[1][2] The design was built by Hughes Boat Works in Canada, from 1970 until 1971, but it is now out of production.
[1][2][5][6] The Hughes 38-2 incorporated a number of changes from the 38-1, including a T-shaped cockpit, the option of a taller mast for areas with lighter winds and a redesigned interior.
[1][2] The 38-2 is a recreational keelboat, built predominantly of fibreglass, with wood trim.
It has a masthead sloop rig; a raked stem; a raised counter, reverse transom; a skeg-mounted rudder controlled by a tiller and a fixed, swept fin keel.
[1][2] The boat is fitted with a Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine for docking and manoeuvring.