Oyster 39 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Oyster 39 in 1978 marked a strategic shift for Oyster Marine. While the company's early success stemmed from racing yachts like the UFO 34, the Oyster 39 was conceived as their inaugural dedicated cruising yacht. Designed by Donald Pye of Holman & Pye, the boat was envisioned as a powerful, robust vessel capable of extended voyages, a philosophy consistent with Oyster's emerging reputation for "uncompromising strength of construction" and meticulous attention to detail during this era. The collaboration with Holman & Pye was a defining characteristic of Oyster's early designs. The Oyster 39 featured a centre-cockpit ketch rig, a configuration often favored for its offshore capabilities and the ability to provide a generous aft cabin. Production continued until 1984, with a total of 43 boats built, solidifying its place as an influential model in the Oyster lineage. While no significant formal variations like MkI or MkII were widely reported during its production run, some owners have noted minor differences such as variations in window configurations.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Oyster 39's design ratios provide insight into its intended performance as a comfortable bluewater cruiser. With a Ballast to Displacement ratio of approximately 40%, the vessel boasts a good degree of stiffness, indicating its ability to stand up to a significant amount of wind and provide a stable motion in a seaway. Its Displacement to Length ratio, calculated at around 235, places it in the moderate displacement category, suggesting a solid, sea-kindly hull without being overly heavy or sluggish. This combination typically translates to a comfortable ride on long passages, capable of handling varied sea states. Anecdotal evidence from owners often praises the Oyster 39 for its inherent seaworthiness and comfortable motion. However, some owners have noted that the boat can be challenging to maneuver in reverse, with a tendency to steer to port. The total sail area to displacement ratio is not widely published, preventing a detailed analysis of its light-air performance.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its under-40-foot length overall, the Oyster 39 is widely recognized for its "incredibly spacious" and well-arranged interior, a testament to its design as a dedicated cruising vessel. The centre-cockpit layout is instrumental in facilitating a large, comfortable owner's stateroom located aft, a feature highly valued for privacy and space on extended voyages. Reviews frequently praise the interior for its "magnificent accommodation," with one owner suggesting it's hard to imagine a better layout for a boat of its size. The galley typically features a fridge unit and ample locker space, indicating a focus on liveability and storage for provisions. The general finish quality, often showcasing well-maintained teak, contributes to a warm and traditional marine ambiance that has stood the test of time.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently praise the Oyster 39 for its robust construction, comfortable motion, and remarkable interior spaciousness, making it a highly regarded bluewater cruising yacht. Its "well made" and "sea kindly" characteristics are frequently highlighted, affirming its suitability for serious cruising. The enduring quality of the interior, particularly the teak joinery, is another point of appreciation, with owners noting its ability to withstand years of use. While generally positive, some owners have mentioned a minor handling quirk, noting that the boat can be somewhat difficult to control in reverse, tending to veer to port. Additionally, as with many boats of its vintage, some forum discussions hint at potential issues with original deck fittings developing leaks over time, suggesting re-bedding might be a common maintenance task for older examples. Overall, the Oyster 39 is considered a solid investment with a proven value, largely due to its high build quality and desirable cruising attributes.