Comfortina 39 Mk I Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Comfortina 39 Mk I is widely regarded as a "sailor’s boat," prioritizing feedback and windward efficiency. It typically features a 7/8 fractional rig with swept-back spreaders, a configuration that allows for precise mainsail trimming and reduces the need for large, heavy-headed genoas. This makes the boat particularly manageable for short-handed crews while maintaining a high degree of tunability for racing. With a displacement-to-length ratio that sits firmly in the "performance cruiser" category, the Mk I feels stiff and purposeful.

Under sail, the boat tracks exceptionally well thanks to a well-profiled fin keel and a balanced spade rudder. Owners frequently report that the vessel maintains a light touch on the helm even when pressed, provided the mainsail is reefed early to manage the relatively high sail area-to-displacement ratio. Its sea-kindliness is a hallmark of Albinsson’s design; the hull shape handles chop with a predictable motion that avoids the jerky movements common in modern, wider-stern designs. While not as fast downwind as contemporary light-displacement yachts, the 39 Mk I excels in upwind performance and heavy air stability, often outperforming its rating in technical coastal races.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Comfortina 39 Mk I is a masterclass in traditional Swedish joinery, utilizing high-grade teak with a satin finish. The layout is a classic offshore arrangement designed for functionality at sea. It features a spacious U-shaped settee to port and a straight settee to starboard, providing excellent bracing points when the boat is heeled. The galley is typically positioned to port of the companionway, offering a deep double sink and ample storage, while a full-sized navigation station sits to starboard.

The Mk I is distinguished from its siblings by its specific cabin configuration. It offers a generous forward V-berth and a private aft cabin located under the cockpit on the port side. Unlike the later Thomas Bern-designed Comfortina 38, which optimized every inch of beam for internal volume, the 39 Mk I maintains narrower, more traditional lines that favor storage and structural integrity over open floor space. Headroom is excellent throughout the main saloon, generally exceeding 6 feet 2 inches, which was a significant selling point at the time of its release. The head compartment is typically located aft or just forward of the main bulkhead, finished in easy-to-clean white laminates contrasted with teak trim.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Comfortina 39 Mk I should focus their inspections on several high-signal areas common to Swedish builds of this vintage:

• Teak Deck Longevity: Most Mk I models were delivered with vacuum-glued or screwed teak decks. After four decades, these decks often reach the end of their service life. Buyers should check for thinning wood, failing caulking, and potential moisture ingress into the sandwich core of the deck.
• S-Drive Diaphragm: These boats were commonly fitted with Volvo Penta engines and S-drive transmissions. The rubber hull diaphragm requires replacement every seven years per manufacturer recommendations; documented proof of this service is a critical checklist item.
• Chainplate Sealing: The stainless steel chainplates pass through the deck to the internal grid. Leaks here are common and can lead to localized core rot or aesthetic damage to the interior teak if not addressed.
• Rudder Bearings: Due to the performance nature of the boat, the spade rudder bearings can develop play over time. A "clunk" felt through the wheel during maneuvers usually indicates the need for replacement.
• Keel-to-Hull Joint: Check for the "Comfortina Smile"—a hairline crack at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint. While often just a cosmetic issue in the fairing compound, it can indicate the need for re-torquing the keel bolts.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical data and owner support is the Comfortina Eignervereinigung, the German-based owners' association. Because Comfortina moved production to Germany in later years, this association remains the most active repository for original manuals, sail plans, and refit advice. Additionally, the Comfortina Yachts official site continues to offer support and service information for legacy models, reflecting the brand's enduring commitment to its fleet.

The Verdict

The Comfortina 39 Mk I is an elegant, robustly built performance cruiser that offers a level of craftsmanship rarely seen in modern production boats. It is an ideal choice for the discerning sailor who values windward performance and "heavy metal" construction over the maximum interior volume of a modern coastal cruiser.

Pros:

• Exceptional build quality with high-end Scandinavian joinery.
• Predictable, stiff, and rewarding sailing characteristics in a variety of conditions.
• Timeless design that maintains its aesthetic and resale value.
• Well-supported by a dedicated owners' association.

Cons:

• Aging teak decks can be a significant and costly maintenance liability.
• The interior layout, while functional, feels narrower and more confined than modern 39-foot yachts.
• The 7/8 rig requires active backstay and traveler management to optimize performance.