Allied Mistress 39 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Mistress 39 is a heavy-displacement cruiser that prioritizes sea-kindliness over outright speed. With a displacement-to-length (D/L) ratio typically exceeding 350, it is a "momentum boat" that handles heavy weather with a grace few modern production boats can match. The hull features a long, modified fin keel and a heavy skeg-hung rudder, a configuration that provides exceptional directional stability. This allows the boat to track well even in following seas, reducing the workload on the helmsman or the autopilot during long passages.

As a ketch-rigged vessel, the Mistress 39 offers a highly versatile sail plan. The "mule" or mizzen stay-sail configuration allows for a low center of effort, which is ideal when the wind picks up. Owners frequently report that the boat feels most at home in 15 to 25 knots of breeze; in light air, the high wetted surface area of the hull can make the boat feel sluggish. However, once the hull reaches its hull speed, it remains remarkably stable. The ketch rig also breaks the sail area into smaller, more manageable pieces, making it an excellent choice for short-handed couples who want to avoid the physical strain of winching massive headsails.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The hallmark of the Mistress 39 is its center-cockpit design, which was revolutionary for a 39-foot boat at the time of its release. Unlike many smaller center-cockpit boats of the era that required a "walk-over" (exiting the cockpit to enter the aft cabin), the Mistress 39 was designed with a dedicated walk-through passage below decks. This allows for protected movement between the main salon and the owner's aft stateroom, a feature usually reserved for yachts over 42 feet.

The interior is characterized by traditional craftsmanship, featuring extensive teak joinery and a layout optimized for life at sea. The main salon typically includes a U-shaped galley to starboard, which is well-braced for cooking while underway. The aft cabin provides a sanctuary with two large berths and often its own dedicated head, offering a level of privacy that makes the boat ideal for cruising with guests. Allied also produced the Mistress Mark II, which refined some of the deck moldings and interior configurations, though it maintained the same rugged hull lines. Some rare versions were also rigged as cutters, though the ketch remains the most prevalent configuration found on the brokerage market today.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Allied Mistress 39 with an understanding that these vessels are now roughly 50 years old and require diligent maintenance of their core systems.

• Fuel Tank Corrosion: The original fuel tanks were often made of iron or steel and were glassed into the hull structure or located in hard-to-reach areas. Over time, moisture trapped against the metal can lead to pinhole leaks. Replacing these tanks often requires significant surgery to the cabin sole or engine room bulkheads.
• Osmotic Blistering: While Allied was known for heavy hand-laid fiberglass, the resins of the 1970s are susceptible to osmotic blistering. A professional hull survey is essential to determine if the laminate has been compromised or if a bottom peel is necessary.
• Chainplates and Rigging: On the ketch rig, the sheer number of stays and shrouds doubles the points of failure. The chainplates are often buried behind cabinetry; they should be inspected for crevice corrosion, especially if the boat has spent its life in tropical saltwater environments.
• Deck Core Integrity: Like most boats of this era, Allied used balsa or plywood coring for the decks. Check for "spongy" spots around the mast steps, stanchion bases, and the windlass, which indicate water intrusion and delamination.
• Engine Access: While the center-cockpit layout provides a dedicated engine room, access can be tight depending on the specific interior modifications made by previous owners. The Perkins 4-108 was a common original engine choice; while reliable, it is known for minor oil leaks and requires a clean environment to maintain.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Mistress 39 often find support through broader Allied groups, such as the Allied Yacht Owners Association. Because these boats were built with standardized components and robust scantlings, technical knowledge is frequently shared among those maintaining the Seawind II and the Princess 36, which share many of the same construction techniques and hardware.

The Verdict

The Allied Mistress 39 is a "sailor's boat" designed for those who value safety and comfort over regatta trophies. It is a vessel that looks and feels like a ship, providing a sense of security that is increasingly rare in the era of light-displacement cruisers.

Pros:

• Exceptionally heavy build quality and offshore-capable hull design.
• The walk-through interior provides genuine privacy for two couples.
• The ketch rig offers versatile sail handling in heavy weather.
• Directional stability makes for easy long-distance tracking.

Cons:

• Heavy wetted surface results in poor light-wind performance.
• Aging systems (fuel tanks and wiring) often require expensive updates.
• The complexity of a ketch rig increases standing rigging replacement costs.
• Tight engine room access for major mechanical overhauls.