Koala 39/38 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

On the water, the Koala 39/38 is defined by its sea-kindly motion and impressive stability. With a displacement-to-length ratio that leans toward the "moderate-heavy" category, the hull is designed to punch through chop rather than bounce over it. The underwater profile features a deep fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration that provides excellent tracking and protection for the steering gear during long-distance passages.

Owners frequently report that the boat finds its "groove" at about 15 knots of apparent wind, where the stiff hull allows it to carry a full press of sail longer than lighter contemporary designs. The sail area-to-displacement ratio is balanced to ensure that while the boat is a powerhouse in a breeze, it does not become sluggish in light airs, provided the bottom is clean and the sails are well-cut. According to historical design notes from the era’s French yachting press, such as those found in early archives of Voiles et Voiliers, the Koala was specifically engineered to minimize pitching, making it a favorite for shorthanded crews tackling the fickle conditions of the Bay of Biscay.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Koala 39/38 is a testament to the "golden age" of French cabinet making, typically finished in rich hardwoods like teak or mahogany. The layout is traditional but highly functional for life at sea. Most configurations feature a large, U-shaped galley to port, which provides secure bracing for the cook in heavy weather, and a substantial navigation station to starboard. The salon is often characterized by a central table with settee seating that can double as excellent sea berths.

The "39" variant, by virtue of its slightly extended stern, sometimes offers better access to aft storage or a more accessible cockpit, but the internal volume remains largely consistent across the hull range. Typical layouts include a spacious forward V-berth and one or two aft cabins. Headroom is generous throughout the main cabin, usually exceeding 6'2", which was a significant selling point at the time of its release. Sibling variants built on the same hull occasionally appear with semi-custom layouts, as some hulls were sold for professional fit-outs or high-end amateur completions, leading to variations in the quality of joinery and electrical routing.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Koala 39/38 should focus their surveys on a few specific areas common to French builds of this vintage:

• Osmotic Blistering: Like many GRP boats from the late 70s and early 80s, the hull should be checked for signs of osmosis. While the laminates are generally thick and structurally sound, some hulls may require a peeling and epoxy treatment if they have spent their lives in warmer waters.
• Deck Core Integrity: The decks are typically balsa-cored. It is essential to inspect all deck hardware—especially the stanchion bases and the oversized toe rails—for moisture ingress, which can lead to delamination and soft spots over time.
• Rudder Skeg Attachment: Given the boat’s age and blue-water pedigree, the attachment point of the skeg to the hull should be examined for stress cracks, particularly if the boat has a history of grounding.
• Original Engine Installation: Many units were originally fitted with Perkins or early Volvo Penta engines. Prospective owners should verify if the engine has been repowered or if the saildrive/shaft seal (depending on the specific installation) has been recently serviced, as access in the engine compartment can be tight.

The Verdict

The Koala 39/38 remains a "sailor’s sailboat," offering a level of build quality and aesthetic appeal that modern, high-volume production boats struggle to match. It is an ideal candidate for a couple or small family looking for a proven blue-water platform on a budget.

Pros:

• Exceptional heavy-weather performance and directional stability.
• High-quality interior joinery that provides a warm, "ship-like" feel.
• Beautiful, timeless lines that stand out in a sea of modern "caravan-style" cruisers.
• Skeg-hung rudder offers superior protection for offshore work.

Cons:

• The aging GRP and balsa-core decks require diligent maintenance and inspection.
• Limited cockpit space compared to modern wide-stern designs.
• The deep draft may limit access to some shallow-water cruising grounds.