The Wayfinder 38 is Aiata's first model, from a brand no one’s heard of, in a sector that is packed with excellent products, which makes the Wayfinder 38 all the more interesting, as does the fact that the naval architecture has been done by the same man who used to design Axopars.
It’s a new approach. One hull, three formats, and a layout that can be changed after you’ve bought it. The Suntop reviewed here is the most open of the three, but it shares the same platform as the enclosed Cabin and fishing-focused variants. However, none of it works if the basics aren't right, so read on to find out more.
Aiata Wayfinder 38 Suntop
- LOA 11.57m
- Model Year 2025
- Cabins 1
- Max Speed 51 knots
- Status In Production
- Yacht Type Sportsboat
- Use Type Weekending
Test & Review Video
Around the Marina
Close-quarters manoeuvring on the Wayfinder is simple, with a control setup that removes a lot of the thinking. Mercury's throttle response is gentle and progressive at low speed, and the transition to joystick control happens automatically once the levers drop into neutral. The handover is instant and intuitive, which keeps everything moving without interruption during the approach.
The joystick itself reacts well to small inputs and allows the boat to pivot or slide smoothly and predictably without any lurching or rocking. The system is easy to trust, which matters in unfamiliar marinas or when space is tight.
A bow thruster is fitted as standard and adds useful assistance in crosswinds or when correcting drift at the last moment.
Skyhook station-keeping is also included. One press is enough to hold the boat in place while fenders are sorted or lines prepared. It engages quickly and buys valuable time when short-handed or stepping away from the helm. With great sightlines and easy, slow-speed control, the 38 is easy to handle around the marina.
Berthing bow-in is usually the sensible choice on an outboard boat, and the Wayfinder suits that method. The foredeck is flat and open, with plenty of space to step ashore without climbing over hardware. Visibility from the helm is clear in both directions, and the pace of response means there’s no need to rush a turn or overcorrect. Even in a larger berth with some wind across the bow, the boat is easy to place.
At Sea
With twin Mercury 350 V10s, the Wayfinder 38 tops out at around 45 knots and has a comfortable cruise in the high 20s. Aiata quotes a top speed of 50 knots, but this boat didn’t quite get there - perhaps down to fouling. Even so, it’s quick, and it doesn’t feel stretched at speed.
Throttle response is sharp. The boat planes easily, stays flat through acceleration, and holds a steady line if you just want to pin the sticks and cruise. Aiata’s twin-stepped hull does its job here. It lifts without slamming and tracks well even in a confused swell. There’s no spray over the screen and no vibration through the structure. You can drive it hard without the concern that a nasty slam is coming your way off a wave.
In tighter turns, the hull holds on with no drop in grip. There’s enough agility to make it fun, but it never feels like it's going to let go in a hard turn. There’s a confidence to the way it moves that you don’t always get in new designs. Although, if you're familiar with the hull designer, this will come as no surprise.
The main difference between this and many of its rivals is the big flare on the bow, which gives you confidence that the boat isn't going to stuff in waves and does a great job keeping spray away from the deck. As we'll see later on, there are major benefits on deck too.
Auto trim is standard but can be overridden manually if you want to set the trim yourself and account for weight distribution or weather effects. Cruising at 28-30 knots returns around 190 nautical miles, which feels a little short. A boat like this should be pushing 250nm really, but those 350hp Mercs give it a nice wide cruising band.
The 38 doesn't feel quite as sharp as the Axopar 37, but for a boat with such high levels of modularity on deck, it feels solid through the waves and capable of looking after you when the afternoon swells kick up.
Aiata may be a new name, but it doesn’t come from nowhere. The brand is part of Anadolu Group, one of Turkey’s largest industrial companies, and that backing shows in the Wayfinder 38. This is Aiata’s first model, but it doesn’t feel like a first attempt.
Launched at Boot Düsseldorf in early 2025, the 38 hits straight at the crossover market dominated by Axopar, Saxdor and Nimbus. It’s built in Istanbul, styled in Finland, and aimed squarely at buyers who want a smart, fast weekender with the flexibility to be more.
The exterior designer is Jarkko Jämsén, who was heavily involved in the design of the Axopar 37. He’s given the Wayfinder a clean, Scandinavian look with a sheer line lifted at both ends, a vertical bow, long side windows, all wrapped around a modular platform that can switch between open and enclosed deck formats.
That’s the big idea with the Wayfinder: a boat that doesn’t force you to choose between styles. The Suntop version here can be retrofitted with sliding side panels and a rear bulkhead to become a cabin boat. However, it is not a quick DIY job as you’ll need dealer help and somewhere to store the parts, but it opens up year-round usability. The same hull underpins a third version aimed at the fishing market, which swaps deck furniture for more open space and adds the usual fixtures like rod holders, a livewell and a bait prep area.
That modular thinking runs through the boat. The bow can be a dinette or a full sunpad. The aft bench hides the galley but also slides forward to make clearance for the outboards. It's a boat set up to evolve with its owner.
The hull and deck are vacuum-infused GRP, which is a method that keeps weight down and strength up. Vinylester resin is used in the outer layers to guard against osmosis and extend hull life - and the structure has been modelled using FEM analysis. That’s more common in big shipyards and lets Aiata put strength only where it’s needed, saving weight elsewhere. Anadolu Group's engineering might is evident in the build process. Aiata uses robotic arms in a climate-controlled gelcoat facility to lay up the mouldings, so the hull comes out clean and consistent.
Fixtures and hardware are what you’d expect from a boat nudging €400,000. Pop-up cleats, carbon fibre swim ladder and a stainless steel anchor are just some of the highlights. Teak and oak finishes vary by version - the Suntop is lighter, the Cabin runs warmer with darker wood and more joinery. In both cases, it’s clean, smart and feels built to last.
The single cabin sits forward and takes advantage of the broad beam carried well into the bow. Headroom is generous at the foot of the berth and improves further in the raised coachroof version, which adds more volume without altering the hull, though there is a compromise in space on deck. Even in the standard Suntop, the space is usable and bright. Hull windows run the length of the berth, and a skylight above brings in extra light and air.
A fixed double berth fills the bow, which tapers slightly forward but is wide enough at the base for two adults. A small settee runs along the port side and can double as a child’s berth, though space is tight. There’s a hanging locker, open shelving with USB sockets, and storage under the bed. The finish is consistent with the rest of the boat - light oak, indirect lighting, and a restrained design that feels clean and modern.
The head compartment is off to starboard, and it's good for the class. There’s more than six feet of standing headroom, an electric toilet, and a shower with teak grating underfoot. Storage is built in above and below the sink, and a skylight above maintains decent levels of natural light.
The helm is protected under the Suntop, and also by a tall, wraparound windscreen. Visibility is very good in all directions. The screen takes the wind off your face but still lets airflow through the sides. On longer runs at 30 knots, that balance makes a difference because you're not being blasted in the face by the breeze.
The dash is simple, tidy and decked out in anti-glare material. Twin 12-inch MFDs sit ahead of the wheel, which is slightly offset to port. All switches are grouped in easy reach, and there's space for a phone or tablet to sit flat below the throttles.
The seating is less convincing as the helm seat is fixed height with no bolster. For someone 6ft tall, visibility is fine, but shorter drivers will either need to stand or accept a restricted view forward. There's a footrest, but no height adjustment. The companion seat to starboard is better placed, with good forward sightlines and a comfortable upright position.
Fit and finish are strong with nice details like the timber handholds, which add a splash of colour to what is quite a plain palette. The grab rails are timber, and the overhead moulding houses downlights and the track for the sunshade. The driving environment feels well resolved, except for the seat height. For a boat built to cover distance quickly, it’s an odd thing to overlook.
With twin outboards, the swim platforms are on either side of the transom. They’re wide enough to stand on comfortably and make boarding from a dock easy enough. A carbon fibre swim ladder is mounted to port, and a fixed shower, finished in stainless rather than plastic, is within easy reach.
The aft bench houses the galley unit, with a grill, sink, fridge and waste bin built in. This is a clever bit of design, as many brands struggle to fit good seating and a wet bar on deck. It’s well designed, though the gas rams on the lid could use more muscle. The bench itself is mounted on a sliding track and shifts forward to give tilt clearance for the engines.
A folding teak table and drop-down footrests turn the cockpit into a dining area. The deck layout is impressively practical, with lined lockers built into the floor and another drawer fridge set amidships. For owners who want something different, the aft section can be left open, fitted with a wet bar only, or equipped with a fishing module that includes a livewell and rod holders.
Side Decks & Foredeck
The walk to the bow feels safe as the bulwarks are unusually tall for this type of boat, which compensates for the lack of handrails along the coachroof. Fender lockers are recessed into the foredeck on either side of the anchor locker, each one holding a full-size fender with no need to stow them below. It’s a small detail that frees up storage elsewhere and keeps the deck clear.
Forward, a U-shaped sofa wraps the foredeck and surrounds a central table. The whole area drops to create a full sunbed, but in dinette guise, it's a great place to have a bite to eat. Backrests are angled and deep, with cupholders set into the cushions and high coamings that make it feel safe and secure. It's an area that balances being a dining and lounging space very well.
A second bench sits at the front of the coachroof and faces forward. This is one of the best seats on board when cruising in open water, particularly with the sun behind you. A canopy can be rigged over the area, using sockets at the corners of the bow, and Aiata plans to offer a full sunbed conversion aft to balance the layout.
Forward of the seating, the anchor locker is deep and tidy with a covered windlass and a wired remote stowed below. The deck around it is flat and wide, so you can step off easily when berthing bow-to.
The standard Wayfinder 38 (without engines) comes in at €210,000 ex VAT, but you'll pay almost double that to arrive at the specification of our test boat, which came in at €419,486 ex VAT (correct at time of writing).
Our Options & Pick
There is a really good mix of engine options available, something which sets the Wayfinder apart from its rivals. You can have it with Hondas, Yamahas or Suzukis, but the twin Mercury outboards (300hp/350hp/400hp) are likely to prove most popular. The 350hp V10s (€120,000) offer a good balance of performance and efficiency.
A bow thruster and Zipwake trim system come as standard, but you'll have to pay €22,000 for the joystick, which we would recommend.
Other key options we'd choose include: comfort wet bar (€11,182), bow sofa (€4,420), Flexiteak decking (€10,312), aft table (€3,627), bow bimini (€4,153), aft sun shade (€4,588), twin 12in MFDs (€4,827). The carbon fibre boarding ladder is useful and a lovely thing, but at €4,697 it's a tough one to recommend.
There are some other elements to consider. With the optional solar panels (€4,603), you likely won't need a generator to run systems in sunny conditions. But if you are going to be running a heavy load regularly, say you opt for the Seakeeper option (€25,821), you'll require the €11,000 generator option.
Our Verdict
The Wayfinder 38 isn't able to trade on its name, so it has to earn attention through design, build, and usability, and it does all three with a level of polish that’s rare in a first model. The layout is clever, the finish is high, and the driving experience holds up whether the boat’s creeping into a berth or stretching out at 45 knots.
That said, it isn’t cheap. A well-specced Suntop like this lands around €420,000 before tax, and at that level, buyers will be weighing it against brands with longer track records. The absence of an aft cabin, which rivals like the Saxdor 400 and Axopar 37 offer, may put off those wanting to sleep more than two. And while the modular approach is smart, how practical is it in the long term? Still, the fundamentals are strong. Aiata may be the new name here, but on this showing, it’s not one to underestimate.
Reasons to Buy
- Balanced hull
- Modular layout adds value
- Feels robust
- Nicely finished
Things to Consider
- No aft cabin option
- Relatively unknown brand
- Unproven modular functions
Looking to own a Aiata Wayfinder 38 Suntop? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Aiata Wayfinder 38 Suntop Boats for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Aiata Wayfinder 38 Suntop, customized to your exact specifications, with options for engine choice and layout configuration. Alternatively, explore our global listings of new and used boats for sale and find your perfect boat today!
Rivals to Consider
The Nimbus Commuter 11 is a fully enclosed commuter built in Sweden with an overall length of 12.4m (40.7ft) and a beam of 3.46 m (11.4 ft). It typically runs on twin Mercury outboards with a maximum of 2×400hp, delivering a top speed just over 40 knots. The hull uses a twin-step design for fuel efficiency and consistent trim. Below, it has two cabins (a forward double and a mid-cabin) and a separate enclosed head. On deck, there are wide side doors, a sliding aft door, and twin sunroofs that help open up the wheelhouse in warm weather. The layout is fixed, which contrasts with the Aiata’s modular approach. Nimbus offers slightly more interior volume and a second cabin as standard, but its design is focused on controlled cruising rather than outright adaptability or top-end speed.
At 12.4m (40.8ft) long with a 3.55m (11.6ft) beam, the Saxdor 400 GTO is a high-performance weekender that directly targets the same buyer as the Aiata Suntop. It runs twin Mercury V10 400hp engines and can reach 44-45 knots flat out. A forward double cabin and a midships berth provide overnight space for four. The deck includes drop-down bulwarks on both sides that convert the cockpit into a much larger swim platform, and the layout can switch between sunbeds, benches, and dining space using the standard modular furniture. The helm sits beneath a one-piece hardtop with a large sliding sunroof. While Saxdor separates its open and cabin models into GTO and GTC variants, the Aiata uses a single hull with retrofittable structures to convert between configurations.
The Rodman 1290 Evolution measures 13m (42.6ft) overall with a beam of 4.25m (13.9ft) and displaces up to 12 tonnes depending on engine spec. Unlike the lighter outboard-powered Aiata, the Rodman runs inboard diesel engines (either twin shaft drives or Volvo IPS pods) ranging from 2×380 to 2×440hp. Top speed is around 35-37 knots, but the emphasis here is on offshore ability. The hull has a deep V with a pronounced flare for strong sea-keeping in heavy conditions. Accommodation includes a forward cabin, a twin berth guest cabin, a separate bathroom, and a saloon on the main deck in the hardtop version. A flybridge is also optional. This is a boat built with fishing and long-distance cruising in mind. Compared to the Aiata, it offers greater internal volume and offshore pedigree.
The Axopar 37 XC has an overall length of 11.5m (37.7ft) and a beam of 3.35m (11ft). Twin outboards, typically Mercury 300 or 350hp, give a top speed of up to 50 knots. The twin-stepped hull is sharp and efficient, designed to plane early and stay dry in chop. The Cross Cabin layout includes a fully enclosed helm with wide sliding doors, a forward double cabin below, and an optional aft cabin or deck bench depending on spec. The layout choices are locked in at build stage. Inside, the finish is pared-back and functional with a focus on adventure use rather than luxury. Storage is clever, and deck modules can include a wet bar, gear lockers, or extra seating.
Considering a new boat? Explore AIATA's entire current range to find the model that best suits your needs, and compare it with alternatives from competitors to ensure you make the perfect choice.
Specifications
- Builder AIATA
- Range Wayfinder
- Model Wayfinder 38 Suntop
- Length Overall 11.57m
- Beam 3.49m
- Hull GRP
- Cabins 1
- Berths 2
- Yacht Type (Primary) Sportsboat
- Use Type (Primary) Weekending
- Cruising Speed
- Max Speed
- Fuel Capacity 800 Litres
- Fresh Water Capacity 200 Litres
- Engine Model 2x Mercury Verado V10 5.7L 350hp
- Engine HP 6400
- Engine max range (speed type) 200 (nm)
Aiata Wayfinder 38 Suntop Layout
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Main Deck
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![Main Deck Aiata Wayfinder 38 Suntop]()
Excellent deck space but the lack of an aft cabin option counts against it
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