Hans Christian 39 Pilothouse Information, Review, Specs

The Hans Christian 39 Pilothouse began production in 1978, with Hans Christian Yachts bringing Harwood Ives' design to life. Notably, the 39 Pilothouse shares the same heavily built hull as the acclaimed Hans Christian 38 MKII, also designed by Ives. While the 38 MKII saw a production run of 87 boats, the 39 Pilothouse was a much rarer model, with only nine known examples built. This limited production highlights its unique position within the Hans Christian lineage. The builder, Hans Christian Yachts, founded by John Edwards in 1973, was known for producing high-quality sailing yachts in Taiwan with a clear manufacturing ethos: to create enduring, ocean-capable vessels with traditional aesthetics and robust construction. The company's focus was on heavy displacement hulls, often featuring full keels, designed for stable and comfortable motion in open water.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Hans Christian 39 Pilothouse is a heavy displacement vessel, characteristics that are reflected in its sailing performance ratios. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 15.6, she is designed to carry her canvas well in stronger winds, offering a comfortable motion in a seaway, though not optimized for light air performance. Her ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.37 indicates good initial stiffness, allowing her to stand up to the wind effectively. The displacement to length ratio, a substantial 342.5, further underscores her heavy-duty design, signifying a boat built for stability, safety, and comfort during long passages rather than high-speed sailing. These characteristics align with the Hans Christian philosophy of creating dependable ocean voyagers. Owners describe these vessels as capable of ocean sailing, highlighting their solid and stable nature.

Accommodations and Layout

The pilothouse design is a central feature of the Hans Christian 39 Pilothouse, offering sheltered steering and a warm interior environment, a significant advantage for colder climates or extended passages. Access to the interior is typically through a spacious cockpit. While interior layouts could vary, with mentions of "convertible" and "Great Lakes" configurations, common features included a single berth to port and a head to starboard, often adorned with the characteristic Hans Christian tile and marble finishes. Some models featured a port-side galley with a starboard helm within the pilothouse. The interiors are generally praised for their "attention to detail and utilization of space," reflecting Hans Christian's reputation for quality craftsmanship and traditional wood trim.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Hans Christian yachts, including the 39 Pilothouse, often commend their solid construction, classic design, and comfortable motion in a seaway, making them ideal for extended cruising and liveaboard lifestyles. The brand is synonymous with "timeless design" and "unmatched craftsmanship," traits that resonate strongly with its dedicated community of owners. Many Hans Christian vessels are considered excellent candidates for refit projects, appealing to those looking for a well-built platform to customize for their voyaging dreams. While the robust construction is a consistent strength, some owners have noted that older vessels might require attention to original systems, with "wiring and plumbing issues" being a historically mentioned area for potential upgrades, though these are often addressed in refits. Discussions among owners also touch upon engine maintenance and potential repowering, common considerations for any vintage cruising yacht. The passionate global community, supported by forums and associations, provides invaluable knowledge and camaraderie for those who cherish these distinctive cruisers.