Sweden Yachts 390 Information, Review, Specs

The Sweden Yachts 390 entered production in 1991, succeeding the popular Sweden Yachts 38, and continued to be built until 1998, with 47 hulls produced during its run. During this era, Sweden Yachts, originating from the ambitious America's Cup project Sverige, had already established itself for its unwavering commitment to quality and close client relationships. The builder's ethos, characterized by meticulously crafted vessels and a direct-from-yard sales model, ensured that each yacht, including the 390, was built to the highest standards.

The design philosophy behind the 390 aimed for a perfect balance of simplicity, sailability, and comfort, integrating sleek, elegant lines with spacious living areas both on deck and below. The yacht was specifically designed for serious sailing, with an emphasis on seaworthiness and ease of handling, even for a reduced crew. While the standard deep draft version boasted a maximum draft of 7.38 feet, a shoal draft version with a draft of 5.74 feet was also available, offering greater versatility for different cruising grounds. Some models were also equipped with a winged keel, further illustrating the options available to owners.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Sweden Yachts 390 is characterized by its balanced sailing performance, thanks to carefully considered design ratios. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 18.55, the 390 demonstrates good performance in lighter winds, indicating a boat that can be responsive and engaging even in moderate conditions. Its ballast to displacement ratio of around 41.4% highlights its inherent stiffness and stability, suggesting the yacht can stand up to a significant amount of wind and maintain an upright position, contributing to a comfortable motion in a seaway. Furthermore, a displacement to length ratio of approximately 239.35 positions the Sweden Yachts 390 firmly within the moderate displacement cruiser category, offering a good blend of speed and load-carrying capability.

Owners and reviewers consistently praise the 390 as an "absolute delight to sail," renowned for its good seaworthiness and predictable handling characteristics. The cockpit is designed to be efficient and comfortable, simplifying sail and rig handling to enhance the overall sailing experience, making it well-suited for shorthanded sailing. The combination of a fin keel and spade rudder provides excellent maneuverability and responsiveness, contributing to its reputation as a well-balanced cruiser-racer.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior headroom information is not consistently available across all models, the Sweden Yachts 390 generally offers spacious and elegantly finished accommodations below deck. The builder's reputation for meticulous craftsmanship is evident in the quality of the interior finish and the materials used.

The most common interior layout for the Sweden Yachts 390 is a two-cabin configuration, though some variations accommodated up to eight berths in four cabins, likely for specific owner preferences or charter use. A typical arrangement would feature a comfortable forward cabin with a double berth, a well-appointed main salon, a functional galley, and a dedicated navigation station. The design prioritizes spacious living areas, both on deck and below, reflecting Sweden Yachts' philosophy of combining sleek lines with practical comfort. Thoughtful design and ingenious solutions contribute to ample storage and good ventilation throughout the interior, making the 390 a welcoming vessel for extended cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Sweden Yachts 390 consistently express high satisfaction with their vessels, often referring to them as "dream boats." The quality of construction and the enjoyable sailing characteristics are frequently cited as primary strengths. Many owners praise the boat's seaworthiness, its comfortable motion in various sea states, and its ability to perform admirably while being easy to manage, even with a small crew. The robust build quality and the attention to detail from Sweden Yachts are often highlighted, reassuring owners of their investment. While no significant recurring weaknesses or common problems are widely reported, some owners mention a rumor about keel problems, though they also note an inability to confirm such issues. Overall, the consensus among owners points to the Sweden Yachts 390 as a high-quality, reliable, and immensely enjoyable cruising yacht.