O'day 39 Information, Review, Specs

The O'Day 39's production run spanned from 1982 to 1985. Its creation stemmed from a strategic collaboration between O'Day and Jeanneau, both of which were owned by the Bangor Punta Corporation at the time. This allowed O'Day to license the design of the successful Jeanneau Sun Fizz 40, bringing a proven European design to the American market. The original design, by Philippe Briand, aimed to produce a cruiser known for its stability and suitability for long passages.

During this era, O'Day Corp., under Bangor Punta's ownership, was one of the largest producers of sailboats in the United States, known for its commitment to accessible, well-designed fiberglass boats. The O'Day 39 reflected this ethos, built with a hand-laminated fiberglass hull and deck, ensuring consistent quality and durability. The model was also available in a shallow draft version, offering increased versatility for various cruising grounds. Following its production, the O'Day 39 design was later refined by C. Raymond Hunt Associates and evolved into the O'Day 40.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The O'Day 39, with a length overall of just over 38 feet and a waterline length of 33.5 feet, is characterized by its heavy displacement, which contributes significantly to its stable and comfortable motion in a seaway. Its displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 478 indicates a very robust and traditional cruiser, prioritizing comfort and seaworthiness over light-air speed. The sail area-to-displacement ratio of around 15.5 suggests that while she is not a dedicated light-wind performer, she offers decent power in moderate to strong breezes.

With 6,600 pounds of ballast in its fin keel, resulting in a ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 36.6%, the O'Day 39 demonstrates good stability, allowing her to stand up to a fair amount of wind. Owners have described the O'Day 39 as a "very sound sailboat" that performs well, with some noting its capability for offshore passages. Its fin keel and spade rudder configuration contribute to good maneuverability. For lighter winds, an asymmetrical sail is often recommended to enhance performance. The boat's hull speed is calculated at 7.76 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

The O'Day 39 was designed with comfortable and spacious living in mind, making it a "wonderful cruising boat" with an "exceptionally contemporary teak interior". The interior layout is well-suited for families, featuring large and comfortable aft-cabins, which are a notable feature for an aft-cockpit design. While specific headroom figures are not available, reviews indicate a generous "family size layout".

The interior typically includes multiple sleeping berths, a functional galley, and a head. Standard features included thirteen interior cabin lamps, a chart light, and an engine room lamp, highlighting its focus on practical cruising amenities. The use of teak trim likely provided a warm and classic aesthetic, characteristic of boats of its era. The large and comfortable cockpit further extends the living space, providing an excellent area for sailing and entertaining.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the O'Day 39 generally express high satisfaction with their vessels, often praising their solid construction and robust performance. Many consider it an ideal family boat, appreciating its stability and generous accommodations, which cater well to longer cruises or living aboard. The O'Day 39 is often cited as a highly capable offshore vessel, reflecting confidence in its build quality and design.

However, some owners have reported encountering issues with blistering on the hull, a common concern for fiberglass boats of that vintage. Despite potential maintenance needs typical of older vessels, the enduring appeal of the O'Day 39 is evident in the active and supportive online communities where owners share advice and experiences, 10]. Its combination of comfort, performance, and solid build continues to make the O'Day 39 a popular choice for sailors seeking a dependable cruising platform.