Design and Construction
Although the International Offshore Rule was already fading when the first 390 launched in 1991, the hull bears the unmistakable stamp of the IOR era. It has exaggerated curves, fine ends, a wide beam amidships, and a scoop stern that has since become commonplace on cruising yachts.
The beam measures 12 feet 9 inches on a 39-foot hull, giving a beam-to-length ratio approaching 1:3. As a result, the boat feels larger inside and on deck than its length suggests.
Sweden Yachts built both the hull and deck in solid fiberglass. Displacement is 16,755 pounds, placing the 390 at the lighter end for a boat of its size, while 6,944 pounds of lead ballast is set in either a fin- or wing-keel configuration.
The author of one used-boat review described the 390 as beautifully built. Owners have also reported that the interior was well constructed and has weathered extremely well over the years.
Rig, Keel, and Handling
The 390 has a masthead sloop rig carrying 759 square feet of sail area. With a 31-foot 6-inch waterline and a displacement of 16,755 pounds, it is lively without being twitchy.
The standard keel is a 7-foot 4-inch fin. Sweden Yachts also offered a 5-foot 9-inch wing keel, which reviewers noted made the boat quick in light airs.
Steering is through a spade rudder, paired with a saildrive. The clear drawback is the absence of a skeg, which leaves the rudder exposed to passing debris. This isn’t merely a theoretical concern: a Sweden 390 lost its rudder after striking a container during an Atlantic crossing.
Accommodation and Deck Layout
Below deck, Sweden Yachts offered two accommodation plans. One placed a double guest cabin and a single guest cabin on either side of the cockpit. The other combined a double cabin with a heads, giving owners a choice between greater guest capacity and a larger private arrangement.
In the saloon, curved seating follows the shape of the hull as it runs forward. Above, the clear foredeck provides space to stow sails, inflate a dinghy, or coil ropes.
The cockpit coamings include neat stowage holes for sheets beneath the winches—a small but practical detail that reflects the 390’s racing roots.
Known Issues
The main documented vulnerability is the skegless spade rudder on a saildrive hull. Without a protective skeg, the rudder remains exposed to debris; the loss of a rudder after a container strike during an Atlantic crossing provides the clearest evidence of that risk.
Buyers and owners should therefore treat rudder integrity and the saildrive seal as primary inspection points.
The Verdict
The Sweden Yachts 390 is a beautifully built, IOR-influenced 39-footer that combines an exhilarating turn of speed with comfortable accommodation. Its profile recalls a Swan, but at a fraction of that marque’s cost.
It is rare, lightly built for its length, and thoughtfully detailed. The principal compromise is its exposed spade rudder, which demands respect in debris-laden waters.
Pros
- Beautifully built solid-fiberglass hull and deck with lead ballast
- IOR-derived hull with fine ends and a wide beam amidships, making it feel larger than 39 feet
- Lively, light-displacement performance
- Wing-keel option noted for light-air speed
- Well-weathered interior
- Practical cockpit sheet stowage
Cons
- Skegless spade rudder and saildrive arrangement leaves the rudder exposed to debris
- Limited production means finding a particular layout or keel option may take patience
