Cal 39 (Hunt/O'day) Information, Review, Specs

The Cal 39 (Hunt/O'Day) entered production in 1988, with manufacturing continuing until 1997. This period saw the Cal brand operating under various ownership structures, including Bangor Punta, which also owned O'Day Yachts. The connection is evident in the boat's nomenclature, reflecting the collaborative or transitional manufacturing environment of the time. Production eventually moved to Fall River, Massachusetts, overseen by Jim Hunt, son of the designer C. Raymond Hunt. (Builder Article) The design ethos of C. Raymond Hunt and Associates, known for their intuitive understanding of yacht design, aimed to produce a balanced and capable vessel. The Cal 39 (Hunt/O'Day) was specifically envisioned as a versatile racer-cruiser, appealing to sailors who desired both speed and comfort. Notably, the design offered versatility in draft, with a standard fin keel drawing 7.0 feet and an optional shoal draft wing keel reducing draft to 5.33 feet, catering to different cruising grounds and preferences. Following the cessation of production in 1997, the molds for the Cal 39 were acquired by George Crowell in 2001, who continued to build new boats on a limited basis.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Cal 39 (Hunt/O'Day) exhibits characteristics indicative of a solid, performance-oriented cruiser. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 17.79, she possesses ample sail power, suggesting respectable performance in lighter winds while maintaining good control as the breeze builds. A ballast to displacement ratio of 0.40 (40% ballast) indicates a stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to a significant amount of wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. This substantial ballast, combined with her displacement of 17,500 pounds, results in a displacement to length ratio of around 550.66, categorizing her as a heavy, traditional cruiser built for seaworthiness and robust performance rather than extreme light-displacement racing. Owners frequently describe the Cal 39 (Hunt/O'Day) as a "very fine and fast cruising boat" and a "solid coastal cruiser," suggesting she handles well under sail and offers a balanced helm. Her hull speed is calculated at 7.54 knots, affirming her potential for efficient passage making.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific details on interior finish materials are best gleaned from individual boat inspections, the Cal 39 (Hunt/O'Day) was designed with a focus on comfortable liveaboard and cruising amenities. The interior typically provides sleeping accommodations for up to six individuals. The layout generally features a traditional V-berth forward, a U-shaped dinette that converts to a berth in the main salon, a settee berth opposite, and an aft cabin. The interior is often regarded as "quite nice" for a boat of its era. One common characteristic noted by owners of similar Cal models, and potentially applicable here, is the tendency for original fabric headliners to show signs of age, occasionally requiring attention.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Cal 39 (Hunt/O'Day) generally laud the vessel for its robust construction and dependable performance. Many consider her a "great boat" and a capable "solid coastal cruiser," well-suited for extended voyages along the US and Canadian West coasts, Mexico, and the Caribbean, with some even considering well-planned ocean passages. The boat's design by C. Raymond Hunt and Associates is often praised for contributing to its fine and fast cruising capabilities. While specific recurring problems for this particular model are not extensively documented in broad public forums, a general issue noted across some older Cal boats can be the wear of original deck fittings potentially leading to leaks, which may require re-bedding over time. However, blistering issues were not a common problem for O'Day built boats, which is relevant given the manufacturing context. Overall, the Cal 39 (Hunt/O'Day) is highly regarded within its community for its blend of sailing prowess and liveability.