Design and Construction
The deckhouse is the visual and structural signature of the 39 DS. The raised coachroof gives the interior a genuine sense of spaciousness raised coachroof creates spaciousness, and the large ports set into it flood the saloon with daylight. Cruising World noted that the "deck saloon" label is not strictly accurate, but the raised house does what the name promises for a cruising couple. The hull is solid fiberglass with an iron ballast bulb, and the deck is solid fiberglass as well. The joinery finish below is very good, and the warm varnished teak interior reads traditional rather than stark.
Rig and Handling
The 39 DS is rigged as a fractional sloop with roller furling on both the main and headsail, so all sheets and control lines can be worked from the cockpit without sending crew forward. The lower shrouds are moved inboard and the uppers led outside the rail, which keeps the side decks wide and unobstructed for moving forward. Twin wheels let the helmsman sit well outboard for a clear view of the sails, with the primary winches set immediately forward of the wheels and jib trim possible from the helm. Test sailors found the helm tight and a pleasure to steer, and in a light-air trial the boat performed well even with in-mast furling. The cockpit sole sits 2 inches higher than on the standard 39i, a change that gains headroom in the aft cabin below.
Accommodations
Below, the boat makes a strong case for two-couple or family cruising without a second head. The builders chose a single amidships head rather than crowding in a second, and put the saved space into the forward and aft cabins. The aft double is one of the largest you will find under 40 feet, a huge athwartships berth with the foot tucked under the cockpit and ample hanging lockers. Forward, the guest cabin is spacious with a big V-berth. The saloon holds a large U-shaped galley and a full-size chart table to port, while to starboard a big dinette wraps around for six and opposite a straight settee lounges well; the port settee doubles as a sea berth on passages. The head and shower sit aft next to the companionway.
Cockpit and Deck
The cockpit is large, well protected from weather and spray, and laid out with bench seats and open aft access to the swim platform open access to the swim platform aft. A dodger attaches to a raised splash rail and the deck is cambered so any water under the dodger drains to the sides rather than pooling. Top-quality hardware has been used throughout top quality hardware throughout, and the twin-wheel layout keeps the transom clear for boarding or tender work.
The Verdict
The Sun Odyssey 39 DS is a thoughtfully packaged cruiser that trades a second head for genuine cabin volume and uses the deck-saloon form to bring light and headroom into a sub-40-foot hull. She sails easily short-handed thanks to cockpit-led control and a forgiving, well-balanced helm, and her accommodations are among the most generous in class for a cruising couple.
Pros
- One of the largest aft double cabins available under 40 feet, with a roomy forward guest cabin
- Roller main and headsail with all lines led to the cockpit for short-handed sailing
- Curved deckhouse brings light and a sense of space below
- Wide, unobstructed side decks from inboard lower shrouds
- Twin wheels with good sightlines and primary winches close at hand
Cons
- Single head only; no second bathroom for guests
- In-mast furling noted in testing may suit cruising over performance trim
- Deep 6-foot-6 draft limits some shallow cruising grounds
