Design Brief & Intent
The primary mission of the Sunbeam 39 was to offer a safe, comfortable, and fast blue-water platform that could be easily handled by a couple. Designed primarily by J&J Design—with later structural refinements and design iterations heavily influenced by the prominent naval architect Georg Nissen—the hull profile represents a clever transition from traditional heavy-displacement cruisers to modern, moderate-displacement shapes. To ensure immense structural integrity, Schöchl utilized a robust rib-framed construction-principle and hand-laid GRP. This rugged structure is paired with a premium interior fit-out featuring classic Sapelli mahogany joinery, solid-wood trim, and highly secure handholds designed for life at sea. The attention to detail is evident even in inaccessible bilge areas, which is a trademark of Schöchl's historic carpentry legacy.
Variations & Configurations
While the Sunbeam 39's overall length (LOA) sits at 12.30 meters (approximately 40.35 feet), its configurations remained relatively standardized to preserve the high quality of its semi-custom production run. The draft is most commonly delivered with a moderate-to-deep fin keel of 2.00 meters (6.56 feet) featuring a high-aspect lead bulb. The definitive layout is an owner’s configuration featuring two cabins and two heads, highlighted by a magnificent center-line double berth (1.60m x 2.00m) in the aft cabin. The rig is a sloop configuration, typically set up with either in-mast furling or a fully battened slab-reefing mainsail, accompanied by high-quality Harken winches and robust rigging designed to make single-handed management from the center cockpit effortless.
Sailing Performance & Handling
With a displacement of approximately 9.00 metric tons (19,841 lbs) and 2.65 metric tons (5,842 lbs) of lead ballast, the Sunbeam 39 maintains a ballast-to-displacement ratio of roughly 29.4%, giving it tremendous stability. This translates to a highly comfortable motion in a seaway, significantly dampening aggressive vertical accelerations in short, aggressive chop. Its Capsize Screening Formula of 1.89 comfortably qualifies it for unrestricted ocean racing or blue-water passage-making. While moderate in displacement, its modern underbody (comprising a fin keel with bulb and a balanced spade rudder) allows it to maintain responsive, agile steering without the flightiness typical of flatter, modern production hulls. At the helm, the mechanical wheel steering (often by Jefa or Whitlock) provides superb tactile feedback and a highly secure feel when beating into a headwind.
Market Snapshot & Economics
On the brokerage market, the Sunbeam 39 commands a premium over high-volume production boats of the same era, reflecting its high-end Austrian build quality and limited production numbers. It trades in a similar category to premium Scandinavian brands like Hallberg-Rassy or Najad. Buyers should expect prices to hold steady, reflecting the boat's relative scarcity. Because they were built in limited numbers—with only 86 hulls built between 1994 and 2010—finding one on the market requires patience, but they reward owners with excellent resale value retention.
Known Issues & Triage
Although remarkably well-built, prospective buyers should focus on a few key areas during a pre-purchase survey:
- Teak Decks: Standard on most models, the hand-laid teak decks on the side decks and coachroof are secured with adhesive and fasteners. Depending on the age of the vessel, checking for failing caulking or lifting planks is critical, as a complete teak deck refit is highly labor-intensive.
- Stern Reinforcement: On hulls constructed around 2005, some owners opted for factory-authorized stern reinforcements by Schöchl to handle the loading of heavy davits, solar arches, or wind generators.
- Rudder Bearings: The balanced spade rudder rotates in roller bearings. Over time, these can experience play and must be inspected for wear to prevent steering stiffness.
The Verdict
The Sunbeam 39 is an exceptional choice for cruising couples looking for a safe, beautifully built blue-water cruiser that stands apart from standard production models. Its combination of robust Austrian craftsmanship, excellent sea-kindliness, and practical, safe center-cockpit layout makes it a highly capable passage-maker.
Pros:
- Exceptional build quality certified to Germanischer Lloyd 100A5 standards.
- Outstanding joinery and a luxurious, comfortable 2-cabin owner's layout.
- Safe, secure center-cockpit design with responsive, well-balanced steering.
- Excellent motion comfort in heavy seas and strong blue-water capability.
Cons:
- Premium pricing on the brokerage market compared to high-volume alternatives of the same era.
- High labor demands for teak deck maintenance on older models.
- Scarcity of models on the market due to a limited production run.
