Scanner 391 Information, Review, Specs

The Scanner 391 marked a significant milestone as the inaugural vessel launched under the Scanyacht AB banner in 1987, the very year the company was founded by Nils-Eric Olofsson. Olofsson, a figure with a long tradition in boat building, initiated Scanyacht AB by taking over the moulds of an existing 11.70-meter vessel, leading to the birth of the Scanner 391. This model quickly set the stage for Scanyacht's enduring reputation for "Swedish engineering excellence," emphasizing a blend of performance and comfort. The builder's ethos during this era focused on creating yachts that were both fast and beautiful, aiming for strong sailing capabilities and refined aesthetics. Scanyacht's consistent operation from Saltsjö-Duvnäs, Sweden, further cemented its commitment to its Swedish heritage and construction quality.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Scanner 391's design specifications translate into a sailboat capable of excellent performance and confident handling. With a calculated Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 19.7, the vessel exhibits good light-air performance, suggesting it can move efficiently even in lighter winds. Its Ballast to Displacement (Bal/D) ratio of around 37.9% indicates a respectable level of stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up well to a breeze. Furthermore, a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 182.6 positions the Scanner 391 in the lighter, more performance-oriented category for its size. Anecdotal evidence from owners and brokers consistently describes the Scanner 391 as having "good sailing performance" and feeling "safe to sail in all weather conditions and seas". Many consider it to offer "outstanding sailing performance", reflecting its balanced design and the quality of Swedish yacht building.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Scanner 391 is designed to offer both comfort and functionality, characteristic of classic Scandinavian yacht design. Featuring a classic mahogany interior with a teak and holly floor, the finish exudes timeless elegance. The standard layout typically includes two cabins and a saloon, providing comfortable berths for four, with the potential to accommodate up to six people with convertible berths. A notable feature is the "large V-Berth forward" and an "enormous aft cabin which utilises the full width of the boat and is dominated by a king size bed," offering ample private sleeping quarters. With a reported headroom of 1.90 meters (approximately 6 feet 2 inches) in the saloon, the interior feels spacious and welcoming. The design also allows for the possibility of converting to a three-cabin layout, providing flexibility for different cruising needs. Owners consistently praise the "spacious" nature of the interior and its "great storage capacity," making it well-suited for extended cruising.