Cavalier 39 Information, Review, Specs

The vessel shares a close lineage with the custom Salthouse 39, with many components and hull characteristics mirrored between the production Cavalier and the semi-custom Salthouse builds. It is important to distinguish this Bob Salthouse design from the later Cavalier 395, which was a Laurie Davidson design, and the Cavalier 37, a Bruce Farr project. The Cavalier 39 remains the more traditional, heavy-displacement alternative among its siblings, favored by those prioritizing sea-kindliness over raw windward speed.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Cavalier 39 is a quintessential "heavy-weather" yacht. With a displacement-to-length ratio typically leaning toward the heavier end of the cruiser-pacer spectrum, the boat exhibits a predictable, motion-calming momentum when encountering rough chop. Unlike lighter, modern fin-keeled boats that tend to "hobby-horse" in a head sea, the 39’s deep forefoot and significant displacement allow it to punch through waves with minimal loss of speed.

The ballast-to-displacement ratio is substantial, providing high initial stability and a stiff sailing attitude. Owners frequently report that the boat only begins to "find its groove" when the breeze exceeds 15 knots. In light air, the large wetted surface area of the traditional hull shape can make it feel sluggish compared to contemporary designs, but as the wind increases, the 39 holds its canvas longer than its competitors. Tracking is a particular strength; the long-finned keel and well-balanced skeg-hung rudder provide a directional stability that makes the vessel easy to manage for short-handed crews or under wind-vane self-steering.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Cavalier 39 reflects the high standards of New Zealand shipwrights of the 1970s and 80s, characterized by extensive use of native timbers and marine-grade teak. The layout was largely standardized to maximize offshore safety, featuring a deep, secure U-shaped galley to port and a proper forward-facing navigation station to starboard.

The main salon typically offers a wrap-around settee with a large central table, capable of seating six comfortably. Headroom is generous, often exceeding 6'3" in the main cabin, which was a significant selling point during its production run. Most models were configured with a standard V-berth forward and a large double quarter-berth aft, though some custom variations exist with a dedicated aft cabin accessible through the cockpit or a walk-through. Because these boats were built during an era of semi-custom flexibility, some hulls feature different cabinetry configurations or the addition of a pilot berth in the salon for offshore passage-making.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When inspecting a Cavalier 39, the primary concern for any prospective buyer is the condition of the deck core. While the hulls are famously thick and over-engineered, some models used balsa or plywood coring in the decks which, if hardware was not properly bedded, can lead to localized delamination and soft spots.

• Chainplates: The stainless steel chainplates are robust, but on older hulls, the bolts passing through the deck are prone to "crevice corrosion" if leaks have gone unnoticed.
• Rudder Bearings: The skeg-hung rudder is a safety asset, but the bushings and bearings can wear over decades, leading to a "thumping" sensation or play in the steering.
• Osmosis: While Cavalier Yachts used high-quality resins, some early hulls have shown signs of osmotic blistering. A moisture meter test on the hull below the waterline is essential during survey.
• Engine Access: Many units were originally fitted with Perkins or Yanmar diesels. Access is generally good, but check the condition of the engine mounts and the exhaust elbow, as these are common failure points in older installations.

Community & Resources

The Cavalier 39 benefits from a dedicated following, particularly within the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and various cruising clubs in Australia. Technical support and historical documentation can often be found through the Salthouse family legacy, as Salthouse Marine continues to operate in the high-end marine sector, maintaining the heritage of Bob Salthouse’s designs. While there is no longer a formal "factory" owner’s association, the "Cavalier Owners" groups on various social platforms remain active repositories for technical drawings and restoration advice.

The Verdict

The Cavalier 39 is a "sailor’s boat"—a rugged, dependable platform that trades contemporary "condo-maran" volume for offshore security and timeless lines. It remains one of the best value-for-money options for cruisers looking to cross oceans on a budget.

Pros:

• Exceptional heavy-weather tracking and stability.
• High-quality traditional joinery and interior craftsmanship.
• Solid, hand-laid fiberglass hull provides immense peace of mind.
• Proven blue-water pedigree with many successful circumnavigations.

Cons:

• Sluggish performance in light winds (under 10 knots).
• Potential for high maintenance costs regarding aged teak decks or original plumbing.
• The traditional narrow beam provides less interior volume than modern 39-footers.