Sailing Performance & Handling
The 32 Navigator is a "small ship" in every sense, designed for stability and comfort rather than speed. With a displacement of 17,000 pounds and a ballast-to-displacement ratio of roughly 35%, it possesses a Motion Comfort Ratio of approximately 35.1, placing it among the most stable vessels in its size class. In heavy seas, the boat’s high-volume hull and full keel provide exceptional tracking and a "salty" feel that minimizes the sharp, jerky motions common in lighter fin-keeled cruisers.
Under sail, the Navigator is best described as a motorsailer. Its Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 10.5 indicates it is significantly under-rigged for light-air performance. However, when the wind picks up, its cutter rig allows for a versatile sail plan that remains manageable in heavy weather. The boat’s true strength lies in "motor-sailing," where the Perkins 4-108 diesel engine provides the primary propulsion while the sails act as steadying agents to reduce roll and add a knot or two of speed. Owners report that the vessel tracks with remarkable precision, a trait attributed to the long keel and the balanced lines penned by William Crealock and Charles F. Street.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The most striking feature of the Fales 32 Navigator is its interior volume, which belies its 32-foot length. The cabin offers a generous 6'2" to 6'3" of headroom, catering to taller sailors who are often cramped in traditional sailboats of this era. The layout typically features a classic pilothouse arrangement with a midship helm station, allowing for navigation in protected comfort. The galley is generally situated to port, equipped with deep iceboxes and propane stoves, while the salon occupies the aft portion of the vessel, providing a social space that feels more like a trawler than a sailboat.
Sibling models include the Fales 32 Searcher (sometimes referred to as the "Seaker"), which utilizes the same 32-foot hull but is configured as a pure trawler without the mast and rigging. This variant often includes a flybridge with an upper steering station, further emphasizing its power-boat identity. Both variants share the same "over-built" fiberglass construction, featuring thick laminates that were standard practice during the 1970s at the Pearson-affiliated yards.
Popular Mentions & Media
While the Fales 32 is a rare sight in modern marinas, it has earned a cult following among long-distance cruisers and members of the Cruising Club of America. One notable Fales 32, also named Searcher, became well-known within the offshore community for its extensive voyages, including passages from the Cape Verde Islands to Trinidad and transits of the Mediterranean from Greece to Malta. Such voyages have cemented the Navigator’s reputation as a legitimate, if slow, blue-water vessel capable of handling major ocean crossings.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should approach the Fales 32 Navigator as they would any high-quality vintage vessel from the 1970s. While the hull is solid fiberglass and famously durable, specific areas require scrutiny:
- Fuel and Water Tanks: Original tanks may vary in material; while some were metal, many were replaced with polyethylene. Check for signs of weeping or corrosion in original metal tanks, which can be difficult to access.
- Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the Fales 32 uses a cored deck. Inspect areas around the windlass, stanchion bases, and the mast step for soft spots or delamination.
- Rigging Age: Given the boat's age and its use as a motorsailer, the standing rigging is often overlooked. A thorough inspection of the chainplates and wire is mandatory.
- Engine Maintenance: The Perkins 4-108 is a workhorse but requires consistent cooling and oil pressure monitoring. Inspect the heat exchanger and the exhaust riser for salt buildup.
Community & Resources
The Fales 32 occupies a unique niche between the sailing and trawler communities. While Willard Marine has historically distanced itself from the Fales modifications, owners often find technical support and historical data through the Willard Boat Owners association. Additionally, the Pearson Yacht Owners Association remains a valuable resource for understanding the construction techniques and material standards used by the Rhode Island builders during the Navigator's production run.
The Verdict
The Fales 32 Navigator is a rare, heavily built motorsailer designed for those who value sea-kindliness and interior volume over raw speed. It is a "forever boat" for the coastal cruiser or the solo Great Loop adventurer seeking a vessel that feels like a ship.
Pros:
- Exceptional interior headroom and living space for a 32-footer.
- High motion comfort and stability in heavy weather.
- Rugged, "tank-like" fiberglass construction.
- Dual helm options (in some models) for all-weather navigation.
Cons:
- Poor light-air sailing performance due to low sail-area-to-displacement ratio.
- Extremely limited availability on the used market (only ~8 built).
- Difficult to maneuver in tight marinas due to the long keel and heavy displacement.
