NAVAN C38 Debuts at FLIBS as Brand’s Largest and Most Capable Boat Yet

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NAVAN Boats brought its all-new C38 cabin cruiser to North America for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, giving boaters the first look at the largest model in the Brunswick-owned brand’s quickly expanding lineup.

Designed around the company’s patented T-Step hull, with an LOA of 42'11.5" (13.1 m) and an 11'2" (3.4 m) beam, the C38 offers a larger and more capable platform than its smaller predecessors. The European-influenced style of the brand is evident through, with the C38 featuring an enclosed pilothouse, overnight accommodations for four, walkaround deck access, and a configurable cockpit that accommodates cruising, fishing, and entertaining.

The upstart brand launched in just 2023 and has produced four models to date - the C30, S30, T30, and now the much larger C38. The company's first three designs focused on big-capable water dayboats with either an enclosed pilothouse cabin cruiser (C), open deck sport layout (S), or a sleek T-top (T).

"Every brand has a moment when its vision becomes tangible. For NAVAN, that moment is the C38," said Vittorio Bichucher, General Manager of NAVAN Boats. "This platform is what happens when you listen to your owners and ask what exploration boating could look like built from the ground up."

The C38 will offer boaters a noticeably larger platform for extended trips and overnighting, especially in big water, oceans, and coastal areas. The enclosed pilothouse offers protection from the elements under any conditions, while the walkaround layout allows passengers to move freely from bow to stern without passing through the cabin. The walkaround layout also comes in handy for preparing lines during docking, ingress and egress, and moving between the bow and stern while docked or anchored.

NAVAN’s patented T-Step Hull technology is central to the C38’s design. Brunswick says it developed the T-Step Hull to improve performance at speed, with the stepped configuration reducing resistance and delivering a smoother, more efficient ride.

"Its patented T-Step hull delivers a smooth, efficient ride with confident handling, while the spacious cabin and open walkaround deck make it comfortable to stay out longer and see where the day takes you," said Bichucher.

The overall concept expands upon NAVAN’s new approach to the exploration boat market, one which combines overnight capability with an open deck space and exterior access. The market segment typically combines the features of dayboating and adventuring with long-distance and light overnighting capability.

"NAVAN has quickly established a distinctive voice in the exploration segment, strengthened by the launch of the C38," said Brenna Preisser, President, Brunswick Boat Group.

Power for the C38 will come from twin Mercury Marine V10 Verado outboards with Mercury Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS) and a combined maximum rating of 850 horsepower. Joystick piloting is available as an option. The boat also carries a 250 gallon (950 L) fuel tank with an estimated dry weight of 17,250 pounds (7,824 kg).

Inside, the C38 features a helm arrangement designed to connect the captain with his or her passengers and crew by incorporating the helm into a shared social space.

Below deck, the C38 features overnight accommodations for four with a cabin designed with standing headroom. A separate head compartment with standing-height clearance also makes movement below deck easy.

At the stern, the C38 features a handy folding swim terrace that expands the usable area around the water when deployed. The terrace also creates an additional space for swimming, boarding, and spending time alongside the boat while at anchor.

The aft section is configurable depending on the activity, with various swappable features for fishing, cruising, or cooking. The modular approach allows the cockpit to be adapted to the social situation, whether spending the day fishing with a crew or spending a quiet day with family and friends at anchor. A grill and wet bar at the stern adds to the boat’s entertaining capability.

At the bow, a dedicated lounge area provides additional seating and a place for passengers to spend time underway or at anchor.