O'Day 39 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Designed by Philippe Briand, the O’Day 39 represents a shift toward the "performance cruiser" category that was gaining traction in the IOR era. Unlike the smaller, Raymond Hunt-designed O’Days known for their stability and forgiving nature, the 39 is built for speed and offshore endurance. The hull features a relatively flat bottom and a fine entry, allowing it to perform exceptionally well off the wind. Its sailing characteristics are defined by a high-aspect masthead rig that provides ample power in light air, though the boat is known to be "tender" if over-canvassed, requiring early reefing to maintain an efficient heel angle.

The boat was offered in both a deep fin keel version for superior windward performance and a shoal-draft version to accommodate the shallow waters of the American East Coast and the Bahamas. According to technical insights from the Jeanneau Owners Network, the Sun Fizz (and by extension the O’Day 39) was highly regarded for its sea-kindliness in offshore conditions, having been designed originally for the demanding waters of the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Owners frequently report that the boat tracks well due to its balanced rudder and substantial waterline length, making it a capable passage-maker compared to its smaller siblings.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the O’Day 39 reflects the French influence of the era, prioritizing volume and multi-cabin functionality. The boat was produced in two primary configurations: a three-cabin "owner’s" version and a two-cabin layout. The three-cabin variant was particularly innovative for the early 1980s, featuring a V-berth forward and two symmetrical double cabins aft, located tucked under the cockpit. This layout made the boat a favorite for larger families or those intending to host guests.

The main salon is characterized by a massive beam of nearly 13 feet, which provides a spacious U-shaped settee and a large dining table. The galley is typically located to starboard and is equipped for serious cruising with deep sinks and a sizable icebox. While O’Day handled the final interior fit-out in their U.S. facilities, the bones are distinctly Jeanneau, utilizing molded liners and a mix of teak veneers. A notable variation includes the "O'Day 37," which shared some stylistic elements but was a different design entirely; the 39 remains the true sibling to the Sun Fizz 40, offering significantly more interior volume and a faster hull form.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of an O’Day 39 must account for the age of the fiberglass and the specific construction methods of the 1980s.

• Deck Delamination: Like many boats of this era, the O’Day 39 uses a balsa-cored deck. Moisture ingress around stanchion bases, chainplates, and the windlass can lead to significant core rot. A thorough percussion test or moisture meter reading is essential.
• Rudder Bearings: The large spade rudder is effective but puts considerable stress on the bearings. Owners have reported play in the steering system over time, which often requires dropping the rudder to replace the bushings.
• Keel Bolts: While the hull is a solid laminate, the keel-to-hull joint should be inspected for the "smile" or any signs of movement, especially on the deep-draft models that carry high leverage.
• Engine Maintenance: Many units were equipped with Perkins or Yanmar diesels. While robust, the age of these engines means heat exchangers and engine mounts are often at the end of their service life.

Community & Resources

The O’Day 39 benefits from a dual community. Because it is structurally identical to the Jeanneau Sun Fizz, technical support, parts diagrams, and modification advice are often found through the Jeanneau Owners Network. For American-specific support, the O'Day Owners association serves as a vital repository for manuals and historical data related to the Bangor Punta years.

The Verdict

The O’Day 39 is a "wolf in sheep's clothing"—a French-designed offshore racer-cruiser wearing the badge of a conservative American builder. It offers a level of performance and cabin volume rarely found in other 1980s O’Day models.

Pros:

• Exceptional Volume: The three-cabin layout is remarkable for a boat of this vintage.
• Offshore Pedigree: A proven Philippe Briand hull capable of blue-water passages.
• Fast Off the Wind: Excellent surfing capabilities and light-air performance.

Cons:

• Initial Tenderness: Requires active sail management and early reefing in a blow.
• Aging Systems: Complex plumbing and electrical runs can be difficult to access in the aft cabins.
• Deck Maintenance: Vulnerable to core saturation if deck hardware isn't re-bedded regularly.