Nautical 39 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Nautical 39 commenced in 1979, aligning with Nautical Development Corp.'s initial years of operation. The vessel was designed through the collaborative efforts of Charles Morgan, a prolific naval architect known for his cruising yacht designs, and Roger Warren. The Nautical 39 draws heavily from the lineage of Morgan's West Indies 38, which itself was first built by Heritage Yacht Corp. in 1976. This design lineage suggests a philosophy aimed at creating capable, comfortable cruisers, a theme consistent with Nautical Development Corp.'s stated commitment to building "robust cruising yachts" with a "blend of performance with cruising comfort."

Nautical Development Corp., based in Largo, Florida, operated during an era when fiberglass had become the dominant material for yacht construction, celebrated for its durability and ease of maintenance. The company focused on constructing fiberglass sailboats, emphasizing structural integrity and robust build quality, a characteristic likely applied to the Nautical 39. While specific variations like MkI or MkII versions for the Nautical 39 are not widely documented, the close relationship to the West Indies 38 suggests it followed a similar design principle.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Nautical 39, with its long keel and solid fiberglass hull, is designed for stable and predictable sailing. Interpreting its key performance ratios provides insight into its characteristics. With a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of approximately 13.56, the Nautical 39 is positioned as a moderate performer, suggesting she is not optimized for blistering speed in light airs but rather offers steady progress in a range of conditions.

Her Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D) of around 0.27 indicates a design that likely relies more on its hull form for initial stability than on a heavily ballasted keel. This can contribute to a comfortable motion in a seaway, though perhaps with a slightly softer feel than boats with higher ballast ratios. The Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) of approximately 293 places the Nautical 39 firmly in the category of a moderately heavy cruiser. This weight contributes to a solid feel offshore and a capacity for carrying stores, traits highly valued by those undertaking extended cruises. Anecdotal evidence regarding the West Indies 38, from which the Nautical 39 derives, often describes it as a very stable and stiff sailboat with good righting capability, suggesting the Nautical 39 shares these desirable handling characteristics.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior details for the Nautical 39 are less extensively documented, its close relation to the Morgan West Indies 38 offers a strong indication of its likely accommodations. The West Indies 38 was often configured with a two-private stateroom layout and a single head, providing good privacy and comfort for a boat of its size. Reviewers of similar Morgan designs of the era frequently lauded their beautiful and functional interiors, characterized by superb storage and practical layouts.

Typically, such cruisers would feature a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that convert to berths, a galley, and a quarter berth or aft cabin, depending on the specific arrangement. The emphasis would have been on robust construction and livability, utilizing materials common for the period, such as wood trim combined with fiberglass liners. Owners could expect a practical interior designed for extended time aboard, with adequate ventilation and storage solutions to support offshore cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Nautical 39 and its close cousin, the West Indies 38, often highlight the solid construction and capable cruising characteristics of these vessels. They are generally regarded as well-built, traditional cruising yachts known for their durability, enabling them to remain active in the brokerage market decades after their initial build. The enduring appeal stems from their robust nature and respectable sailing performance, making them suitable for those who appreciate a no-nonsense, seaworthy platform.

However, as with any vessel of this vintage, common maintenance items may arise. For boats that have not been consistently updated, potential owners might encounter issues related to original deck fittings, which can eventually require re-bedding, or the need for general systems upgrades. Despite these potential considerations, the strong fundamental design and sturdy construction typically provide a sound basis for renovation, allowing these boats to continue offering memorable experiences for their current owners.