Sunbeam 39 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

On the water, the Sunbeam 39 is a predictable and stiff performer, a trait largely attributed to its lead keel and a relatively high ballast ratio. With a displacement of approximately 8,500 kg, the boat possesses enough mass to punch through a choppy seaway without the slamming often associated with lighter, modern fin-keel cruisers. The J&J Design hull features a fine entry that transitions into a moderately flat section aft, providing good directional stability.

Handling is optimized for short-handed sailing, with most lines led back to the safety of the deep center cockpit. Editorial assessments from European sailing journals, such as the German publication Die Yacht, have historically praised the 39 for its balance; under sail, the rudder remains light, providing sufficient feedback without being fatiguing on long passages. While it is not a light-air flyer, the 39 maintains momentum well and tracks exceptionally well when the breeze rises above 12 knots. The rig is typically a deck-stepped sloop with double spreaders, providing a conservative but efficient sail area-to-displacement ratio that prioritizes safety over raw speed.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Sunbeam 39 is where the Schöchl family’s heritage in fine woodworking is most evident. Utilizing high-grade African mahogany or teak, the cabinetry is finished to a standard rarely seen in mass-production yachts. The layout is dominated by a palatial aft owner’s cabin, a hallmark of the center-cockpit design, which offers a large island berth and significant standing headroom—a feat for a vessel under 40 feet.

The main saloon features a traditional U-shaped settee to port and a linear galley or second settee to starboard, depending on the specific hull configuration. Early models often featured a "classic" layout with a dedicated navigation station that rivals the size of those found on 45-footers. The forward guest cabin is spacious, though it naturally yields some volume to the impressive aft suite. Ventilation is a strong suit of the 39, with numerous opening ports and high-quality Lewmar hatches. The shipyard also produced the Sunbeam 37 and Sunbeam 42 on similar design principles, with the 39 often considered the "sweet spot" in the range for couples seeking maximum living space without the increased docking fees and maintenance of a 40-plus-foot vessel.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Sunbeam 39 has maintained a low-profile but prestigious reputation within European cruising circles. It has been featured in several technical reviews by Yachting Monthly, where it was lauded for its "over-engineered" build quality compared to French and German competitors. While it has not starred in high-budget cinematic productions, it is a frequent subject of long-distance cruising blogs in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, where owners often document the vessel's ability to handle the demanding conditions of the North Sea and the Baltic.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on several model-specific areas during a pre-purchase survey:

• Teak Deck Integrity: Like many premium yachts of this era, the Sunbeam 39 often came with vacuum-bonded teak decks. While the construction is superior to screwed decks, 20-plus-year-old teak may show signs of thinning or caulking failure.
• Sail Drive Diaphragm: Most units were equipped with Yanmar or Volvo Penta engines coupled to sail drives. The rubber seal (diaphragm) has a recommended replacement interval of 7 to 10 years; buyers should verify the last service date.
• Rudder Bearings: Some long-term owners have reported play in the Jefa steering systems or the rudder bearings after extended blue-water use. Testing for "slop" in the wheel is essential.
• Stainless Steel Fittings: Schöchl used high-quality 316 stainless steel, but the complex pulpit and pushpit rails on the 39 should be inspected for stress cracks at the weld points, particularly if the boat has been used in heavy weather.

Community & Resources

Owners of the 39 benefit from the Sunbeam Owners Club, an organization supported by the shipyard that hosts rallies and provides a technical forum for maintenance advice. Because Sunbeam is still an active, family-managed shipyard, technical drawings and replacement parts are often obtainable directly from the factory in Mattsee, a rare advantage for a yacht of this vintage.

The Verdict

The Sunbeam 39 is an "architect’s yacht"—refined, structurally superior, and designed for the sailor who values longevity over the latest trend in hull shapes. It remains one of the most respected center-cockpit cruisers in the 40-foot class.

Pros:

• Exquisite interior joinery and cabinet work.
• High ballast ratio provides excellent sea-kindliness and safety.
• Exceptional owner’s aft cabin for a boat of this length.
• Strong manufacturer support and active owner community.

Cons:

• Higher price point on the used market compared to mass-production rivals.
• Conservative sail plan may feel sluggish in very light winds.
• Limited availability in North American markets; primarily located in Europe.