Sailing Performance & Handling
The Nautical 39 is characterized by a stable, predictable motion in heavy seas, a direct result of its moderate displacement and substantial ballast. While specific technical ratios for the 39 are rare in surviving literature, the design follows the lineage of the Offshore 40, which utilized a modified hull mold from Creekmore. This heritage suggests a hull with a fine entry and a fair amount of "V" shape forward to prevent pounding when heading into the wind.
In terms of handling, the boat is known to be surprisingly weatherly. Much like its larger sibling, the Nautical 56, which was noted for its ability to point as high as contemporary racing yachts, the 39 handles upwind work with more grace than the average heavy cruiser. Owners often report that the boat tracks exceptionally well thanks to a deep skeg-hung rudder, which provides both protection for the steering gear and a steadying influence on the helm. In light air, the 39 requires a generous sail plan to overcome its wetted surface area, but it truly comes alive in 15 to 20 knots of breeze, where it settles into a comfortable "groove" with minimal heel.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the Nautical 39 is a showcase of traditional Florida yacht building, emphasizing heavy teak joinery and a layout optimized for life at sea rather than at the dock. The standard configuration typically features a large V-berth forward with ample hanging locker space, followed by a main salon with a U-shaped settee to port and a straight settee to starboard. A key variation found in many hulls is the treatment of the navigation station and galley; the 39 was often semi-customized, with some owners opting for a more expansive galley for extended live-aboard comfort.
The materials used are notably high-grade, with solid teak trim and thick veneers that have generally aged well in surviving examples. Headroom is generous, often exceeding 6'4" in the main salon, which prevents the "cave-like" feel common in some offshore boats of this vintage. While the 39-foot hull was the core of this model, buyers should be aware of its siblings built by NDC, including the Offshore 40—which featured a slightly longer stern and modified grid construction—and the massive 56-foot ketch, which shared the same heavy-duty construction standards.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
When inspecting a Nautical 39, the focus should remain on the specific construction methods used by Nautical Development Corp during the late 70s and early 80s.
- Deck Core Integrity: Like many Florida-built boats of this era, the 39 uses a balsa or plywood-cored deck. Buyers should check for soft spots around the chainplates and stanchion bases, as water intrusion over decades can lead to significant delamination.
- Fuel and Water Tanks: The company often utilized aluminum fuel tanks. Given the age of these vessels, it is critical to inspect for "pitting" or corrosion, especially at the bottom of the tanks where moisture may have settled.
- Grid Construction Integrity: NDC marketed a "state of the art grid construction." While inherently strong, a prospective buyer should have a surveyor inspect the bond between the hull and the internal grid system to ensure there has been no structural separation due to hard groundings.
- Rudder Post and Skeg: The skeg-hung rudder is a safety feature, but the bearing at the base of the skeg should be checked for play. Any significant vibration while under power or sail may indicate a worn lower bearing.
Community & Resources
While there is no longer a formal manufacturer presence, owners of Nautical Development yachts often congregate in general cruising communities. Technical discussions regarding the 39 and its siblings can occasionally be found through the Creekmore owner circles, given the shared hull heritage. For technical documentation, historical mentions of NDC's build quality are occasionally archived in retrospectives on Florida's "Sailing Coast" boat-building history.
The Verdict
The Nautical 39 is a "sailor's boat"—a sturdy, overbuilt cruiser that prioritizes safety and sea-kindliness over modern interior volume or high-speed planing.
Pros:
- Exceptional Build Quality: Overbuilt fiberglass hull provides a high sense of security in offshore conditions.
- Pointing Ability: Surprisingly good upwind performance for a cruising yacht of its weight.
- Classic Aesthetics: High-quality teak interiors and a traditional profile that maintains its appeal.
Cons:
- Maintenance Intensive: The extensive use of interior teak and traditional systems requires a dedicated owner.
- Light Air Performance: Like most heavy cruisers, it can be sluggish in light winds without a specialized reaching sail.
- Limited Production: Finding one on the market can be difficult due to the relatively short production run of Nautical Development Corp.
