Scanner 391 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Scanner 391 is fundamentally a sailor's boat, featuring a 7/8 fractional rig that typically utilizes a self-tacking jib for ease of handling. This configuration allows for effortless tacking in narrow channels, a common requirement in the Swedish archipelagos where it was conceived. The boat's technical ratios reflect its performance pedigree; with a displacement of approximately 6,000 kg and a lead ballast of 2,200 kg, it maintains a healthy ballast ratio of nearly 37%, providing significant stiffness and the ability to carry sail well into the higher wind ranges.

Experienced owners often note that the 391 "ghosts" along in light breezes where heavier cruisers might stall, a trait attributed to its easily driven hull and tall mast. According to sea trials reported by owners and regional reviewers, the boat exhibits remarkable directional stability, often capable of holding its course for extended periods with minimal helm input. While the hull is known to be "wet" when punching into a windward seaway—occasionally scooping water over the bow—the design of the cockpit coamings typically keeps the crew dry. The steering, usually a large-diameter wheel on a Whitlock pedestal, is described as light and communicative, though it requires timely reefing to avoid heavy weather helm as the gusts increase.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Scanner 391 is a hallmark of Nils-Eric Olofsson’s design philosophy, emphasizing warmth and craftsmanship through the extensive use of satin-finished mahogany. A standout feature of the layout is the full-beam aft cabin, which provides a king-sized berth that is exceptionally large for a boat of this era. This aft space was occasionally offered with a removable bulkhead, allowing owners to choose between a singular, expansive "owner’s suite" or two separate double cabins, effectively turning the boat into a 3-cabin configuration.

The main salon features an L-shaped galley to port and a dedicated, forward-facing navigation station to starboard. Headroom is generous at approximately 1.93 meters, accommodating taller sailors in the central living areas. While the forward V-berth provides standard guest accommodation, the storage solutions—including shelves flanking the berths—can make sitting up in bed a challenge. Variations over the years included different keel depths, with the standard fin keel drawing 1.90 meters and a shallow-draft bulb version drawing 1.65 meters for those cruising in restricted waters.

Sibling Models

The Scanner 391 belongs to a lineage of performance-oriented hulls designed by Olofsson. Its direct predecessor, the Scanner 38, laid the groundwork for the hull shape but was slightly shorter at 11.72 meters. Following the success of the 391, Scanyacht introduced the Scanner 392 in the mid-1990s, which shared much of the same DNA but often featured a revised transom design and updated interior styling. The company also produced the Scanner 361, a smaller sibling that maintained the same performance-cruiser ethos in a more compact, 11-meter package.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their inspections on several model-specific areas identified by the owner community:

• Rudder Bearings: Play in the balanced spade rudder is a common finding. The rudder stock is housed in a GRP tube, and owners have reported the need to re-grease or replace bearings to maintain the steering’s signature "light" feel.
• Deck Core Integrity: While the construction is generally robust, the cored decks have been known to creak or exhibit soft spots around high-load deck hardware if the bedding has failed over time.
• Tankage Capacity: Compared to modern 39-foot cruisers, the 391 has relatively modest fuel (100L) and water (175L) capacities, which may require upgrades for long-distance off-grid voyaging.
• Reefing Friction: Models equipped with the Selden single-line reefing system can suffer from excessive friction; buyers should verify that the lines are appropriately sized and that the boom internals are clear of debris.

Community & Resources

While there is no singular global owner's association, the Scanner community is highly active in Northern Europe. Technical support and historical data are often facilitated through the Scanner Owners groups found on regional maritime platforms in Sweden and the UK. Detailed technical specifications and original drawing archives are occasionally maintained by the builder, Scanyacht AB, which continues to operate out of Saltsjö-Duvnäs.

The Verdict

The Scanner 391 is a sophisticated Swedish cruiser that bridges the gap between a pure racing yacht and a heavy-displacement cruiser. It remains a top choice for sailors who prioritize sailing sensations and aesthetic beauty over maximum interior volume.

Pros:

• Excellent light-wind performance and pointing ability.
• High-quality mahogany joinery that ages well.
• Enormous and versatile aft cabin configuration.
• Lead keel and keel-stepped mast as standard.

Cons:

• Relatively small tankage for extended cruising.
• Can be a "wet" ride in choppy wind-on-nose conditions.
• Cockpit depth is shallower than some contemporary cruisers.