dial it in….probably was for the best that it slipped away but damn, I think about it every day…. Boat Sickness…..

Love your videos. I'd like to see an episode on Morgan Out Island 41

Even the little 33s are nice, 2 good sized beds. Nice forwards head with a real shower.

Cheers to you.

Going to push back on the Nissan. These are industrial engines, not the agricultural or motive. Made to run 24/7/30. They were marinized by Simpson Power in Vancouver, CA. They can last well over 50 years. Full rebuild kits with liners, pistons, rings, bearings are under $2k. Injectors are simple to rebuild at $80 a pop. The injector pumps never need servicing. Exhaust elbows are available new for around $200. Engine mounts are about $1,000. So looking at $3500 forma full rebuild if you do the labor. Transmission is a standard BW 71. About $3000 for a full rebuild.

After a chance discovery of your channel, I’m very much enjoying your honest take on things. I’ve also looked at canoe stern boats and while I love the classic look and detail, they feel too cramped in the cockpit for me. I’m interested in a local C&C 36 now. Meant to be a 1990 build. They seem like a good coastal cruiser and lean towards being a performance boat. Any thoughts? Have you done a video clip on one? Thanks again. Keep up the good work. 🙂👍🏽

The compass isn't "missing", it looks like a Edson steering pedestal with the top removed. Notice the wheel isn't mounted, that is why. The compass would sit in the missing portion of the pedestal.

If I was 40 again, I'd take her for 10. At $37K, its way too much. I think I have most of the skills necessary to bring her back, including rebuilding the engine myself, but pushing mid sixties now, the stamina is no longer there. Even at doing most of the work oneself, you're looking at maybe 3-5 years on the hard at part time work, and not a money no object project. Then when its done, you'd have to cross the Panama Canal to bring her east, or go west halfway around the world. As you said, in the right hands. Not for the faint of heart. Double ended boats are not my cup of tea either. Good luck to her because the next owner will have none. Good show.

Aloha Tim, Ihave a very bad idea for an episode….. based on your VinWiki tshirt Im going to assume you’re familiar with the show Roadkill. What about a boating version? An auction boat, a buddy, excellent floatation devices a random assortment of tools and a destination. What could go wrong? Thanks for all the great vids. 🤙

Just a thought. If you feel that you are running out of ideas for boats then maybe trip ideas are in order. Such as you now have a boat, what's next. Passports, route planning good destinations vs popular ones. How to deal with money, banking in foreign countries. Good supply strategies, including foods. and on and on...

A good friend of mine is a yacht broker. One of the honest ones in the business. Which is why he did so well in the business. Years ago he told me a litt.e pearl of wisdom that has proven right over and over. He said that, "You are going to spend. X amount of money for a certain style and brand of boat weather you spend it up front and get one ready to go, or buy a fixer upper handyman special. You will spend the same amount to get the boat to Bristol condition. "

Thank you for all your work. I live in Washington State. Im planning to come your way and buy a boat in the spring. I imagine I’m not alone in wondering about off-season storage options for absent owners. On the hard vs. a marina. Where are the deals for either?

What are your up coming plans are you off to the bahamas this year . Do please let us all know..

Next episode; What sailboat does Johnboy and Tiffany need to buy? We want room,security and after signing all the paperwork, knowing we bought the right one!

I bought a Baba 35 on Ebay in much worse shape than this for 26k. Five years of refit she is a head-turner and sails beautifully. Hopefuly, someone with the money, time, skill and drive will get this boat, instead of a penny-pinching pipe dreamer. Those people ruin boats.

Nice video

Next episode content? Your input on why there's such a huge value spread between self-built/one-offs/highly modified vs serial manufactured boats would be extremely valuable. Here in Europe self-builds/highly modified/one-offs are tough sell and thus keep their value poorly.

I wouldn’t even take it for free. What about the keel bolts, batteries, tanks, is the hull sound, chainplates, rudder, thru hills, we’re the zincs maintained? It’s a nightmare.

Food for lots and lots of brain scratching! But, it would make a fine ship in the end!!! SkipRay, Kerry, Ireland.

Great video! I’d say if you are willing and capable, also have the time. In two years you would have a better vessel. Then what’s available for the price.

Been watching this one

15 000 is MAX . Its not just the money that needs to be spent on that boat . Its the time . Then what comes next - Electrics ,Cushions ,Refrigeration, rotten wood and the list gets bigger.

Great run down and critique. While these Hans are beautiful and capable I am saving my $ for a cruiser from the early 21st century. Florida and the Carib are my destinations.

I grew up sailing and cruising prior to blackwater tanks. I agree they are necessary.

Video: how about an episode of the trials and/or pitfalls of buying a freshwater Great Lake boat to be homeported on the coast. Will the freshwater boat fall apart in the salt water? What are the things to look out for or be concerned with about this boat in it’s new salty environment? As a new buyer, how can you get burned in this situation?

Episode suggestion: Where do full-timers go during the hurricane season? If I sell everything and live this life, where do I go June-November?

Hi, can u make a video about centerboard / lifting keel sail boats with low mast (

would love to see an episode about what catamarans are best for solo sailing

I would like to hear your opinion on Dufour and they’re forward galley.

She's also built in Taiwan and they are well known for not sealing the teak decks back then so the deck coring is most likely rotted too. In general with 70's teak deck boats assume they are bad

... great breakdown THis is why serious sailors race dingys

Great advice for the poor sucker who will STILL MAKE THE MISTAKE.

I love fiberglass. Wood is work. Tearing apart the wood to get to various parts of the boat gets stupid fast. Just ask yourself if you had a leak on the deck around a window, what would you have to take apart to get to fix that leak?

Yeah I seen a 72 cheoy Lee offshore 40 4m5 hrs away from 19000 but was told that I couldn't get financing past 1999 and have to have 700 ++ credit score for a sailboat

Video idea: what options do you have for sailboats with lift/swing keel that you can put on a trailer after your car. What are the drawbacks with such a boat design, except the obvious weaker keel structure?

Nissan Diesel. I might be too young for that. :-D I know only about Yanmar and Volvo. Thank you for your videos they are really useful.

Couldnt for the winch like take the chain holder pulley bit off and put it on the new winch and save some cash not having to replace the chains. And dealing with a blackwater tank if you spill it or cut it open you would write off the boat. My old man had some weird issue where when you used the toilet this bad stink would waft through the boat. I think he used a bleach cleaner or something and the seals maybe leaked when youd flush the toilet. I think he changed the system but boy it was bad one whole summer.