Allied Mistress 39 Mk II Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Mistress 39 Mk II is a quintessential heavy-displacement cruiser. With a displacement-to-length ratio that leans toward the "heavy" side of the spectrum, the boat is designed for momentum and sea-kindliness rather than exhilarating acceleration. Its hull features a full keel with a cutaway forefoot and a protected skeg-hung rudder, a configuration that provides exceptional directional stability. This makes the boat a joy to steer in a steady breeze, as it tracks "as if on rails," requiring minimal input from the helm or an autopilot during long offshore legs.

The ketch rig is a defining characteristic of the model’s handling. While a ketch carries more strings to pull, the smaller individual sail areas make the boat manageable for a solo sailor or a couple. In heavy weather, the "jib and jigger" configuration—sailing under just the headsail and the mizzen—allows the Mistress to remain balanced and upright while many sloop-rigged peers are forced to reef aggressively. However, this underwater profile and rig come with trade-offs; the Mistress 39 is not a "pointing" machine and typically struggles to maintain speed in light air (under 10 knots) or when trying to pinch close to the wind. Owners often compensate by carrying a large cruising spinnaker or an MP-S (Multi-Purpose Spinnaker) for downwind legs.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The center-cockpit design of the Mistress 39 Mk II allowed Arthur Edmunds to create a layout that was revolutionary for its time, specifically the separation of the master stateroom from the main living area. The Mk II variant improved upon the original design by refining the "walk-through" passage. Unlike many 30-foot center-cockpit boats of the era that required a "walk-over" (exiting the cabin to reach the aft stateroom), the Mistress 39 features a low-headroom interior passageway, often housing the engine room access and a workbench.

In the main salon, the beam of 12 feet provides a spacious feel, with a U-shaped galley that is frequently cited as one of the best "seagoing" kitchens in its class. The use of high-quality teak joinery and heavy-duty bronze portlights reinforces the vessel's "ship-like" ambiance. The aft cabin serves as a true private retreat with its own dedicated head, though some owners note that ventilation in the aft cabin can be limited unless the optional opening ports were installed. The Mk II version generally features improved storage lockers and a more standardized electrical panel compared to the earlier Mk I hulls produced during Allied's more turbulent financial periods.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

While the hull of the Mistress 39 is nearly indestructible, several age-related areas require scrutiny:

1. Chainplate Leakage: Like many boats of this era, the chainplates are bedded through the deck. If not maintained, water can migrate into the plywood core of the deck or, worse, corrode the stainless steel plates where they are hidden from view.
2. Engine Access and Health: Most Mistress 39s were originally powered by the Perkins 4-108 diesel. While legendary for its longevity, this engine is known for oil leaks. Because the engine is tucked under the cockpit floor, ensure the Mk II "walk-through" panels provide enough access for major service like heat exchanger removal.
3. Center-Cockpit Steering Linkage: The distance from the pedestal to the rudder in a center-cockpit configuration requires long cable runs or complex linkages. Potential buyers should inspect the steering sheaves and cables for "meat-hooks" (fraying) or excessive play.
4. Fuel Tank Material: Some Allied models utilized "black iron" fuel tanks. After four decades, these are prone to internal corrosion. Inspect for any signs of weeping or "diesel smell" in the bilge, as tank replacement in this model often involves significant cabinetry work.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Mistress 39 Mk II benefit from a highly active and technically proficient community centered around the Allied Seawind Owners Association, which, despite its name, serves as the primary technical repository for all Allied-built yachts. This group maintains archives of original brochures, wiring diagrams, and specific modifications for the Edmunds-designed hulls.

The Verdict

The Allied Mistress 39 Mk II is a "tank" of the high seas, built during an era when fiberglass was used with wild abandon and "overbuilt" was the standard. It is not a boat for the club racer, but for the cruiser seeking a secure, private, and predictable home for crossing oceans.

Pros:

• Exceptional build quality and "bulletproof" solid fiberglass hull.
• Excellent interior privacy provided by the aft-cabin ketch layout.
• High sea-kindliness; handles heavy weather with grace and minimal drama.
• Deeply protected cockpit offers security in following seas.

Cons:

• Sluggish performance in light winds and poor upwind pointing ability.
• The ketch rig adds complexity and higher maintenance costs (two masts, more rigging).
• Maneuvering in reverse can be difficult due to the long keel and prop walk.