Fales 38 Navigator Information, Review, Specs

The Fales 38 Navigator began its production in 1977, with its design attributed to Charles Street and John G. Alden's influential firm. The Alden design office, active for nearly a century, was celebrated for creating elegant, seaworthy, and robust vessels with a focus on bluewater cruising capabilities and a timeless aesthetic. This philosophy likely shaped the Navigator's durable construction and emphasis on comfort for offshore voyaging. The Fales 38 Navigator shares its hull with the Fales 38 Explorer, with the Navigator being the pilothouse motor sailer variant. There are indications that the hull design itself may have roots in earlier stretched hull concepts, potentially derived from a Willard Vega hull.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a motor sailer, the Fales 38 Navigator prioritizes comfort and stability, reflecting a design ethos that blends the efficiency of a motor yacht with the capabilities of a sailboat. With a reported sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 12.1, the vessel is considered moderately powered for sailing, indicating it is not designed for high-performance racing but rather for steady, reliable progress. Its high ballast to displacement ratio, nearing 0.40, contributes significantly to its inherent stability and stiffness, allowing it to stand up well to wind and sea. The displacement to length ratio, at approximately 605, categorizes the Fales 38 Navigator as a heavy displacement vessel, further underscoring its robust and seakindly nature. Owners generally describe the Fales 38 Navigator as a stable and stiff boat with excellent righting capability. While perhaps not the fastest under sail, its design ensures a comfortable motion, making it well-suited for extended cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Fales 38 Navigator is noted for being spacious, a key attribute for a vessel designed for cruising and living aboard. As a center cockpit and pilothouse model, it typically features an elevated helm station that provides excellent visibility and protection from the elements. While specific details of every layout can vary, owners frequently highlight an "excellent fit and finish below" with solid construction. Features such as air conditioning in the salon-galley area and even a washer/dryer machine have been noted on some models, suggesting a strong emphasis on onboard amenities and comfort. The generous interior volume allows for well-appointed living spaces, though some layouts might not include a dedicated chart table. The use of fiberglass for the hull suggests a durable and low-maintenance construction typical of its era.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Fales 38 Navigator often praise its rugged construction and its suitability as a solid bluewater cruiser. The generous interior space and stable motion are consistently highlighted as major strengths, contributing to its reputation as a comfortable liveaboard vessel. Its inherent stability and stiffness, coupled with excellent righting capability, provide a sense of security and confidence, particularly in challenging conditions. However, owners generally acknowledge that the boat is "under powered" for pure sailing, reflecting its motor sailer design where engine assistance is often anticipated. While not as widely recognized as some other cruising sailboats of its class, the Fales 38 Navigator is sometimes seen as undervalued, offering robust construction and a capable platform for those seeking a comfortable and seaworthy cruiser.