Perry Mariner 39 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Mariner 39 is characterized by its balanced helm and "medium-heavy" displacement characteristics. With a Displacement-to-Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 260 and a Sail Area-to-Displacement (SA/D) ratio in the 16 range, it occupies a sweet spot between a racing yacht and a traditional cruiser. On the water, this translates to a boat that tracks exceptionally well in a seaway while remaining responsive enough to be "fun" to sail in light-to-moderate air—a feat many of its full-keel contemporaries could not achieve.

According to owner accounts and design notes from Robert Perry, the boat’s motion is predictable and "sea-kindly," a result of the moderate beam and deep-V sections forward that prevent the hull from "pounding" when heading into a chop. The skeg-hung rudder provides significant protection for the steering gear, which is a critical safety feature for offshore work. Under power, the Mariner 39 typically carries a Perkins or Westerbeke diesel; while the prop walk can be pronounced in reverse due to the hull shape, the boat's mass provides enough momentum to make it manageable in tight marina quarters once the helmsperson becomes accustomed to its habits.

Interior Comfort & Variations

True to the Ta Shing heritage, the interior of the Mariner 39 is a masterclass in teak joinery and traditional craftsmanship. The layout was optimized for a couple or a small family, featuring a large V-berth forward with ample hanging locker space. The main salon typically employs a U-shaped settee to port and a straight settee to starboard, with a heavy, fixed teak table that serves as a solid handhold when moving through the cabin at sea.

The galley is a highlight for cruisers, usually configured in a U-shape at the base of the companionway to port. This positioning allows the cook to remain braced while underway and provides easy communication with the cockpit. Variations of the Mariner 39 exist, primarily in the rig and deck layout. While most were rigged as sloops, several were delivered as cutters with a staysail to offer more versatility in heavy weather. A sibling model, the Mariner 38, was also produced; it utilized a very similar hull form but featured different deck moldings and slightly modified interior arrangements to cater to different market segments.

The use of materials is remarkably consistent across the production run: solid teak and holly cabin soles, hand-rubbed teak bulkheads, and high-quality bronze or stainless steel opening ports. The headroom is generous for a boat of this vintage, typically exceeding 6' 3" in the main cabin, which enhances the sense of space in what is otherwise a relatively narrow, sea-going hull.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Mariner 39 should focus their inspections on the common vulnerabilities of 1970s and 80s Taiwanese construction.

• Teak Deck Condition: Many Mariner 39s were built with heavy teak decks fastened with thousands of screws into a fiberglass-and-balsa core. Over decades, these screws can allow water to penetrate the core, leading to significant delamination and rot. A thorough "tap test" or moisture meter reading is essential.
• Chainplate Leaks: Like many boats from the Ta Shing Yacht Building factory, the chainplates pass through the deck and are bolted to internal bulkheads. If the deck seals are not maintained, water can travel down the stainless steel, causing rot in the structural bulkheads or "crevice corrosion" in the chainplates themselves.
• Fuel and Water Tanks: The original tanks were often made of black iron (fuel) or stainless steel (water) and were sometimes fiberglassed into the hull or placed in areas where replacement requires major cabinetry removal. Inspect for "weeping" at the seams or heavy corrosion on the tank tops.
• Rudder Port and Skeg: Inspect the area where the skeg meets the hull for any signs of "stress cracking." While the design is robust, decades of groundings or heavy use can weaken this connection.

Community & Resources

The Mariner 39 benefits from a dedicated following, shared largely with other Perry-designed "Taiwan Beauties." Owners frequently congregate within the Ta Shing Owners Group and the broader Perry Boat Owners community. These groups are vital for sourcing technical drawings and advice on modernizing the older electrical systems typically found on these vessels.

The Verdict

The Mariner 39 is an exemplary choice for the sailor who values traditional aesthetics and build quality but refuses to settle for the sluggish performance of a full-keeled vessel. It is a true "sailor's boat" that has proven its mettle on every ocean.

Pros:

• Exquisite Ta Shing craftsmanship and interior joinery.
• Exceptional balance and sea-kindliness in offshore conditions.
• Designed by Robert Perry, ensuring long-term resale value and design pedigree.

Cons:

• Maintenance-heavy exterior teak (if the boat still has original decks).
• Black iron fuel tanks are a common failure point in boats of this age.
• Relatively narrow beam compared to modern high-volume cruisers.