Hunter 39 Information, Review, Specs

The Hunter 39 shares its DNA with several siblings. It evolved directly from the Hunter 38 hull but featured a redesigned deck, a more ergonomic cockpit, and updated interior styling. Later, following the Marlow acquisition, the hull form served as the foundation for the Marlow-Hunter 40, which updated the window lines and interior finishes while maintaining the fundamental 39-foot platform.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Hunter 39 is defined by its Bergstrom & Ridder (B&R) rig, a hallmark of Hunter design that eliminates the backstay by using 30-degree swept-back spreaders. This configuration allows for a much larger, high-roach mainsail, which serves as the primary engine of the boat. With a Displacement/Length ratio of approximately 188 and a Sail Area/Displacement ratio near 19.5, the Hunter 39 is categorized as a moderate-displacement cruiser with surprisingly nimble performance in light to moderate air.

As noted in a technical review by Sail Magazine, the Glenn Henderson hull incorporates a "stern reflex," a subtle upward curve in the hull’s exit that reduces drag and increases speed under power or sail. On the water, the boat tracks well due to its deep-draft (6'6") or shoal-draft (5'0") lead keel options. The absence of a backstay allows for an easy-to-tack, small-overlap jib, making the boat exceptionally easy to handle for shorthanded couples. However, the B&R rig’s swept spreaders limit how far the mainsail can be eased when sailing dead downwind, often requiring the use of an asymmetrical spinnaker or "vanging" the boat through a series of broad reaches to maintain speed and sail shape.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Hunter 39 is designed to maximize the volume afforded by its 12'11" beam. Hunter utilized an "open-concept" layout that emphasizes light and air, facilitated by the signature "windshield"—a set of forward-facing fixed ports that flood the salon with natural light. The standard configuration features a two-cabin, one-head layout. The master stateroom is located aft, featuring a queen-sized berth oriented athwartships, which offers significantly more space than traditional v-berths found in boats of this size.

Materials were an upgrade over previous decades, featuring more extensive use of solid wood trim and Corian countertops in the L-shaped galley. The galley is particularly well-regarded for its high-fiddled surfaces and deep stainless steel sinks, designed for use while underway. Variations of the 39 were largely limited to keel depth and cockpit options (such as folding wheels), though some later units produced during the Marlow transition may feature slightly different cabinetry finishes as the factory shifted away from the traditional high-gloss teak to more contemporary "cherry" or lighter wood laminates.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Hunter 39’s primary claim to fame in the maritime media was its sweep of the 2010 industry awards. Beyond its "Boat of the Year" title from Cruising World, it was frequently featured in technical videos by the Marlow-Hunter factory to demonstrate their "Grid Technology"—a structural fiberglass stringer system bonded to the hull to provide rigidity and distribute rig loads. While it has not been a primary subject of major films or high-profile circumnavigation books, it remains a staple of modern charter fleets in the Caribbean and the Chesapeake Bay, often cited in "best used boat" guides for coastal cruisers.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on several Hunter-specific technical areas during a survey:

• Stainless Steel Arch: The cockpit arch, while convenient for the mainsheet traveler and bimini attachment, is a high-stress point. Inspect the mounting bases on the deck for stress cracks in the gelcoat or signs of water intrusion into the core.
• Rudder Bearing Wear: Like many Hunters of this era, the 39 uses a large spade rudder. Check for "slop" or play in the rudder post, which may indicate worn upper or lower bearings.
• B&R Rig Tension: Because the rig lacks a backstay, it relies heavily on shroud tension for forestay tautness. A rigging inspection is vital to ensure the wire has not been over-stressed or developed "fishhooks" at the spreader ends.
• Chainplate Seals: While the B&R rig distributes loads well, the chainplates pass through the deck and are prone to leaking if the sealant is not maintained. Check for moisture in the cabinetry or bulkheads immediately below the chainplate attachments.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Hunter 39 benefit from one of the most robust support networks in the sailing world. The Hunter Owners Association (HunterOwners.com) serves as a primary technical wiki, offering model-specific advice on everything from prop sizing to plumbing diagrams. Additionally, because Marlow-Hunter still operates in Alachua, Florida, many OEM parts and technical drawings remain available through the factory's parts division.

The Verdict

The Hunter 39 is a quintessential coastal cruiser that excels in ease of use and interior volume. While purists may shy away from the unconventional B&R rig and the aesthetic of the cockpit arch, the design is functionally superior for the way most modern cruisers actually use their boats.

Pros:

• Exceptional Interior Volume: Feels much larger than a 39-footer, especially in the aft cabin.
• Shorthanded Ease: The small jib and lack of backstay make tacking effortless.
• Build Quality: Benefit of the Henderson-era structural grid and lead keels (rather than iron).

Cons:

• Downwind Limitations: Swept spreaders prevent the mainsail from squaring off.
• Aesthetic Polarizing: The cockpit arch and "windshield" windows are not to everyone's taste.
• Arch Maintenance: Requires regular inspection of the structural mounting points.