Fales 38 Explorer Information, Review, Specs

The 38 Explorer was typically offered in a trawler or motorsailer configuration. While the "Explorer" designation often points toward the pilothouse trawler variant, the hull's versatility allowed it to be rigged with a ketch or sloop sail plan to provide stabilization and secondary propulsion. Beyond the 38, Fales produced a series of smaller siblings on a different hull, including the Fales 32 and 33, which were marketed under various names such as the Navigator, Seeker, and Persuader. The 38 remains the flagship of the line, prized for its ability to handle offshore conditions that would deter lighter, modern coastal cruisers.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Fales 38 Explorer is a momentum-driven vessel, designed for sea-kindliness rather than speed. With a displacement-to-length ratio that leans heavily toward the "heavy cruiser" end of the spectrum (often exceeding 25,000 lbs in cruising trim), the boat provides a remarkably stable platform. In the motorsailer configuration, the sail area is relatively modest; it is intended for use in a stiff breeze to dampen roll or to assist the diesel engine during long passages. Under power, the 38 is typically equipped with a slow-turning, reliable diesel like a Perkins 4-236 or a Ford Lehman, allowing for a cruising speed of 6 to 7 knots.

Handling is characterized by the boat’s deep full keel, which ensures excellent tracking and a refusal to be bullied by beam seas. However, this same underwater profile makes the boat a challenge to maneuver in tight marinas. Without a bow thruster, the Fales 38 requires a patient hand and an understanding of prop walk, as the large rudder takes a moment to "bite" at low speeds. Owners often describe the handling as "stately," noting that while it won't win any races, it provides a sense of security when the weather turns foul.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The Fales 38 Explorer benefits from a generous beam and a high-volume hull, which creates an interior feel more akin to a 45-foot vessel. The "Explorer" variant usually features a raised pilothouse that offers 360-degree visibility, a critical feature for long-distance cruising in inclement weather. The layout typically includes a large master stateroom in the bow with a V-berth or offset double, a guest cabin or convertible dinette, and a spacious head with a separate shower stall—a luxury for a boat of this vintage.

Materials used in the interior reflect the New England craftsmanship of the 1970s, featuring heavy use of solid teak and mahogany joinery. Some variations of the hull were finished as the "Navigator" series, which offered a more traditional "aft cabin" trawler layout, providing better separation between the owner’s quarters and the guest areas. Because many of these boats were semi-customized or updated by long-term owners, it is common to find variations in galley placement and salon seating. The headroom is notable throughout, often exceeding 6'4" in the main salon and pilothouse.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Fales 38 should focus their inspection on the structural and mechanical realities of a 50-year-old fiberglass vessel.

1. Fuel Tank Corrosion: Like many boats built in this era, Fales often used iron or steel fuel tanks. These are prone to "bottom-up" corrosion if water has sat in the bilge or at the bottom of the tanks for extended periods. Replacing these tanks often requires significant engine room surgery.
2. Deck Core Integrity: The decks and cabin house are typically balsa-cored. Freshwater leaks around the stanchion bases, window frames, or the windlass can lead to localized rot. A percussion test (hammer sounding) or moisture meter reading is essential during a survey.
3. Window Seals: The large pilothouse windows are a hallmark of the design but are notorious for leaking if the original rubber seals or aluminum frames have not been re-bedded in the last decade.
4. Blistering: While the hulls are thick, solid laminate, some Fales models have shown a tendency toward osmotic blistering. While rarely structural, it is a common negotiation point during the buying process.
5. Electrical Systems: Many of these boats still carry their original 1970s-era wiring. Upgrading to modern marine-grade tinned wire and newer breaker panels is a common and necessary project for safety.

Community & Resources

While there is no formal, active manufacturer association remaining for Fales Yachts, the community is largely absorbed into the Willard Marine owner groups. The Willard Marine Owners Group is the primary repository for technical data, hull history, and shared maintenance tips, as the Fales 38 and Willard 40 share significant structural commonalities. Information can also be found through the Bristol Yacht Club archives, given the builder's historical roots in Rhode Island.

The Verdict

The Fales 38 Explorer is a rugged, character-filled vessel for the sailor who prioritizes comfort and safety over speed. It remains a "cult classic" among trawler enthusiasts who appreciate its heavy-built New England heritage.

Pros:

• Exceptional offshore stability and sea-kindliness.
• Massive interior volume and headroom for its length.
• Classic "little ship" aesthetic that stands the test of time.
• Robust fiberglass hull construction.

Cons:

• Slow cruising speeds (6–8 knots).
• Challenging close-quarters maneuverability without a thruster.
• Potential for high-cost maintenance items like fuel tank replacement.