Fales 38 Navigator Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Fales 38 Navigator is a "50/50" motorsailer, a term that implies it is designed to perform equally under power or sail, though in practice, it leans heavily toward its power capabilities. With a displacement-to-length ratio that places it firmly in the "heavy" category, the Navigator is not a light-air performer. It typically requires 15 to 20 knots of breeze to find its stride, at which point its heavy displacement provides a motion that is remarkably stable and predictable. The long, full keel ensures exceptional tracking, allowing the boat to hold its course even in a following sea where lighter, fin-keel boats might struggle with yawing.

Under power, the 38 Navigator usually relies on a reliable diesel engine, such as the Perkins 4-236 or 6-354. These engines provide the torque necessary to push the heavy hull through a chop at a comfortable cruising speed of 7 to 8 knots. However, the same full keel that provides stability offshore can make the boat difficult to maneuver in tight marinas. The lack of a deep forefoot and the significant windage of the pilothouse mean that backing into a slip requires a decisive hand, leading many owners to retrofit bow thrusters for easier handling. The ketch rig, standard on the Navigator variant, allows for a versatile sail plan, enabling the crew to "shorten down" quickly by flying just the jib and mizzen—a configuration often referred to as "the rug and the handkerchief"—to steady the boat in heavy rolls.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Fales 38 Navigator is defined by its pilothouse and a tri-cabin layout that offers a level of privacy rarely found in 38-foot sailboats. The raised pilothouse serves as the social and navigational heart of the vessel, providing 360-degree visibility and protection from the elements—a feature highly valued by those cruising in the Pacific Northwest or New England. Below decks, the use of warm teak and mahogany joinery is extensive, reflecting the craftsmanship typical of Rhode Island boatbuilders during that era.

Fales produced the hull in two primary configurations: the Navigator and the Searcher. The Navigator is the masted motorsailer version, while the Fales 38 Searcher (conceptually similar to the 32-foot version profiled by Soundings) was marketed as a pure trawler, often featuring a smaller "steadying" mast instead of a full ketch rig. The interior layout usually includes a spacious V-berth forward, a central salon with a galley and dinette, and an aft cabin that is often accessed via a separate companionway or a narrow passageway. This "great cabin" aft makes the boat an excellent candidate for liveaboards, providing a master suite that is physically separated from the guest quarters. Headroom is generous throughout, often exceeding 6'4" in the main salon and pilothouse.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Fales 38 with the understanding that these are older fiberglass vessels built during a period when manufacturers were still experimenting with resin-to-glass ratios and core materials.

• Osmotic Blistering: Like many yachts from the 1970s, the Fales 38 hull is prone to osmotic blistering. While rarely structural, a haul-out inspection is mandatory to determine the extent of the repair required.
• Deck Core Integrity: The decks are often balsa-cored or plywood-cored, with teak overlays that were traditionally screwed into the core. Over decades, these screw holes can allow water to penetrate, leading to localized rot and "soft spots." Testing the deck with a phenolic hammer and moisture meter is critical.
• Fuel Tank Corrosion: Many Fales 38s were originally fitted with black iron fuel tanks. These are susceptible to internal rust and external corrosion if water has leaked onto them from the deck. Replacing these tanks is a "chainsaw job," often requiring the removal of cabinetry or part of the cockpit sole.
• Window Seals: The large pilothouse windows are a signature feature but are also a common source of leaks. Owners frequently report the need to re-bed the frames or replace the seals to prevent water damage to the teak interior.
• Chainplates and Standing Rigging: Because the Navigator is often used more as a motor-cruiser, the standing rigging is sometimes neglected. Buyers should inspect the chainplates where they pass through the deck for signs of crevice corrosion.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Fales 38 often find common ground with the Willard Marine community, as the two brands share a similar design lineage and "trawler-with-sails" philosophy. While there is no longer a dedicated factory association for Fales Yachts, technical information is frequently shared via the Willard-Fales owners' groups and general motorsailer forums. These communities are vital for sourcing technical drawings or advice on repowering these heavy hulls.

The Verdict

The Fales 38 Navigator is a specialized vessel for a sailor who values comfort and "ship-like" seaworthiness over regatta trophies. It is a rugged, handsome cruiser that provides a safe platform for long-distance coastal voyaging.

Pros:

• Excellent seakeeping and stability in heavy weather.
• The pilothouse provides a dry, warm environment for all-season cruising.
• Spacious tri-cabin layout offers superior privacy for liveaboards.
• Timeless "character boat" aesthetic that garners attention in any harbor.

Cons:

• Poor performance under sail in light winds (requires the engine to make meaningful progress).
• Difficult to maneuver in reverse due to the full keel and high windage.
• Requires diligent maintenance of the cored decks and aging fuel tanks.
• Relatively high displacement makes it more expensive to haul and slip than lighter 38-footers.