Boat Test: 2026 Aiata Wayfinder 38

Overview

Adventure is the heart of Aiata’s Wayfinder 38, and its ability to transform from a cabin model to an open model and back again is just one of the features that make it a captivating companion. The pronounced hull flare and a noticeably tall bulwarks also make it ready to romp in a variety of sea conditions.

I was glad for that because when we took it out, a 5-foot swell with 2-to-3-foot wind chop greeted us. The Wayfinder 38’s deep-V, twin-stepped hull features a secondary upper chine that worked with the bow flare to deflect spray and kept us dry, except for that darn steep 6-footer that surprised us. The wide flare kept the bow from burying and propelled the wave out and away from the boat; however, wind spray did take a shot at us.

Engines

For comparison, I trialed it again two months later in more civilized seas. With twin Mercury 400 V-10 outboards, I recorded a top speed of 53 mph at the 6,000-rpm mark. It is quick and resolute, responsive to the helm, the hull fully in tune with the moment.

I was fortunate to test both Wayfinder 38 models: cabin and suntop (open). What’s extraordinary about the two is that you can have both in one. According to Clément Magot, of Nautical Ventures, Aita’s Florida distributor, you purchase the modules for the different layouts. You then work with your dealer, who will store and install or deinstall these for you. That modularity makes the Wayfinder fit your lifestyle to cruise with the family on a warm, sunny day and fish on a cold, cloudy day the following weekend. To convert between the two, Magot says, “It’s two days of work with us.”

Interior and Accessories

That innovation by the Anadolu Group in Turkey and Jarkko Jämsén’s Navia Design team in Finland makes Aiata’s inaugural model a versatile adventurer. The wide hull flare creates additional volume at the bow to allow for multiple seating arrangements. It also provides a nice bow platform that houses the anchor locker and offers plenty of casting room for anglers. On our cabin model, a three-person bench seat atop the anchor locker faces aft. A sun bed propped against the wheelhouse faces forward. On the open version, the bow had a U-shaped seating arrangement forward with a high-low table that lowers to create a sun pad. A sofa replaced the sun bed, which sits atop one of the boat’s prominent features—a large hatch that lifts open to the accommodations below. The hatch allows an easy access to store bow cushions in the lower cabin or can provide considerable airflow through the interior. A “camper” version replaces the sofa for a more expansive windowed hatch to maximize headroom above the cabin berth.

Both versions have a fixed aft transverse sofa under the suntop and a two-person helm seat with reversible backrest. Modular options can add a lateral two-seat sofa between the aft and helm seating to create a U-shaped arrangement around a folding table that telescopes to form an extra berth if needed. On our cabin version, a galley module with sink, faucet, and one-burner gas stovetop fit on the port side. I liked that the cabin version’s large, aft glass enclosure swings upward to open the interior and allow the sofa with a reversible backrest to become mezzanine seating. This opened aft window doubles as a hardtop over the cockpit.

Whether you choose the cabin, suntop, or fishing version, the aft deck can go from a wide-open cockpit to a wetbar with table seating. The cabin model had the “comfort” wetbar setup with a 90-liter refrigerator, sink, and grill. Cushioned seating with back and armrests top it off to complete the option. The open model had the fishing module that has a flat surface for workability along with rod holders, a sink, cutting board, and livewell. Owners can also choose to add another livewell with macerator or refrigerator. Aiata’s ingenuity has the wetbar on a track so the unit can slide forward. This allows more room on the aft platform for fishing or swimming as well as room to tilt up the engines.

At the helm, up to two 16-inch MFDs are the focal point with joystick control for engine options from 300 hp to 400 hp, bow thruster, Zipwake trim, Fusion sound, and optional Seakeeper, radar, and generator controls conveniently within reach. To port, a large companionway hatch leads down to the accommodations where a queen-size berth, teak or oak cabinetry, a settee that can double as a single berth, and wet head with a hidden toilet offer overnight comfort, especially with air-conditioning and heating options.

Modularity finds its way on the hardtop where owners can choose to have integrated solar panels (for the house battery bank), a solid top, or a retractable sunroof. Adventurers will appreciate the solid top for installing an optional roof rack for paddleboards, kayaks, or bicycles. A navigation mast also has a place, although it will take some creativity to store longer toys.

Jämsén also designed the Axopar 38, which comes in different modular versions: Cross Cabin, Cross Top and Sun Top. It cannot switch from an open deck to a cabin layout. The Axopar, too, runs on a twin-stepped hull and offers a generous walkaround deck, but does not have the Aiata’s extensive bow flare. The 38 XC Cross Cabin starts at $309,000 for an absolute base model with twin Mercury Verado 300 outboards. 

Aiata’s Wayfinder 38’s innovative modular design system offers a wide range of configuration options, and its performance excels in maneuverability and stability that lends confidence to whoever is at the helm.

Read Next: V10 Mercury Verado Outboard

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin 400 hp Mercury 5.7L V-10
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Revolution X
• Gear Ratio: 2.08:1 Fuel Load: NA Water on Board: NA Crew Weight (approx.): 500 lb.

High Points

• Modularity makes it a cruiser, fishboat or dayboat.
• It has more volume than is typical of adventure-style boats.  
• Wide bow flare deflects big seas and provides reserve buoyancy forward to resist plunging.

Low Points

• May need bolster seating for smaller drivers. 
• Wood features on deck, such as grab handles, do not fare well in tropical climes.
• Deck space may seem crowded with all modules installed.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation