Chaser 39 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Chaser 39 is defined by its IOR "One Tonner" DNA, characterized by a distinct hull shape with a wide beam carried midships and significantly pinched ends. This geometry was designed to maximize rating advantages, but in practice, it creates a boat that is exceptionally powerful and stiff when hard-pressed upwind. With a deep fin keel and a high-aspect-ratio rig, the 39 tracks with remarkable precision. According to technical archives regarding Peterson’s 39-foot hull forms, the design emphasizes a high ballast-to-displacement ratio, ensuring the boat remains flat and carries its momentum through heavy chop—a trait frequently praised by owners of Peterson-designed hulls from this era.

Handling the Chaser 39 requires an attentive crew, particularly when sailing off the wind. Like many IOR designs of the 1970s, the hull can become "squirrelly" or prone to rhythmic rolling when running downwind in a blow under a large spinnaker. This is due to the narrow stern sections which provide less buoyancy and tracking stability than modern wide-transom designs. However, for the experienced sailor, the 39 offers a level of tactile feedback and "groove" that modern production cruisers often lack. Its sail area-to-displacement ratio suggests a boat that wakes up in light air but truly finds its stride in 15 to 20 knots of breeze, where its heavy-weather stability becomes a primary asset.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its racing origins, the Chaser 39 was finished with a level of interior craftsmanship that reflected its position as a flagship. The layout is a traditional cruiser-racer arrangement, heavily influenced by the need for "sea berths" to accommodate a racing crew on offshore passages. Most hulls feature an abundance of warm teak joinery, a signature of 1970s Canadian boat building.

The cabin is typically configured with a forward V-berth, a sizeable head compartment, and a main salon featuring a U-shaped settee and a large folding table. A standout feature of the 39 is the dedicated navigation station; in an era before integrated GPS plotters, Peterson prioritized a large, forward-facing chart table—a necessity for the complex offshore navigation the boat was built for. While the Chaser 33 utilized a more cramped "quarter berth" arrangement, the 39’s larger volume allowed for more generous storage and better ventilation. Some custom variations of the 39 were reportedly built with different galley configurations, ranging from a compact linear setup to a more secure L-shaped galley designed for cooking while heeled.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Chaser 39 occupies a niche in the "Golden Age" of IOR racing. While it does not have the mainstream celebrity of brands like C&C, the Peterson-designed 39-foot hull is a legend among IOR enthusiasts. The design is a close cousin to the famous Peterson 39/Baltic 39 series, which dominated handicap racing globally. In Canada, Chaser 39s were often the boats to beat in Lake Ontario regattas during the late 70s and early 80s, frequently appearing in the results of the Lake Ontario 300 and various club championships.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Chaser 39 should focus on the structural realities of a 40-plus-year-old performance boat. While Chaser Yachts utilized robust fiberglass schedules, several areas require specific scrutiny:

1. Mast Step & Compression: The 39 carries a massive masthead rig. Over decades, the compression loads can cause the mast step to settle or the cabin sole to distort. Inspect the structural grid around the mast base for fine cracks or signs of movement.
2. Deck Core Integrity: Like most boats of this era, Chaser used balsa-cored decks. Moisture ingress around the numerous racing hardware penetrations (genoa tracks, winches, and blocks) can lead to localized delamination or "soft spots."
3. Keel Bolt and Sump Inspection: Given its history as a racer, the 39 may have experienced "hard groundings." The keel-to-hull joint should be inspected for the "smile" crack at the leading edge, and the stainless steel keel bolts should be pulled or torque-tested if original.
4. Chainplate Leakage: The 39’s rig tension is high. Leaking chainplates can lead to rot in the bulkheads to which they are through-bolted, which is a significant structural repair.

Community & Resources

Support for Chaser Yachts is primarily found within the broader community of Peterson design enthusiasts. While no formal factory association remains, the Peterson Yacht Registry and various Doug Peterson fan groups provide technical insights into the hull’s performance and maintenance. In Canada, the Ontario Sailing Association often serves as a historical repository for the various IOR-era builders that once dotted the region, and local yacht clubs around the Great Lakes remain the best source for "institutional knowledge" regarding these specific hulls.

The Verdict

The Chaser 39 is a "sailor’s sailboat," offering a level of pedigree and performance that belies its age. It is an ideal choice for the buyer who values classic lines and upwind speed over the voluminous "caravan" interiors of modern cruisers.

Pros

• Exceptional Upwind Speed: A true Peterson design that eats up miles toward the weather.
• Robust Construction: Heavy fiberglass layups typical of the 1970s Canadian industry.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The classic IOR silhouette remains striking and prestigious in any marina.
• Flagship Quality: Better interior finish and woodwork than the smaller production models.

Cons

• Downwind Handling: Requires an experienced hand to manage the narrow stern in a following sea.
• Maintenance Intensity: High-load racing hardware and aged balsa cores require constant vigilance.
• Rare Parts: As a low-production model, specific replacement parts may require custom fabrication.