Design and Construction
The 390's hull carries the unmistakable stamp of the International Offshore Rule era even though that measurement system was already fading when the first boat launched in 1991. The design shows exaggerated curves and fine ends, a wide beam amidships, and a scoop stern that has since become commonplace on cruising yachts anchor. At 12 feet 9 inches on a 39-foot hull, the beam-to-length ratio approaches 1:3, which makes the boat feel larger inside and on deck than her length suggests.
Sweden Yachts built the 390 in solid fiberglass for both hull and deck, with lead ballast of 6,944 pounds set in a fin or wing configuration and a displacement of 16,755 pounds that places her at the lighter end for a boat her size. Writing in a used-boat review, the author described her as beautifully built, and owners have reported that the interior was well constructed and has weathered extremely well across the years anchor.
Rig and Handling
The standard 390 carries a 7-foot 4-inch fin keel, with a 5-foot 9-inch wing keel offered as an alternative that reviewers noted made her quick in light airs. The rudder is a spade type paired with a saildrive, and one clear drawback of that combination is the absence of a skeg, leaving the rudder exposed to passing debris anchor. The point is not theoretical: a Sweden 390 lost its rudder after striking a container while crossing the Atlantic. Her sail plan is a masthead sloop carrying 759 square feet of sail area, and at 16,755 pounds with a 31-foot 6-inch waterline she is lively without being twitchy.
Accommodations
Below, the 390 was offered with either a double and a single guest cabin on either side of the cockpit, or a double cabin and a heads, giving owners a choice between guest capacity and a larger private arrangement. The saloon uses curved seating that echoes the hull shape going forward, and the clear foredeck provides room to stow sails, pump up a dinghy, or coil ropes. On deck, the cockpit coamings carry neat stowage holes for sheets set beneath the winches, a small detail that speaks to the boat's racing-derived practicality.
Known Issues
The principal documented vulnerability is the skegless spade rudder on a saildrive hull. With no protective skeg, the rudder is exposed to debris, and the Atlantic crossing loss of a rudder after a container collision is the clearest evidence of the risk. Buyers and owners should 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 pairs an exhilarating turn of speed with comfortable accommodation and a Swan-like profile at a fraction of that marque's cost. She is rare, lightly built for her length, and thoughtfully detailed, but the exposed spade rudder demands respect in debris-laden waters.
Pros
- Beautifully built solid fiberglass construction with lead ballast
- IOR-derived hull with fine ends and wide beam amidships feels larger than 39 feet
- Lively, light-displacement performance with a wing-keel option for light-air speed
- Well-weathered interior and practical cockpit sheet stowage
Cons
- Skegless spade rudder on saildrive leaves rudder exposed to debris
- Limited production means finding a specific layout or keel option takes patience
