Santana 39 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Santana 39 is defined by a high-aspect-ratio rig and a sophisticated underbody that reflects its racing heritage. With a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) ratio hovering near 19.5, the boat is remarkably powered for its size, allowing it to excel in light-to-moderate air where heavier cruisers might struggle. According to the original Santana 39 Brochure, the vessel was engineered with a ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 45%, providing significant righting moment to carry its large 150% genoas in heavier breeze.

On the water, the 39 feels like a true "driver's boat." It tracks exceptionally well to weather, a hallmark of Gary Mull designs, and exhibits a lively, responsive feel through the large-diameter destroyer wheel. However, like many designs of the IOR era, the hull’s wide beam amidships and narrow ends require active trim management; if pushed too hard downwind in heavy seas, the hull shape can become susceptible to the "rhythmic rolling" or "death roll" familiar to sailors of 1970s-era racing yachts. When sailed flat and handled with precision, the Santana 39 remains a formidable competitor in PHRF fleets and a swift, sea-kindly coastal voyager.

Interior Comfort & Variations

While the Santana 39 was built for speed, W.D. Schock did not neglect the needs of the cruising sailor. The interior is expansive, taking full advantage of the boat’s 12-foot 4-inch beam. The layout typically features a large V-berth forward with an enclosed head and hanging locker, a spacious main salon with a U-shaped dinette to port, and a straight settee to starboard. A dedicated navigation station and a functional galley—often equipped with a three-burner stove and a large icebox—are situated near the companionway for easy access during night watches.

W.D. Schock offered variations in the interior finishes, often utilizing a mix of teak bulkheads and molded fiberglass liners to balance aesthetic warmth with structural rigidity. While the Santana 39 was the primary 39-foot offering, its lineage is closely tied to the Santana 37 and the later Schock 35, which simplified the hull form for one-design racing. Some 39s were outfitted with "Competition" packages that included more aggressive deck hardware and hydraulic backstay adjusters, while others were commissioned with additional cabinetry and creature comforts for long-range cruising.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Santana 39 should approach the vessel with an eye toward its age and original construction methods. High-signal technical areas identified by owner communities include:

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the Santana 39 utilized a balsa-cored deck. Moisture ingress around stanchion bases, chainplates, and mast steps can lead to delamination. A thorough "tap test" or moisture meter reading is essential.
• Chainplate Reinforcement: Given the high loads generated by the 39’s powerful rig, the chainplate attachments to the bulkheads should be inspected for signs of movement, wood rot, or stress cracking in the fiberglass.
• Mast Step Corrosion: The mast is keel-stepped; if the bilge has been chronically wet, the base of the aluminum spar may suffer from galvanic corrosion.
• Rudder Bearings: The large spade rudder is effective but puts significant stress on the rudder post and bearings. Any "slop" or vibration at the wheel usually indicates the need for bearing replacement.

Community & Resources

The Santana 39 benefits from the enduring legacy of the W.D. Schock Corporation, which maintained a robust archive of technical drawings and brochures for its legacy fleet. Owners often find support through broader Santana-specific organizations, though the 39 is rarer than the smaller 20-foot and 35-foot models. Technical data and historical context are frequently shared among members of regional Santana fleets, particularly on the U.S. West Coast, where the majority of these hulls were campaigned.

The Verdict

The Santana 39 is a sophisticated, high-performance vessel that appeals to the sailor who values pedigree and speed over modern "condo-maran" volume. It remains a striking example of Gary Mull’s ability to blend racing prowess with a functional interior.

Pros:

• Pedigree Performance: Exceptional speed and pointing ability for its vintage.
• Build Quality: W.D. Schock’s reputation for robust fiberglass work ensures the hull remains stiff.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Classic, aggressive lines that still turn heads in a marina.

Cons:

• IOR Characteristics: Can be demanding to handle downwind in heavy air.
• Maintenance Intensity: Aging systems and potential core issues require a proactive owner.
• Deep Draft: The performance-oriented keel may limit access to shallow cruising grounds.