Aiata Wayfinder 38 (2025-)

Overview

The Wayfinder 38 is new to the market, available in three versions directly from the factory: a cabin version (the boat the reviewer began aboard), an open version (tested on the water for this review), and a fishing version.

Specifications

• Length overall: 38 feet
• Beam: 11 feet, 6 inches
• Standard engine configuration: twin outboards, available from essentially any manufacturer the buyer prefers, up to 850 horsepower
• Test boat engines: twin Mercury 350 V10s

Stated Performance Range (Builder Figures)

• Cruise speed: around 30 knots
• Top speed: low 50s (knots), depending on engine selection

Brand Mission

The reviewer stated the Wayfinder 38's mission: "To provide an incredibly practical and livable vessel with a refined aesthetic." She noted the wide bow and high bulwarks are intended to offer enhanced space and safety, making the boat versatile for both day trips and short overnight stays.

Sea Trial Conditions

Conducted in a 2–4 foot sea state (reviewer stated both figures at different points — "two to four foot" and later "three or four foot" describing the same conditions) with a decent amount of wind, described as a "pretty consistent Mediterranean chop."

Dryness / Spray

Standing well aft, the reviewer reported the windshield kept her out of the elements effectively: "There is a decent amount of spray, but I haven't seen any water hit the windshield yet." She attributed this to the hull design: "That's due to the hull design where it has almost a plumb bow, but they brought in a lot of American bow flare... when you're in these rough conditions. So this is gonna be a very dry ride."

(Later in the run, at reduced speed with more wind exposure, she did note water reaching the windshield — see Helm Equipment section below.)

On-Plane Handling

The reviewer noted the boat: "Pops up on plane real quick" with "very little bow rise."

Ride / Hull Feel

"The beam of this boat, the deep hull, really makes it feel very secure in the water. It is a double-step hull, turns on a dime." She credited the Zipwake trim control system for keeping the boat level through sharp turns: "The Zipwake is doing a good job of keeping us nice and level, even in these sharp turns."

Rattle / Build Quality (Underway)

The reviewer offered a comparative observation: "Some manufacturers, you tend to hear a lot of rattling of things moving around. It's not necessarily a bad sign, but I am hearing very little of that — maybe a little shaking of the door, and [that's] not [it] yet" (transcript slightly unclear at this point, quoted as stated).

Visibility

Standing, at a self-reported height of 5'5", the reviewer reported good visibility all the way around. She noted structural pillars are present but positioned far enough back that they did not obstruct her view. Visibility was reported to remain good when seated as well.

Helm Equipment

• Windshield wipers, noted as easy to reach — deployed after the reviewer slowed down and wind-driven water reached the windshield
• Joystick piloting for outboard engines
• Digital throttle controls
• Two Garmin displays
• Toggle buttons, described as easy to access
• Induction phone charging
• Zipwake control, run on auto during the test
• VHF radio, described as easy to access

Helm Seat

Described by the reviewer as very comfortable, providing a secure feel; she specifically noted liking the angled footrest.

Testing Scope Disclosure

The reviewer explicitly noted this was not BoatTEST's standard full performance test: "I didn't put her through our normal boat test performance test, but I can tell that this boat is going to be a good performer out there in the world."

Availability

The Wayfinder 38 will also be shown at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, in both cabin and open versions.

Overview

The reviewer's central assessment: "The thing that impresses me most about the Wayfinder is its modularity." The boat is available in three versions directly from the factory — cabin, open, and fishing — and the reviewer highlighted a specific long-term ownership benefit: "If later on in life or seasons change and you decide that you don't want the fishing version anymore, you want the cabin version, you don't have to buy a new boat — you just order the walls from the factory or your dealer, they'll bolt 'em on." Conversely, a fishing-version owner wanting more seating can simply order the seating extensions.

Show history: BoatTEST first saw the Wayfinder at its world premiere in Düsseldorf. At the Cannes Yachting Festival, the Wayfinder 38 has been nominated for a Best of Boat award.

Cabin Version — Aft Seating/Enclosure

The reviewer identified the cabin conversion as the most significant modification available: "This is probably the biggest modification you can make."

Aft door/sunshade: A large aft door swings up and out, creating a sunshade over the seating space. When closed, sliding doors seal the space for climate control.

Convertible backrest (reviewer's favorite feature on the 38): "This is one of my favorite features on all of the 38s — the ability to switch the backrest of this seat. So you can have everybody facing forward [while underway], or if you wanna sit around and have dinner out here on the aft deck, you absolutely can." The backrest also folds out to act as a footrest.

Sunroof: Opens via a single button press, allowing partial or full opening for airflow or natural light while keeping the side doors closed in cooler conditions.

Openness assessment: The reviewer noted a personal reservation about cabin-style boats generally, and how this design addressed it: "Sometimes these cabin boats, they tend to feel a little cave-like. And you know, I'm an avid Florida boater, so something like this doesn't necessarily appeal to me, but because I can open it up so much, it actually kind of puts it on the table as an option."

Table/seating: A high-low table opens for dining and can be lowered to convert this area into an additional berth if needed.

Cabin Version — Galley

Small but well-appointed, per the reviewer, including a microwave, sink, and burner, with storage below.

Cabin Version — Helm Seating

Reconfigurable depending on activity — set up normally for running the boat, but with a flip-up-and-over backrest (matching the mechanism at the aft seat) allowing several people to sit around the table instead.

Cabin Version — Below-Deck Cabin

The reviewer addressed a common complaint about overnighting on center consoles: "Anytime I've been on a center console and tried to stay overnight, it always becomes too hot, even if there is air conditioning in there. This is so smart."

Filming vantage point: The reviewer noted this cabin offered an unusually open shooting angle compared to most boats of this type, due to how it opens up — describing the sleeping orientation directly: "If I'm overnighting, my feet are gonna go all the way forward. My head is gonna be here, and I can look up at the stars."

Storage/features:

• Hanging locker (starboard side), with room for two
• Storage along both sides of the berth
• USB plugs
• A small settee — the reviewer noted this space could serve as a child's bed if a single child were aboard
• Extensive storage throughout the cabin, which the reviewer noted the builder "capitalized on... everywhere they possibly can"
• Easily accessible electrical switches and fuses (the reviewer's audio here included an unclear reference, transcribed as "Fs," possibly fuses)

Cabin Version — Head

Well-appointed. The toilet can be concealed, converting the space into a walk-in shower.

Cabin Version — Bow Seating

A fold-out table on a high-low pedestal allows the addition of a filler cushion to create a large sunbed. The reviewer noted this seating extension would not be included with the fishing package configuration. A manually deployable shade was up at time of filming.

Fishing use case (bow): The reviewer's assessment: "I can see this being a good casting platform if you're in calm water."

Additional bow features: Access to a large anchor space, with additional storage on either side.

Side Decks

Storage runs the full length of both side decks — the reviewer noted this capitalizes on otherwise unused void space in the hull. Wood detailing, including wood grab handles, was highlighted as an elevated design touch.

Boarding / Dive Access

A boarding step is provided for fixed-dock use. The reviewer, describing herself as an avid diver, specifically praised the dual opening boarding gates and a designated spot for mounting a boarding ladder, noting easy access for paddleboards or bikes stored up top.

Solar / Power

Solar panels are fitted, feeding a battery bank — the reviewer noted this extends usable time at anchor or at the sandbar without running the engines.

Open Version — Seating/Galley Options

As seen on the cabin version, an L-shaped extension to the bench seat and a port-side galley are available as options; the standard open-configuration layout omits these unless specifically ordered.

Additional enclosure options (open version, without going to the full cabin configuration): An isinglass-and-glass enclosure for the entire cockpit space, or an extended shade to keep the whole area out of the sun.

Roof configuration: The cabin version (as shown) was optioned with a retractable sunroof; the open version reviewed here uses a standard solid roof.

Open Version — Aft Seating Configuration Options

The aft backrest flips fore and aft (as on the cabin version), but the standard aft configuration on the open version is blank/open. A large fold-up-and-out table is available, along with several seating options:

• "Comfort" configuration: described with wet bar equipped with refrigeration, a sink, and a grill (applies to both the comfort and fishing wet bar variants per the transcript)
• Fishing configuration: a flatter work surface rather than seating
• Three-across bench seat: a more open alternative

Sea Trial Vessel Note

The reviewer noted the specific boat shown was rigged as the sea trial vessel, with cushions stowed to protect them from spray — while still demonstrating that, even with the additional seating configuration installed, the deck functions as "an excellent casting platform in fishing mode."

Hardtop Detail

The reviewer noted a carved channel/gully in the hardtop moving forward, which she assumed was primarily intended for drainage but also functions well as a handrail.

Availability

The Wayfinder 38 will also be shown at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, in both cabin and open versions.