reflex 38 yacht

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Pronavia 38 Review

The Reflex 38 got a full makeover as a cruiser-racer – step forward the Pronavia 38. Rupert Holmes reports.

Many boats claim to be performance cruisers, but few make the grade. However, it’s instantly obvious that this design is different — it’s a true performance yacht, retaining the well-proven speed and stability characteristics of its predecessor, but with a completely redesigned and fully fitted lightweight interior. The new boat is available in two versions: a standard cruiserracer (as tested), or a high-performance model with a lighter foam laminate interior, plus carbon rig and rudderstock.

The Reflex 38 started life as a brief from Sir Robin Knox-Johnston’s Clipper Ventures company. He wanted a fleet of strong racing yachts, with ocean crossing capability, to train crews for roundthe- world voyages. The boat has proved to be one of the most successful designs of its size on the racecourse, both round the cans and offshore. For instance, Sailing Logic’s ‘Puma Logic’ was overall class winner in the IRC 1 RORC Series Championship in 2005, and finished third in class in that year’s Rolex Fastnet Race. In 2006 the same boat finished the selection trials for the Commodores’ Cup in second place, although controversially was not picked for the team.

Part of the original design brief of the Reflex was for high ultimate stability — the design has an AVS of 144 degrees. With the additional displacement of the Pronavia cruising version this is reduced by around five degrees, but is nonetheless still a very respectable figure. The 2.3m draught keel is an iron/lead composite structure, with a large bulb at the base giving a low centre of gravity. Add to that a ballast ratio of near 45 per cent for the raceboat (41 per cent for the cruiser) and you have a very stiff vessel with excellent sail carrying ability. A shoal-draught option of 1.75m is also offered.

The design excels in offshore events — as well successes in the Fastnet, the Reflex 38 has won its division crossing the Atlantic in the ARC and topped the field in the grueling Three Peaks Race four times running.

‘The new boat fulfills the potential the design always had,’ says designer Christian Stimson, ‘It has the benefit of a spacious and comfortable interior, without sacrificing performance.’ In part, this has been possible because the Reflex has a heavy low-tech 12mm plywood interior, so the redesigned interior is of similar weight, despite the huge improvement in comfort and sophistication. However, the extra equipment of the more cruising-oriented design, from a windlass to pressurised water systems, inevitably pushes the weight up. The IRC rating of the Pronavia comes out around 1.055, compared to the typical figure for a Reflex of around 1.067-1.069.

Rickard Eskilsson and Anders Ekstrand, who bought the Swedish boatyard six years ago, developed the Pronavia idea. Their search for a more up to date design led them to Christian Stimson’s Reflex 38; and they bought the moulds from Cowes-based builder Nigel Harley and commissioned stylist Roel de Groot to design the interior.

One of the key attributes of the Reflex 38 that has not changed is its structural strength. The laminate was engineered by SP Technologies to provide a balance between robust charter boat and performance racer, including a requirement to absorb the very considerable forces of running aground at 10 knots. The engineers’ calculations were proved accurate when a Reflex ran aground at speed on the wreck of the ‘Varvassi’ off The Needles — a hulk that claims raceboats almost every year. The impact left a large cauliflowershaped dent in the front of the foil, but incredibly there was no damage to the laminate structure or keel bolts.

Our test boat, ‘Seawolf’, was owned by Dave Latham of Atlantic Charters. The boat was based in the Solent area during summer 2006, before moving to Gibraltar for the winter season. Dave chose the Pronavia following a year’s experience of owning a Reflex 38. He was also drawn by the Swedish yard’s flexibility in incorporating his own requests into the build, yet the cost worked out around 20 per cent cheaper for a comparable specification. ‘Seawolf’ is fitted with almost all the available optional cruising comforts such as boarding ladder, cockpit shower and spray hood.

Externally, the main differences between the Reflex and Pronavia are in the cockpit area, where the seats extend further aft and the coamings are more rounded. Additionally the Reflex’s big wheel is eschewed in favour of twin wheels and the entire area is decked in teak. The steering positions from each side are nothing short of excellent, and there’s no evidence that the smaller wheels result in high steering loads feeding through to the helm.

Deck gear is by Lewmar and Spinlock, with an upgrade to Harken available as an option. A German mainsheet system is led to winches just forward of each wheel, where they can be reached from the helm if short-handed, or by a dedicated mainsheet trimmer. Under-deck halyards help to create a neat and uncluttered layout, boosted by flush-fitting hatches. The coach roof does not unduly hinder deck work and the conventional alloy toe rail is cut flat aft of the shrouds for comfortable hiking — overall it’s a better proposition for round the cans racing than that of many popular cruiser-racers. There’s a liferaft locker under the sole at the aft end of the cockpit, with space for a few fenders etc, but otherwise locker space is restricted on three-cabin boats. Two cabin models, however, have a large cockpit locker aft of the heads compartment.

The keel-stepped double-spreader 9/10ths fractional rig is alloy on cruiser-racer versions and carbon on the all-out racer. ‘Seawolf’ is equipped with cruising laminate sails, by Royal Sails of Sweden. Many Reflexes gain a small rating advantage by sailing with a maximum 130 per cent genoa, although Stimson recommends a 140 per cent headsail for the Pronavia: ‘It’s needed because of the extra weight — about threequarters of a tonne — of the cruising gear compared to a stripped out boat.’

On the water

Our test took place on the Solent, in 12-15 knots of breeze, with frequent gusts to 20 knots. Upwind the helm has a delightful positive feel and the boat falls easily into a deep groove, even without crew on the rail. There’s every indication that the boat will fulfill the polars, which show roughly seven knots of boatspeed and tacking through 70 degrees in these conditions.

Bearing off and hoisting the spinnaker the boat again showed a good turn of speed, and excellent control. When spinnaker reaching the boat remained under complete control with no sign of broaching, even in the gusts. At all times she readily responded to the helm to bear away, with the rudder retaining a good grip on the water throughout.

Two basic layouts are offered, with a choice of two or three cabins, and a degree of customisation is possible. There’s intelligent stowage space throughout the boat — it’s plentiful and wellplanned — and the general feel is light and airy. Granted, there are more spacious 38-footers, but none will match the performance and handling of this boat. The finish throughout is also worthy of mention — the mahogany joinery is executed to a high standard and a careful effort has been made to avoid any exposed fibreglass.

Right forward in two of the versions is a large owner’s cabin, with a 2.14m double berth. The spacious saloon and chart table areas, to port of the main cabin, are identical in all versions, as is the port side aft guest cabin.

A two-cabin layout has a generously-sized heads compartment aft to starboard, with a truly excellent galley stretching along the whole starboard side of the main cabin. This has an abundance of worktop space, as well as huge, but well-organised, stowage capacity. Some linear galleys are a nightmare to work at sea on the ‘wrong’ tack, but the custom centre-line saloon bench that Dave specified for ‘Seawolf’ offers something to brace against and makes the galley totally usable at sea.

The standard three-cabin layout has a second, smaller, aft cabin to starboard, and a smaller heads compartment immediately ahead of this. ‘Seawolf’ has a slightly different arrangement, with the heads compartment forward of the mast at the expense of a smaller forecabin. This has the  advantage of allowing a little more space in the  starboard aft cabin, as well as maintaining a similarly-sized galley to that of the two-cabin boat.

Pronavia 38 Review: Verdict

With 10 boats sold already, the Pronavia concept is  proving undeniably popular — with the marriage of  the Reflex 38’s race-winning heritage and the new  interior arrangements, this is a genuine dual-role  performance design with the potential to win races  both round the cans and offshore. Combining  cruising comforts with the ability to plane in wind  speeds over 20 knots is certainly appealing.

When sailed short-handed the boat’s high  stability and sail-carrying ability will prove a real  asset — a brisk, but relaxed, pace can be  maintained with few sail changes.

Initially the boat has been deliberately undervalued to get attention and represents  excellent value for money. Pricing will increase  year on year so residual values are not a worry  for buyers.

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Harley Raceboats Reflex 38 for sale in Hamble United Kingdom

Hamble United Kingdom

Make & Model

Harley Raceboats Reflex 38

MEASUREMENTS

Description.

Cougar is a well looked after and set up Reflex 38. She has a strong inventory of sails, renewed standing rigging and ready to go for this seasons racing. She has been lightly used by her current owner who has maintained her well since 2006. AVAILABLE TO VIEW ON THE HARD STANDING AT DEACONS MARINA - BOATPOINT

Construction

1999 Reflex 38, Stimson Design and built by Harley Race boats

Cast iron fin keel with lead bulb

LOA: 11.59m

LOA: 11.59m BEAM:  3.9m DRAFT:  2.3m DISPLACEMENT: 5,856 kg BALLAST: 2,690 kg

Mechanical And Electricals

YANMAR 3JH3C DIESEL INBOARD 3 cylinder 39HP 1,800 hours from new Yanmar Saildrive SD31 2 blade flexafold propeller - New in 2018 ELECTRICALS 1 x 12v 110amp/hr service batteries 1 x 12v 80amp/hr Engine Battery Battery Charger Shorepower with 2 x 240v RCD protected outlets 105amp/hr Engine alternator, plus space 55amp/hr alternator Adverc battery management system

Accommodation

SLEEPS 10 IN 3 CABINS AND SALOON Teak and Holly sole Eberspacher diesel cabin heating - requires attention FORWARD CABIN 'V' berth Storage under berth Locker HEADS Manual sea toilet Stainless single sink with cold tap 2 x lockers and storage SALOON Large saloon with 2 x settee that convert to berths Folding leaf table in the center Dropping sea berths above settee's Galley to Port Nav station to stbd GALLEY Single stainless sinks with cold water tap Gimbaled Plastimo 2 x Gas hob, Oven and Grill Storage cupboards and lockers NAVIGATION STATION Aft facing station with Nav seat Large opening chart table Electrical control panel Garmin 128 GPS and multifunction display Stereo

TWIN AFT CABIN 2 x open single berths with folding bunks above

Rig Z-Spar Fractional (7/8 rig) mast Standing rigging - all replaced in 2015 Spreaders  - replaced in 2015  Nordic Boom, uprated in enamel black Spinnaker pole  - aluminium  All running rigging in Dyneema Winches 2 x Harken AST 48.3 primary (3 speed) winches 2 x Harken AST 40 secondary winches 2 x Harken AST 40 ST secondary winches

2012 Doyle Taffeta backed Kevlar Main (5/10) 2012 Doyle Taffeta backed Kevlar mid-weight #2 (5/10) 2012 Doyle Taffeta backed Kevlar #3 (8/10) 2006 Racing / Cruising sails by Westaway – Pentex Cruislam  Main (7/10) 2006 Racing / Cruising sails by Westaway – Pentex Cruislam #2 (6/10)  2005 Racing Genoa by Parker & Kay – Kevlar lightweight #2 (8/10) 1999 Racing Jib by Osen – Spectra Laminate #3 blade jib (7/10)  2005 Light Spinnaker 0.5oz (6/10) 2004 AP Spinnaker 0.7/0.9oz AIRX (5/10) 2005 Heavy Spinnaker 1.5oz (7/10)

Navigational Equipment Raymarine ST 60 instrument set Log Display on deck Depth Display on deck Digital wind speed with 360 analogue direction on deck Digital & Analogue integrated Steer Compass 2 X Maxi'View displays at mast Multi Function Display at chart table

Raymarine Smartpilot autohelm with: Rate Gyro sensor core pack Type 1 linear drive (needs re-commissioning) ST6001 control head Garmin 128 GPS integrated to instruments VHF Radio fitted at chart table

Stereo CD Player with 1 internal & 2 cockpit speakers Deck Equipment Mainsail cover Steering Compass 2x anchors Fenders

EPIRB (battery requires replacement) 2x Lifebouys, one with Jotron light Dan Buoy (inflatable)

Engine Count

Engine Horse Power

Engine Hours

Propeller Type

2 Blade, Folding

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Hull Material

Drive Transmission Description

Engine Year

Engine Type

No of Heads

ABOUT HARLEY RACEBOATS REFLEX 38

The Harley Raceboats Reflex 38 is 38 feet long and has a 13 feet beam and a draft of 2.3 meters. This 1999 diesel Harley Raceboats Reflex 38 powered by Yanmar 3JH3C with 39.0 horsepower. The Harley Raceboats Reflex 38 is made of fiberglass.

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Reflex 38 Any Opinions please

• Thread starter savageseadog
• Start date 30 Nov 2009
• 30 Nov 2009

savageseadog

Well-known member.

Anyone know anything about the Reflex 38 racing yacht please?  

savageseadog said: Anyone know anything about the Reflex 38 racing yacht please? Click to expand...

Active member

I've raced against them and chatted with people who have raced on them. Quick on most points of sail but struggle to live up to their handicap in a decent chop. I am told that accomodation is apparently not very good with not enough berths for the number of crew required to race the thing and those are not in the right areas for weight distribution for the off watch crew either.  

Reflex 38 I meant is built by Harley Race Boats and designer: Christian Stimson I was after the following: 1) Sailing quality in various wind conditions and directions? 2) Handicap on IRC ok or not? 3) Build quality, durability? 4) Comparisons with Prima 38? Anything else?  

savageseadog said: Reflex 38 I meant is built by Harley Race Boats and designer: Christian Stimson I was after the following: 1) Sailing quality in various wind conditions and directions? 2) Handicap on IRC ok or not? 3) Build quality, durability? 4) Comparisons with Prima 38? Anything else? Click to expand...

savageseadog said: 1) Sailing quality in various wind conditions and directions? Click to expand...

savageseadog said: 2) Handicap on IRC ok or not? Click to expand...

savageseadog said: 3) Build quality, durability? Click to expand...

savageseadog said: 4) Comparisons with Prima 38? Click to expand...

Judders said: I am told that accomodation is apparently not very good with not enough berths for the number of crew required to race the thing and those are not in the right areas for weight distribution for the off watch crew either. Click to expand...

islandsailor

I own a Pronavia 38 - the cruising version of the Reflex 38, speak to www.sailinglogic.co.uk - RORC Yacht of the year this year and RORC school boat of the year for the last 5 years I believe. I cruise in my Pronavia 38 and its also raced, very fast cruising and it brings home the results on the race course - no complaints.  

tomframe said: I own a Pronavia 38 - the cruising version of the Reflex 38, speak to www.sailinglogic.co.uk - RORC Yacht of the year this year and RORC school boat of the year for the last 5 years I believe. I cruise in my Pronavia 38 and its also raced, very fast cruising and it brings home the results on the race course - no complaints. Click to expand...

sailed the prototype pronovia about 3yrs ago - didn't perform well against the reflex - heavier v poor quality fit out inside (looked v nice though), hatches leaked, tack on No 1 pulled out etc etc. we were disappointed - hope the production boats got better. again - repeating advice above - go and talk to the folks at sailing logic  

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• Boat REF#  ·  117633
• Length  ·  11.58m
• Year  ·  1999
• Construction  ·  Composite
• Underwater profile  ·  Fin
• Sleeping berths  ·  7
• Engine  ·  1 x diesel 30hp, Yanmar ()
• Lying  ·  Isle of Wight

Boatshed IOW

This boat is off the market but here are some boats that are still for sale.

• Specification
• Additional Information

Extra Details

New prop 2008. Sterling battery charger(2010) Complete engine overhaul in 1999 with new water pump and hoses June 2010

Sloop rigged Z Spars Aluminium spars (1999) with Rod standing rigging (2009)

Electrical Systems

12 volt battery, 3 batteries charged by: engine, shore power

Construction

Solidly built yet light enough to offer sparkling performance. Tripod shore legs included.

Accommodation

This is more the cruiser/racer version and offers the opportunity of competitive racing and good cruising. New galley fitted 2008. Fridge freezer. Extra locker space. Lined cabin and seperate owners cabin aft.

2 burner propane Stove

2 halyard winches 2 sheet winches 2 anchors (Danforth @ Bruce) 10.00m of chain 30.00m of rode

Nav Equipment

Raymarine ST60 radar and chart plotter system. Remote control auto pilot. Raydome on demountable carbon strut.

Safety Equipment

3 bilge pumps (1 manual / 2 electric)

Comprehensive safety gear but purchaser to asses.

All anchoring gear included.

Broker's Comments

The Reflex 38 is better known as a race boat but this example has a few more creature comforts and offers the best of both worlds. High performance with a few mod cons and I have never read a cruising manual that says, cruising should be slow!!!!!!! This has always been owned the same person from new who has only club raced and criused her and she was indeed the Southampton Boat Show model. This is the true cruiser version of the Reflex and should be viewed as such. Well worth a physical viewing. Call Rachel to arrange a visit. These boat details are subject to contract. Note: Offers on the asking price may be considered.

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