Corbin 39 CC Information, Review, Specs

Production of the Corbin 39 began in 1979 and continued through 1991, during which approximately 200 units were built. Marius Corbin's core philosophy was to create a strong, safe, and comfortable boat designed to take its owners "safely and comfortably around" the world. This ambition was realized through the joint efforts with Robert Dufour of Dufour Yacht Design in Montreal. Corbin Les Bateaux earned a reputation for exceptionally sturdy and reliable bluewater yachts, committing to fiberglass construction, often utilizing a closed-cell foam core for enhanced robustness.

Throughout its production run, the Corbin 39 saw several variations to cater to different sailing preferences. These included both aft cockpit and center cockpit versions, with the latter sometimes featuring two helm stations, one above deck and one below. The model also evolved through Mark I and Mark II iterations, which primarily involved differences in topsides, pilothouse designs, and mast step locations. The Mark 2 cutter, for instance, used a more forward mast step. While available with various rigging options including cutter, ketch, and sloop, the center cockpit version was specifically offered with ketch or staysail ketch rigs. Early Mark I models, particularly those pre-dating 1982, were occasionally noted for a tendency towards weather helm, a characteristic associated with the large foretriangle designs prevalent in that era, 9].

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Corbin 39 CC is characterized by its heavy displacement and robust build, attributes that translate directly into its sailing characteristics. With a calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 16.17, she is not designed as a light-air performance boat but rather a steady and powerful cruiser. Her Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 0.40 indicates excellent stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up well to a breeze and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. The Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 313.88 confirms her status as a heavy displacement vessel, reinforcing her reputation as a true blue-water yacht.

Owners frequently describe the Corbin 39 as a "tank" – safe, sound, and dry for global voyaging. Her design, featuring flush decks and ample freeboard, contributes significantly to her offshore prowess. While not a swift boat in light winds, her heavy, stable nature ensures a sea-kindly ride, making her a preferred choice for serious offshore passages and circumnavigations.

Accommodations and Layout

A distinguishing feature of the Corbin 39's interior is the significant variability in layout and finish quality, largely because many boats were sold as unfinished kits for owner completion. Despite this, general interior arrangements often include a V-berth forward, a main salon, a galley, and a head. For center cockpit versions, the design often allows for a spacious aft cabin. Some early Mark 1 pilothouse models offered a "Plan A" interior, designed for maximum comfort at sea with a minimized cabin sole.

Common interior themes often highlight a functional, if not always luxurious, living space. The construction often features fiberglass, with owners typically completing the joinery and detailing in various woods or other materials, leading to unique individual expressions for each vessel. While specific headroom figures vary, owners' adaptations and the overall robust construction tend to prioritize seaworthiness and ample storage for extended cruising. Examples of layouts include an "unusually open interior" in some custom finished vessels. Owners also report that the compression post, a key structural element, can be a point of concern for corrosion, particularly where it meets the bilge or deck.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Corbin 39 consistently praise its robust construction and exceptional safety as primary strengths. Many regard the boat as capable of enduring severe offshore conditions, underscoring its reputation as a reliable platform for around-the-world cruising. The enduring popularity of the model is evident in the fact that many vessels are still actively cruising and are sought after on the used boat market.

However, the nature of the boat's initial sale—often as an unfinished hull and deck—means that the quality and longevity of the interior fit-out can vary significantly from one vessel to another. Owners frequently report investing substantial time and money into refitting and upgrading these boats to their desired standards. A recurring maintenance concern noted by some owners is the potential for compression post corrosion, often requiring inspection and remediation. Despite these considerations, a strong sense of community thrives among Corbin 39 owners, facilitated by the Corbin 39 Association, which serves as a valuable resource for sharing knowledge and experiences, further cementing the boat's legacy.