Northshore 38

Northshore 38 "Ruffian" - Properly Sorted, Turn-Key Yacht

If you're chasing a genuine, well-sorted performance cruiser that's been upgraded where it matters, Ruffian is one worth your time.

This 1986 Northshore 38 has had extensive money spent over the last 5-6 years and presents in exceptional condition for its age. It's a proven design--comfortable enough to cruise, but still capable of holding its own on the race track, with results to back it up in the CYCSA Twilight Series.

Powered by a 2014 Nanni 29hp diesel (low hours), she's simple, reliable and economical to run. Shaft drive with a folding prop keeps things efficient under sail and power.

Where this boat stands out is the level of upgrades:

Standing rigging replaced (2024)
Full rewire completed professionally
New stainless fuel & water tanks
New winches, new upholstery, new electronics
Tides Track system (2025) - makes single-handed sailing genuinely easy
Recent antifoul & engine service - nothing due

The sail wardrobe is extensive and in strong condition, including multiple headsails and both symmetric and asymmetric spinnakers, making her equally suited to cruising or competitive sailing.

Below deck, she's clean, functional and well laid out with multiple berths, good refrigeration, hot water, and a proper galley setup.

This is not a project boat. It's a walk-on, go sailing package that's been maintained and upgraded properly.

Key Points:

Turn-key condition
Major upgrades completed
Strong sail inventory
Proven performer
Located North Haven, SA

If you're looking for a Northshore 38, this is one of the better examples on the market.

Upgrades & Condition (2019-Present)
Fully professionally rewired
LPG gas lines replaced
New stainless steel fuel tank
New stainless steel water tank
New pump-out toilet
New Anderson ST40 primary winches
Lewmar 30 self-tailing sheet winches
New upholstery
Brightwork/varnish in good condition
Deck resurfaced with KiwiGrip
Standing rigging replaced (2024)
Running rigging in excellent condition
Tides Track added (2025) for easy single-handed sailing

Recent Works

Anti-fouled & buffed: Feb 2026
Engine serviced: Dec 2025

Usage

Primarily day sailing & cruising
Successfully raced in CYCSA Twilight Series

Adelaide Boat Sales offers the information on this vessel including condition, in good faith as provided by the Owner/Vendor. While confident about the accuracy we cannot Guarantee or warrant it. All information is to be verified and checked during the purchase process, this includes inspections, sea trials and surveys.

Adelaide Boat Sales is South Australia's largest and most active Brokerage, dealing in the sale of second hand yachts and powerboats we can offer tailored solutions to assist with the sale of your vessel. Contact us today for a free no obligation appraisal and see what we can do for you.