Name: Scanyacht 390 DS
Brand: Scanyacht

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Scanyacht 390 DS is built upon a hull lineage renowned for its "Swedish engineering excellence," prioritizing speed and stiffness. While deck saloon models often suffer from a high center of gravity that compromises stability, Nils-Eric Olofsson mitigated this by maintaining a relatively deep draft (typically 1.90 meters) and a substantial ballast-to-displacement ratio. On the water, the boat tracks with the precision of a performance cruiser rather than a motor-sailer.

Owners often report that the 390 DS remains remarkably balanced on the helm, even when pressed. The hull's narrow entry and clean exit allow it to point higher than many of its deck-saloon contemporaries. Because it shares the hull of the Scanner 391—a boat known for its 110+ unit production run and documented speed—the 390 DS handles light air surprisingly well. However, the increased windage of the raised coachroof is noticeable when maneuvering in tight marinas under power, requiring a more proactive use of the engine or the optional bow thruster often found on these models.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The defining characteristic of the 390 DS is its raised saloon, which differentiates it from the Scanner 391 and the later Scanner 392. By elevating the U-shaped settee and the dining table, Scanyacht allowed for 360-degree views through the large toughened-glass windows. This layout is particularly advantageous for sailors in northern latitudes, as it allows the crew to monitor their surroundings while remaining sheltered from the elements.

The interior craftsmanship follows the traditional Swedish standard, utilizing high-quality mahogany or teak finishes with radius corners and robust joinery. The 390 DS typically features a two-cabin layout: a spacious owner’s cabin forward with an island berth or V-berth, and a generous guest cabin aft. The galley is often situated at a lower level to port, which maximizes the social space in the saloon while providing a secure "U-shaped" workspace for the cook while underway. Headroom is a significant highlight, exceeding 1.95 meters in most areas of the saloon, making it an ideal choice for taller sailors who find standard aft-cockpit yachts restrictive.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Scanyacht 390 DS should focus their inspection on the specific complexities of the deck saloon configuration and the era of Swedish construction.

Window Seal Integrity: The large panoramic windows are a signature feature but also a primary point of failure. Check for evidence of water ingress around the seals, which can damage the high-end interior woodwork below.
Teak Deck Condition: Like many Swedish yachts of the late 90s and early 2000s, the 390 DS often came with vacuum-bonded or screwed teak decks. Inspect for thinning wood or failing caulking, as a full replacement is a significant capital expense.
Rudder Bearing Wear: The Scanner series uses a semi-balanced spade rudder. Buyers should check for excessive play in the rudder stock and bearings, which can lead to a "clunking" sensation in the helm.
Grid and Matrix Bonding: Ensure the internal fiberglass matrix (which supports the keel loads) is securely bonded to the hull. While Scanyacht is known for robust builds, any history of a hard grounding requires a thorough inspection of the floor stringers and keel bolts.

Community & Resources

While Scanyacht owners do not have a massive international association, they are often integrated into the broader "Scanner" community. Technical support and original design insights are frequently traced back to the builder’s original site, Scanyacht AB, where Nils-Eric Olofsson has maintained a presence since 1987. For technical drawings and historical specifications, the Swedish boat-building community remains the primary repository of knowledge for this specific 390 DS variant.

The Verdict

The Scanyacht 390 DS is a rare find on the brokerage market, appealing to the sailor who refuses to choose between sailing performance and interior comfort. It offers the pedigree of an Ed Dubois or Olofsson performance hull with the livability of a much larger vessel.

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