Moorings 39 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

On the water, the Moorings 39 reflects the Berret-Racoupeau philosophy of providing a stable, upright sailing experience that minimizes stress for short-handed crews. The hull features a relatively fine entry that transitions into a broad, powerful stern, which provides significant initial stability and keeps the boat level even when pressed. In an editorial review by Sail Magazine, the base design was noted for its surprising agility in light air despite its cruising displacement, thanks in part to a well-balanced sail plan.

Most Moorings 39 variants were commissioned with in-mast furling mainsails and 140% overlapping genoas to simplify sail handling from the cockpit. While this configuration sacrifices some raw upwind performance compared to a fully battened main, the trade-off is a vessel that can be reefed or furled in seconds by a single person. The twin-wheel steering configuration—a standout feature for a boat of this size at the time of its release—allows for an unobstructed path from the companionway to the sugar-scoop transom, while also giving the helmsman excellent sightlines forward on either tack. Technical specifications indicate a moderate Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio, which translates to a "sea-kindly" motion in choppy coastal waters, though it lacks the heavy-weather inertia of a dedicated blue-water voyager.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Moorings 39 showcases the early influence of Nauta Design on the Beneteau line, moving away from traditional dark "cave-like" cabins toward a bright, open aesthetic. The primary configuration found in the Moorings fleet is the three-cabin, two-head layout, which maximizes guest capacity for charter groups. In this version, the forward master suite features a private head, while two symmetrical aft cabins share a second head located near the companionway.

Sibling models built on this same hull include the private-owner Beneteau Oceanis 40, which often featured a more spacious two-cabin layout with a larger galley and a massive cockpit locker in place of the second aft cabin. The Moorings-specific variant typically utilized durable ALPI wood finishes and high-wear upholstery to withstand the tropical climate. Headroom is a significant selling point, often exceeding 6'4" in the main saloon, as highlighted in technical assessments by Yachting Monthly. The L-shaped galley is positioned to port and is designed for functionality at sea, featuring deep sinks and adequate bracing points for the cook.

Popular Mentions & Media

While the Moorings 39 does not have a single "famous" owner in the traditional sense, its cultural footprint is defined by its ubiquity in the British Virgin Islands and other major sailing hubs. It has appeared in countless travel documentaries and sailing vlogs as the "standard-bearer" for the modern charter experience. Its reputation for reliability made it the go-to vessel for ASA (American Sailing Association) advanced coastal cruising certifications throughout the 2010s.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a "Phase Out" Moorings 39 (a boat exiting the charter fleet) should approach the purchase with a specific technical checklist derived from high-utilization patterns:

• Structural Grid Bonding: Like many production boats of this era, the Moorings 39 utilizes a fiberglass hull liner (grid). It is critical to inspect the "ticking" or bonding of this grid to the hull, particularly near the keel bolts, as hard groundings in charter service can cause delamination of the internal structure.
• Engine Hours & Exhaust Elbows: These vessels often carry high engine hours on their Yanmar or Volvo Penta diesels. Beyond the standard mechanical check, the mixing elbows are known to clog every 500–800 hours, which can lead to overheating if not replaced.
• Rudder Bearing Wear: The twin-wheel linkage and large spade rudder are subject to significant stress. Check for excessive "play" or vibration in the steering system, which often indicates worn upper or lower rudder bearings.
• Standing Rigging Longevity: Because many of these boats spent years in the high-UV environment of the Caribbean, the standing rigging should be carefully surveyed for "fishhooks" or swage cracking if it has not been replaced within a 10-year window.
• Deck Compression: Inspect the area around the mast step for any signs of compression or crazing in the gelcoat, as the in-mast furling units place unique vertical loads on the deck structure.

Community & Resources

Owners and fans of the Moorings 39 benefit from the massive global infrastructure of Beneteau. The most prominent technical resource is the Beneteau Owners Association, which maintains extensive archives of manuals and parts lists for the Oceanis 40/Moorings 39. Additionally, many owners utilize the "Beneteau 40" technical wikis for specific advice on retrofitting systems that were simplified for the charter market, such as adding solar arrays or upgrading battery banks.

The Verdict

The Moorings 39 remains one of the most logical entries into mid-sized cruising for sailors who prioritize cockpit space, ease of handling, and modern interior aesthetics over traditional heavy-displacement performance.

Pros:

• Exceptional Ergonomics: The twin-wheel cockpit and walk-through transom make it one of the easiest boats in its class for boarding and entertaining.
• Proven Design: With a hull designed by Berret-Racoupeau, the boat is balanced, predictable, and remarkably forgiving for less experienced helmsmen.
• Market Value: Due to the high volume of these boats produced, parts are readily available, and resale values remain stable.

Cons:

• High-Use History: Most units on the market have a history of heavy charter use, requiring a more rigorous pre-purchase survey.
• Light Air Compromises: The in-mast furling and moderate sail area mean the boat may struggle to keep pace with performance cruisers in light wind.
• Limited Storage: The three-cabin layout, while great for guests, significantly reduces the amount of dedicated "garage" space for long-term cruising gear.