Hunt/O'day Cal 39 — Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Hunt-designed Cal 39 is characterized by a more balanced, modern hull form compared to its predecessors. With a displacement-to-length ratio (D/L) of approximately 231 and a sail area-to-displacement ratio (SA/D) hovering around 18, the vessel is a moderate-displacement cruiser that prioritizes stability and predictable tracking over raw surfing speed. Unlike the flatter sections of the earlier Lapworth hulls, the Hunt design utilizes a deeper "V" entry and a more refined run aft, which significantly reduces pounding in a head sea.

Owners and technical reviewers often note that the boat feels "stiff" and carries its canvas well into the mid-20-knot wind range before requiring a reef. According to design notes from C. Raymond Hunt Associates, the focus of their sailboat hulls from this era was to provide a "balanced" feel on the helm, reducing the tendency toward weather helm as the boat heels. The inclusion of a modern fin keel and a large spade rudder ensures that the boat remains maneuverable in tight quarters, a marked improvement over the more sluggish responses sometimes found in heavy-displacement cruisers of the same era.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The move to the Fall River facility and the influence of O'Day's production methods resulted in an interior that was significantly more voluminous than the Lapworth-designed MK II or MK III. The Cal 39 (Hunt/O’Day) features a classic two-cabin, one-head arrangement but with a much wider beam carried further aft. This allows for a genuine aft cabin with a standing dressing area and a large double berth, a feature that was often cramped in earlier designs.

The salon is finished in rich teak with a high level of joinery that reflects the "flagship" status of the model during its brief production run. A major variation for this model was the keel configuration: it was offered in both a deep-draft fin version for maximum windward performance and a "wing keel" version designed for the shallow waters of the Chesapeake or the Bahamas. The interior also boasts a T-shaped galley that is optimized for use at sea, featuring deep sinks and an oversized icebox/refrigeration unit. Its sibling, the Hunt-designed Cal 33, utilized a similar aesthetic and layout logic but on a more compact scale, making the 39 the preferred choice for long-term liveaboards.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Cal 39 (Hunt/O’Day) with a focus on its late-1980s construction characteristics. While the hulls are solid fiberglass, the decks are balsa-cored, a common site for moisture ingress.

• Deck Delamination: Pay close attention to the areas around the chainplates, stanchion bases, and the mast partner. Soft spots in these areas indicate a failure in the bedding compound leading to core rot.
• The "Smile" Joint: As with many fin-keel boats of this era, check the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint for cracks, which may indicate "keel smile" or movement in the keel bolts.
• Grid System Bonding: The boat utilizes a fiberglass internal grid system for structural rigidity. If the boat has suffered a hard grounding, this grid can separate from the hull in the bilge area; look for spiderweb cracking or localized delamination around the floors.
• Electrical Systems: Being an O’Day-era build, the original wiring panels were adequate but are now nearing the end of their service life. Inspect for "rat's nest" wiring or non-marine-grade components added by previous owners.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support is the Cal 39 International Association, which maintains a repository of original brochures and technical specifications. Additionally, the broader community of Cal owners remains active through regional groups, providing a wealth of knowledge on sourcing legacy parts for the Westerbeke or Universal diesel engines commonly found in these hulls.

The Verdict

The Cal 39 (Hunt/O’Day) is an excellent choice for a sailor who desires the pedigree of a classic American brand but prefers the comfort and modern amenities of a late-80s cruiser.

Pros:

• Exceptional sea-kindliness and a "dry" ride thanks to the Hunt hull design.
• Superior interior volume and aft-cabin comfort compared to earlier Cal 39 variants.
• Robust build quality from the Fall River production era.

Cons:

• Rarity; fewer were built compared to the prolific Lapworth MK II/III models.
• The balsa-cored decks require vigilant maintenance to prevent costly core replacement.
• Not as competitive in light-air PHRF racing as the earlier "flat-bottom" Cals.