Fales 38 Explorer

Built in limited numbers during the late 1970s, this classic explorer represents a collaboration between the renowned Alden design office and Fales Yachts, resulting in a robust offshore cruiser designed for serious passage-making. With only 18 hulls constructed, the Fales 38 Explorer has become a sought-after vessel among sailors who prioritize seaworthiness over speed. The staysail ketch rig configuration offers excellent heavy-weather handling characteristics, allowing crews to reduce sail area progressively while maintaining balance. Her long keel design provides exceptional directional stability and self-steering capabilities essential for ocean passages, though at the expense of shallow-water accessibility with her 5-foot draft. At 23,500 pounds displacement with substantial ballast, this explorer exhibits impressive stability margins reflected in her excellent capsize screening formula of 1.68. The generous beam provides comfortable interior volume while contributing to initial stability. Her moderate sail-area-to-displacement ratio indicates she's built more for comfort and safety than speed, making her ideal for extended cruising rather than racing. The fiberglass construction ensures durability, while the 80-horsepower engine provides adequate auxiliary power. Her impressive comfort ratio suggests excellent motion at sea, making long passages more pleasant for crew. This design epitomizes the traditional American cruising yacht philosophy of prioritizing safety and comfort over performance.

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