Fales 38 Explorer Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Fales 38 Explorer begins in 1978, emerging from a design lineage that emphasized sturdy construction and practical seaworthiness. The hull, designed by Charles Street, is notably based on a stretched version of the Willard Vega hull, suggesting a design philosophy rooted in proven, stable platforms. Alden Yachts, known for their elegant, seaworthy, and robust vessels throughout the 20th century, contributed their expertise to the interior design, ensuring a comfortable and functional living space. During the era of the Fales 38 Explorer's production, Alden Yachts maintained its foundational design philosophy, focusing on creating sailing yachts that were not only comfortable and seakindly but also capable of long offshore voyages. Their commitment to blending performance with reliability was a hallmark of their work, producing what are often described as quintessential American yachts with a timeless aesthetic and a focus on bluewater cruising capabilities. While the Fales 38 Explorer was primarily offered in a single configuration, it shares its resilient hull with the Fales 38 Navigator, a pilot house motorsailer variant, underscoring its design for comfortable voyaging. Only 18 units of the Fales 38 Explorer were built, making her a relatively rare find today.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Fales 38 Explorer is characterized by a long keel hull type and a staysail ketch rig, indicative of a design prioritizing stability and ease of handling over blistering speed. With a length overall of 38 feet and a waterline length of 33 feet, she maintains a substantial presence on the water. Her displacement of 23,500 lbs, coupled with a generous ballast of 9,000 lbs, gives her a ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 38.3%. This ratio suggests a good degree of initial stability, allowing her to stand up to a breeze without excessive heeling, which is a desirable trait for comfortable cruising.

The sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 13.82 indicates that the Fales 38 Explorer is a moderately heavy displacement vessel, consistent with her role as a robust cruiser rather than a light-air racer. She will likely perform best in moderate to strong winds, where her substantial displacement can carry her through chop with a steady motion. Her displacement-to-length ratio of around 292 further categorizes her as a heavy displacement boat, suggesting a comfortable motion in a seaway and the ability to carry significant stores for extended trips. Owners often describe the Fales 38 Explorer as a boat that tracks well and offers a secure feeling offshore, attributed to her full keel and balanced ketch rig, which provides versatile sail-handling options in varying conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts are less commonly documented for the Fales 38 Explorer, the influence of Alden Yachts in her interior design points to a focus on practical comfort and quality. Given her role as an explorer and cruiser, the interior would typically feature a traditional layout designed for liveaboard comfort. This would likely include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that convert to berths, a galley, and a head compartment. The design philosophy of Alden Yachts, particularly in the 1970s, favored robust construction and practical, well-finished interiors, often incorporating warm wood trim alongside functional fiberglass components. The vessel boasts a substantial fresh water capacity of 180 gallons, indicating a design suitable for longer periods at sea or away from shore facilities. Storage would be ample, with lockers and compartments integrated throughout the living spaces to accommodate provisions and gear for extended voyages. Ventilation would typically be achieved through a combination of deck hatches and opening ports.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Fales 38 Explorer consistently praise her solid construction and seaworthy characteristics, often highlighting her ability to handle challenging conditions with a comfortable motion. The long keel and ketch rig are frequently cited as contributors to her stable ride and ease of single-handed or short-handed sailing. Many owners appreciate the robust build quality, a hallmark of both Fales Yachts and Alden designs of that era. Common discussions among owners often revolve around upgrades and maintenance, reflecting a dedicated community that cherishes these enduring vessels. While specific recurring weaknesses are not broadly documented, as with any vessel of her age, prospective owners should anticipate general maintenance associated with original systems and fittings. The generous tankage, including 70 gallons of fuel and 180 gallons of water, is frequently mentioned as a significant advantage for extended cruising.