Combining world-renowned craftsmanship with robust engineering and elegant design, the DALE Nelon 38 Autumn Spirit is an exceptional expression of maritime sophistication.
Built by the distinguished DALE Motor Yachts, a name synonymous with seaworthiness and innovation, this meticulously maintained vessel offers a unique opportunity for discerning sailors who seek unparalleled quality, refined luxury, and outstanding performance.
An excellent example of a much loved and cared for DALE Nelson 38 aft cabin motor cruiser. This boat built by us in 2003, is incredibly well equipped with numerous special features and modifications, which can be seen in the photographs that follow. Autumn Spirit represents a rare opportunity to buy a genuine Dale Nelson and experience and enjoy the legendary seakeeping and the very best of craftsmanship for which DALE has become renowned.
Designed for the Sea — Built for Life
Every DALE Nelson 38 is designed and crafted by the expert team at the Dale Nelson yard in Pembrokeshire, a region celebrated for its challenging waters—the perfect testing ground for vessels engineered to excel in the harshest conditions. Autumn Spirit exemplifies this legacy, offering unrivalled seakeeping, performance, and handling, whether exploring coastal waters, venturing further offshore and even navigating inland waterways.
This vessel features Dale Nelson’s iconic blue hull and white superstructure, complemented by teak decking on the raised aft deck, steps, side decks and foredeck—providing both timeless beauty and exceptional durability.
Why Choose Autumn Spirit?
This stunning DALE Nelson 38 offers a rare opportunity to own a vessel that exemplifies the finest in British boatbuilding. With its robust engineering, luxurious interior, and advanced navigation systems, Autumn Spirit is ready for immediate adventures—whether exploring serene coastal waters or tackling more demanding offshore passages.
Built by a yard renowned for creating vessels with legendary seakeeping abilities, Autumn Spirit delivers on every level. This is more than just a boat; it’s a testament to craftsmanship, performance, and enduring value.
Accommodation
• Forward twin V berth guest cabin with ample storage and direct access to a spacious heads compartment with shower (port side).
• Aft of the forward cabin: linear galley to starboard with extensive custom storage and a well-equipped dinette to port featuring a custom table.
• Steps lead up to the main saloon with helm position (port) and pilot seat with a demountable chart table (starboard).
• Seating includes a sofa to starboard and an L-shaped settee to port.
• Access to the aft deck or, via companionway steps, to the full-beam aft owner’s cabin featuring a large centerline double berth and separate ensuite heads with shower.
Engines
• Twin Yanmar 6LY2A-STP 440hp turbocharged diesel engines with Micro Commander electronic controls at both helm stations.
• Engines flexibly mounted, each with a seawater filter.
• Fuel housed in centreline keel tanks for stability (approx. 300 gallons total).
• Automatic fire extinguisher in the engine room, extractor fans, and twin-station HMI exhaust alarms.
• Twin-station synchronised Micro Commander controls with bright finish and tick-over limit switch at exterior helm.
• Manufacturer’s instrumentation mounted in custom helm panels.
Generator
• Paguro 4000 (4kVA) generator, fitted 2015 with approx. 1000 hrs run time.
• Features underwater outlet and water separator to reduce noise.
Steering & Stern Gear
• PSS-type stern glands and Spur rope cutters.
• Hydraulic steering with greasers to rudder tubes and stainless-steel emergency tiller.
Bilge System
• Three automatic electric bilge pumps and one manual pump with engine room suction inlets on both sides.
Decking & External Features
• Full teak laid aft, side, and foredecks.
• Stainless steel hinge-down mast, pulpit and pushpit, fender baskets, and boarding gates (port, starboard, and aft).
• Exterior handrails, grab handles, helm/pilot seats with footrests, and bow roller.
• Three pairs of mooring cleats, centre bollard on foredeck, additional stern cleats (fitted 2013).
• Teak boarding platform with boarding and swim ladders.
• Liferaft storage on aft pushpit.
• Trim tabs with dual-station controls.
• Electric anchor windlass with rope drum.
• Bow thruster (Volvo BP 600B) and 75kgf Vetus stern thruster (fitted 2014).
• Stainless steel lifting davit with removable section.
Exterior Covers
• Navy blue dodgers, windscreen and window covers (replaced 2014), helm console and seat covers and aft deck locker covers.
Interior Finish
• Teak and veneer woodwork finished in Awlgrip varnish.
• Carpeted throughout (new carpets 2019), including inlays on steps.
• Leather-sprung helm and pilot seats with sliders and armrests.
• Dinette/wheelhouse upholstery (replaced 2019), curtains replaced throughout in 2014.
• Oceanair blinds on forward windscreens, chrome fittings throughout.
• Drinks cabinet, chart table, footrests, stowable occasional table, and drinks holders.
Hatches, Windows & Ventilation
• Three roof hatches (new flyscreens and blinds fitted 2020).
• 12 portlights with rain guard.
• Slide opening side forward wheelhouse windows.
• Ventilation to all cabins, heads, galley, and saloon.
Galley
• Corian worktops with waste bin and fiddle rails.
• Ample lockers with sliding doors and stowage racks.
• Galley fridge, 2-burner gas hob, oven with grill, and microwave.
• Two 4.5 kg gas bottles, alarm and auto shut-off valve.
Heads
• Forward electric toilet with shower (replaced Feb 2022).
• Aft heads with electric toilet and shower (replaced 2014).
Heating
• Eberspächer D5L diesel heating system throughout, including both heads.
Navigation Equipment
• Raymarine ST60 speed, depth, wind, and compass.
• ST6001 autopilot with C400g course computer.
• Raymarine E120 (main), C80 (pilot), E80 (exterior) chartplotters with radar—networked.
• Dual Raymarine 125 GPS antennas.
• Raymarine AIS650 transceiver and repeater on aft deck.
• ICS 6+ Navtex, ICOM M601 VHF with remote mic and deck speaker.
• Sea-Me active radar reflector.
• Navionics UK/Ireland and French coast charts.
• Chart table with stowage.
• Triple windscreen wipers (pantograph) with washers.
Fuel, Water & Waste Systems
• Fuel: Approx. 300 gallons in 2 centreline tanks with Racor filters and shut-off system.
• Water: Pressurized system with Jabsco variable-speed pump and 5L accumulator. 95 gallons freshwater and 9-gallon hot water tank.
• Black Waste: 18-gallon holding tank with deck suction and macerator for overboard discharge.
• Tank Monitoring: Tank Tender gauge for fuel, water, and waste.
Electrical System
• 12V and 240V systems powered by 4 sealed batteries (2 x 105Ah, 2 x 115Ah) in vented boxes.
• MasterVolt inverter, Phase Three 40A battery charger, and distribution panel.
• Hot water tank powered via immersion and shore supply.
• Battery voltage meter, crossover switch, and 2-bank system.
• Multiple 240V and 12V outlets throughout vessel, including engine room.
• Hi-Fi stereo, CD player, 26” Samsung TV
• Galvanic isolator.
Safety & Additional Equipment
• Avon 4-man liferaft, fire extinguishers throughout, engine room auto system, and galley fire blanket.
• 4 lifejackets, safety harnesses, lifebuoy and sling.
• 11 fenders, step fender, mooring lines, boathooks, and lifting blocks.
• Engine spares, deck brush, external helm wheel (leather & canvas cover).
• Frost heaters (x2), dehumidifier, director’s chair, crockery (x6), cutlery (x4).
• Mooring Snap Hook System fitted to boat hook.
Ground Tackle
• Bruce-type anchor with 50m chain and 30m rope.
• Fortress kedge anchor with 12–15m chain and 25m rope.
• Electric windlass with rope gypsy.