FALES 38 EXPLORER
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 38 ft |
| LWL | 33 ft |
| Beam | 12 ft |
| Draft | 5 ft |
| Displacement | 23,500 lb |
| Ballast | 9,000.5 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.7 kn |
About the FALES 38 EXPLORER
The FALES 38 NAVIGATOR is a pilot house, motor sailor version of the same hull. Length incl. bowsprit: 41.67'.
The Fales 38 Explorer is a rare, heavy-displacement cruising ketch designed by Charles Street/Alden and built by Fales Yachts/Alden Yachts (USA). With only 18 hulls built in 1978, this vessel represents a specialized, high-quality build from a prestigious American shipyard.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for experienced coastal cruisers and conservative bluewater sailors who prioritize seakeeping and comfort over speed, particularly those who appreciate the traditional staysail ketch rig.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 23500.0 lb, a full/long keel, and a low capsize ratio of 1.68, the Fales 38 Explorer is well-suited for offshore passages, offering exceptional stability and motion comfort.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Tartan 38 and O'Day 38, as they share similar production eras and cruising-oriented designs, though the Fales distinguishes itself with its Alden pedigree and heavier displacement.
Direct variant of the FALES 38 EXPLORER
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the FALES 38 EXPLORER yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 38ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
We don't have enough data on the FALES 38 EXPLORERyet to publish model-specific findings we'd stand behind — but here's a free general inspection checklist, built from our research into what actually goes wrong on boats of this kind.
Drawn from 7,029 documented issues across 2,391 models, ordered so the areas that most often turn up problems come first.
Own a FALES 38 EXPLORER? Reports from owners are what turn this into a model-specific checklist — and they're the reason the boats above it have one.
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your FALES 38 EXPLORER?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the FALES 38 EXPLORER
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…