Shannon 39 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Shannon 39 entered production in 1994, representing an evolution in Shannon's line of offshore yachts. Walter Schulz, who continues to oversee design, engineering, and production at Shannon, founded the company with a clear vision: to build yachts to the highest quality standards for serious offshore use. This ethos is deeply embedded in the Shannon 39, which combines successful elements from earlier models. Shannon Yachts emphasizes robust construction techniques, aiming for long-term integrity, which includes avoiding bolted-on keels.

The Shannon 39 was offered with several rig configurations, including a double headsail ketch, cutter, and Shannon's unique "Scutter" and "Sketch" rigs, providing owners with options tailored to their sailing preferences. Notably, the 39 was also available with a fixed keel or a keel/centerboard option, the latter drawing a minimum of 4.42 feet, enhancing its versatility for shallow-water cruising while maintaining blue-water capabilities. This reflects Shannon's general emphasis on customization, ensuring each yacht meets the individual requirements of its owner.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Shannon 39 is designed for comfortable and reliable offshore performance, rather than outright racing speed. With a reported sail area of 751 sq ft for the ketch rig and a displacement of 18,700 lbs, the sailboat has a sail area-to-displacement ratio of approximately 17.06. This ratio suggests a moderate performer, capable of handling a range of wind conditions efficiently without being overly sensitive in light air or overpowered in heavy gusts.

Her ballast-to-displacement ratio of about 36.9% (6,900 lbs of lead ballast for 18,700 lbs displacement) indicates a stable and stiff vessel. While not in the highest category of stiffness, it provides a solid and comfortable motion in a seaway, crucial for offshore passages. The displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 235.7 classifies the Shannon 39 as a moderate displacement cruiser. This contributes to her comfortable motion, good load-carrying capacity, and ability to track well, making her suitable for extended voyages. Owners often praise the efficient hull shape and good sail characteristics, affirming her seaworthiness and suitability for couples undertaking long cruises.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Shannon 39 is designed with liveability and customization in mind, a hallmark of Shannon Yachts' semi-custom approach. While specific standard layouts vary, the general design emphasizes comfort and practicality for offshore cruising. Interiors are typically light and airy, often featuring large, heavy-duty stainless steel opening ports for ventilation.

Common arrangements found through owner reviews and brokerage listings include a forward V-berth cabin, a main salon with settees that may convert to berths, a well-appointed galley, and a navigation station. The quality of finish is generally high, reflecting Shannon's reputation for "old-school craftsmanship". Details like vanished teak steps with non-skid tape on the companionway underscore the attention to safety and quality. Storage is typically ample for extended cruising, and the thoughtful design aims to make the interior both functional and inviting for long periods aboard.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently commend the Shannon 39 for its exceptional build quality and robust construction, which are frequently highlighted as primary strengths. The ability to withstand challenging offshore conditions is a recurring theme, reinforcing Shannon's reputation for seaworthy vessels. Many owners view the Shannon 39 as an ideal choice for a couple due to its manageable size for single-handing or two-person operation, coupled with ample interior volume and storage for extended voyages. The customized interior layouts are also highly valued, allowing owners to tailor the boat to their specific cruising needs.

While specific "common problems" are not widely reported in a systematic manner, the overall sentiment is that Shannon yachts, including the 39, are built to last and maintain their value well. The enduring quality means that older models are still actively sailing and sought after on the used market, a testament to their robust design and construction.