Corbin 39 Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Corbin 39 began in 1977 when Marius Corbin, driven by his personal quest for a circumnavigation-capable vessel, established Corbin Les Bateaux Inc. in Chateauguay, Quebec, Canada. Production of the Corbin 39 commenced in 1979 and continued until 1991, with approximately 200 units built. The builder's ethos centered on crafting strong, safe, and adaptable boats, characterized by their fiberglass hulls with closed-cell foam cores, contributing to their renowned robustness.

Designed by Robert Dufour in collaboration with Marius Corbin, the Corbin 39's philosophy emphasized offshore prowess, featuring flush decks and ample freeboard. Throughout its production run, the model saw several variations to cater to diverse sailing preferences. These included both aft cockpit and center cockpit versions, as well as various rigging options such as cutter, ketch, and sloop. Significant changes were also introduced with the Mark I and Mark II versions, which addressed improvements in sailability and habitability, including modifications to cockpit, pilothouse designs, and mast and bowsprit locations. Early models, particularly those produced before 1982, were sometimes noted for a tendency towards weather helm, a characteristic often attributed to the prevalent large foretriangle designs of that era.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a displacement of 22,800 pounds, a length overall of 41.5 feet, and a waterline length of 32 feet, the Corbin 39 is unequivocally a heavy displacement cruiser. Its displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 310 confirms its robust build, suggesting a comfortable motion in a seaway rather than outright speed. The sail area to displacement ratio of about 16.06 indicates a boat designed for comfort and load-carrying, performing well in moderate to heavy winds, though it might be less spirited in very light air.

The Corbin 39's ballast-to-displacement ratio of roughly 39.5% contributes to good initial stability and stiffness, enabling the vessel to stand up well to a strong breeze. Owners and reviewers consistently describe the Corbin 39 as a "very comfortable boat to cruise in" with a "smooth and sea kindly" motion underway. This sea-kindly nature is often attributed to its soft turn at the bilges combined with its fairly high freeboard. It is widely considered "strong enough for around-the-world cruising". The theoretical hull speed is calculated at 7.58 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Corbin 39 was often semi-customized, with layouts and finishes varying based on owner requests, as many boats were sold for owner completion. Despite the inherent variations, the design generally offers a functional cruising interior. Headroom is good throughout, typically around 6 feet 1 inch, with some reports noting it slightly below usual. The spacious salon area, measuring approximately 11 feet by 12 feet, benefits from the flush deck design which allows for generous headroom and ample light.

A common interior arrangement includes a forward V-berth, separated from the main salon by a head compartment and hanging lockers. The overall impression is one of interior comfort, suitable for long-term cruising. While specific details on materials varied, the emphasis was on creating a sturdy and habitable living space for extended voyages.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Corbin 39 frequently praise its exceptionally solid construction and its comfortable, sea-kindly motion in diverse sea states. The vessel's robust nature has allowed many to successfully undertake significant offshore passages and circumnavigations, cementing its reputation as a true bluewater boat. The strong sense of community among Corbin 39 owners, evidenced by the Corbin 39 Association, further highlights the enduring appeal and support for these yachts.

However, like any vessel of its vintage, the Corbin 39 can present certain maintenance considerations. A recurring issue noted by some owners involves compression post corrosion, particularly where the steel rests in the bilge or braces against the deck, with replacement or reinforcement being a common fix. Additionally, early Mark I models were sometimes modified by owners, for instance by extending the skeg, to mitigate weather helm tendencies. It is also not uncommon for these boats, often sold for owner completion, to have received significant investment in upgrades and maintenance over their lifespan.