Shearwater 39 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Shearwater 39's story began in 1990, when Gerfried Nebe, the founder of the family-run Nebe Boatworks, commissioned Dudley Dix to design the ultimate cruiser. Nebe Boatworks, active from 1970 to 1995, had established itself as a builder of sturdy, capable cruising yachts, adhering to a hands-on, family-oriented approach and the robust "Hout Bay designs" philosophy that prioritized durability. Dix's design brief called for a yacht that possessed a strong traditional appearance above the waterline, paired with a modern underbody, emphasizing ease of handling, comfort at sea, and inherent safety.

The initial Shearwater 39, Gerfried Nebe's personal vessel named "Gabriel," was built in wood, serving as a plug from which the molds for subsequent GRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) production boats were taken. While primarily built in GRP, detailing also existed for cold-moulded timber construction, and the design could be adapted for aluminum. Approximately 20 to 25 units of the Shearwater 39 were built in South Africa before Nebe Boatworks ceased operations around 1995. The design primarily features a cutter rig, which breaks the total sail area into smaller, more manageable sails, a common and advantageous setup for offshore sailing. An "excursion version" of the Shearwater 39 was also designed, featuring a larger cockpit to accommodate up to 30 passengers and a two-berth interior, distinct from the dedicated cruising layout.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of just under 40 feet and a waterline length of nearly 34 feet, the Shearwater 39 is engineered for comfortable and confident passage-making. The boat's displacement of 21,605 lbs, coupled with a waterline length of 33.79 ft, results in a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 560. This high ratio signifies a heavy displacement vessel, prioritizing a comfortable motion and stability in rough seas over outright speed, characteristic of a serious offshore cruiser.

The Shearwater 39 boasts a reported sail area of 841 sq ft. When considering its displacement, this translates to a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 17.34. This figure suggests a respectable performance potential, indicating the boat is capable of moving well in a variety of wind conditions without being overly tender, though it is not designed as a light-air flyer or an extreme performance racer. Its ballast to displacement ratio stands at approximately 0.39 (39%), indicating a good amount of ballast relative to its total weight, contributing significantly to its stiffness and ability to stand up to a strong breeze.

The Shearwater 39 is consistently described as being easily handled and comfortable offshore, qualities that stem from its moderate design and robust build. Its cutter rig is particularly well-suited for offshore passages, allowing for flexible sail configurations and easier handling of individual sails. Owners and reviewers frequently highlight its stability and capability as a voyager with good speed potential. The boat features a fin keel for good upwind performance and a transom-hung rudder, which is a traditional arrangement often favored for its robustness and ease of access for maintenance.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Shearwater 39 is frequently praised for its generous volume, often described as "cavernous" for a boat of its size. This spaciousness is partly attributed to Dudley Dix's design brief, which was tailored for a particularly tall client, ensuring ample headroom throughout the cabin. While specific detailed layouts can vary between individual boats, the Shearwater 39 typically features a comfortable and practical arrangement well-suited for extended living aboard.

The design generally includes a comfortable main salon, often with opposing settees and a central table, a well-appointed galley, and a dedicated navigation station. Sleeping accommodations typically comprise a V-berth forward, and often quarter berths or a private aft cabin, providing comfortable berthing for several crew members or a family. The interior finish, consistent with Nebe Boatworks' reputation for hands-on craftsmanship and sturdy construction, typically involves quality materials, often featuring substantial wood trim that contributes to a warm and traditional cruising ambiance. Storage is usually abundant, critical for offshore cruising, and ventilation is designed to be effective in various climates, although exact details vary by specific build. Overall, the accommodations prioritize comfort, practicality, and livability at sea.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Shearwater 39 consistently praise its solid construction and seaworthiness, often highlighting its comfortable motion in a seaway. The design's inherent robustness has enabled numerous examples of the Shearwater 39 to undertake extensive voyages, including Trans-Atlantic and Pacific crossings, serving as a testament to their bluewater capabilities. Owners frequently commend the boat for being well-built for offshore sailing and for its good speed potential for a cruiser. Specific reports from owners often mention the reliability of the engine and overall installations, suggesting a high standard of original craftsmanship. While common problems and specific weaknesses are always a consideration for any vessel, there are no widely recurring or noted design flaws consistently reported by Shearwater 39 owners, reinforcing the boat's reputation as a dependable and well-engineered cruising platform.