Lancer 39 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Lancer 39 emerged from Lancer Yacht Corporation, a company established in Irvine, California, in 1974 by Richard Valdez, who had previously served as president of Columbia Yachts. During its operational years, Lancer became known for its innovative approach, particularly in the motorsailer segment, aiming to offer yachts that performed commendably under both sail and power. The Lancer 39, despite being rigged as a masthead sloop, benefits from this design ethos, showcasing Herb David’s expertise in creating vessels that prioritized versatility and comfort.

Produced for a relatively short period from 1981 to 1983, the Lancer 39 was built during a dynamic era for the company. Lancer Yacht Corp. initially shared manufacturing facilities with Endeavor Yachts, another company founded by Valdez, allowing for efficient production. The Lancer 39's production concluded around the time Lancer was acquired by Bally in 1983, with the brand's tooling later sold to Newport Offshore Yachts, and new Lancer boats ceasing production by 1986. No significant variations or marks of the Lancer 39 are widely noted during its limited production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Lancer 39, designed with a fin keel and rudder on a partial skeg, offers a unique blend of characteristics for a sailing yacht. With a displacement of 16,000 lbs and a waterline length of 33.5 feet, she carries a high displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 425.68. This indicates a heavy displacement hull, generally associated with a comfortable motion in a seaway and robust construction, rather than high-speed performance.

The ballast-to-displacement ratio stands at a relatively modest 0.218, with 3,500 lbs of ballast supporting the 16,000 lb displacement. While this might suggest less initial stiffness than some performance-oriented designs, the Lancer 39 is still described by some as "reasonably stable / stiff" with good righting capability. The estimated sail area to displacement ratio, calculated from reported rig dimensions (I=49.5 ft, J=14.8 ft, P=43.5 ft, E=15.4 ft), is around 17.67. This places the Lancer 39 in a moderate performance category, suggesting adequate power for cruising in most conditions, rather than being underpowered.

Anecdotal descriptions of the Lancer 39 highlight its "superior sailing capabilities" and "easy to handle" nature, suggesting a design focused on a balanced sailing experience for cruisers. Her broad beam of 12 feet contributes to interior volume and potentially enhances stability. The overall design aims to combine the comfort and robustness of a heavy cruiser with the ability to sail efficiently, reflecting its motorsailer roots.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts for the Lancer 39 are not extensively documented in available public resources, its generous 39-foot length and 12-foot beam suggest a spacious interior for a boat of its era. The designer, Herb David, is noted to have opted for a "slightly more spacy hull design" for the Lancer 39. Typically, a vessel of this size and cruising intent would feature a conventional layout including a V-berth forward, an enclosed head, a main salon with settees and a table, a galley, and possibly a quarter berth or aft cabin. Given Lancer's focus on comfort and versatility, it is reasonable to infer that the interior would be arranged to maximize living space, storage, and functionality for extended stays aboard.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Lancer yachts often form active online communities, sharing insights and experiences about their vessels. While specific common problems or strengths for the Lancer 39 are not widely detailed, Lancer as a builder was generally "known for quality and speed" during its initial years. Owners of Lancer boats frequently discuss general maintenance, upgrades, and the unique characteristics of their vessels within these forums. Prospective and current Lancer 39 owners can find valuable information and support by engaging with these dedicated online communities.