Yorktown 39 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Yorktown 39 are defined by its heavy displacement and moderate sail area-to-displacement ratio. This is not a light-air performer; it requires a stiff breeze to overcome its substantial wetted surface area. However, once the hull reaches its "groove," the Yorktown 39 is known for exceptional tracking and a kindly motion in a seaway. Owners often report that the boat feels exceptionally secure in "heavy weather," a sentiment echoed in regional sailing publications like Latitude 38, which frequently chronicles Yorktowns participating in the Baja Ha-Ha and other West Coast rallies.

The boat typically features a modified fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration that offers a compromise between the maneuverability of a modern spade rudder and the directional stability of a full-keel cruiser. While the Yorktown 39 will not win many regattas, its ability to carry heavy cruising loads without significantly degrading its performance makes it a favorite for liveaboards. The helm is generally heavy, providing significant feedback, though the steering can feel sluggish in following seas if the boat is not properly balanced by reefing the mainsail early.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Because the Yorktown 39 was frequently sold as a kit, the interior configuration is the most variable aspect of the model. Most hulls utilize a center-cockpit layout, which provides a distinct advantage for long-term cruising: a private, full-width aft cabin. In these configurations, a "walk-through" or "walk-over" connects the main salon to the master suite. The main salon is typically cavernous for a 39-foot vessel, benefitting from the boat's generous beam and high freeboard, which allows for standing headroom often exceeding six feet four inches.

Materials vary based on the original builder’s budget and skill. Some interiors are finished with marine-grade mahogany or teak, while others utilize painted plywood and fiberglass liners. The galley is almost always U-shaped for safety at sea, located near the companionway for optimal ventilation. The 39’s hull was often "stretched" by the factory to create the Yorktown 40 and 41, meaning the interior volume is nearly identical across these three models, with the extra length usually manifesting in the lazarette or an integrated swim platform in later iterations.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Yorktown 39 must approach the vessel with a "surveyor’s eye," specifically focused on the quality of the owner-completion. While the hulls themselves are notoriously over-built and thick, the secondary bonds—where bulkheads and furniture are tabbed to the hull—can be a weak point if the original builder was inexperienced.

1. Hull-to-Deck Joint: Inspect the hull-to-deck connection thoroughly. On some kit-finished models, this joint was not properly glassed or bolted, leading to persistent leaks and potential structural flexing under load.
2. Deck Core Integrity: While McCune used solid fiberglass for much of the hull, the decks were often cored with plywood or balsa. Check for soft spots, particularly around stanchion bases and the windlass, which are common points of water ingress.
3. Owner-Installed Systems: The wiring and plumbing in a Yorktown 39 are rarely standardized. It is common to find non-marine grade electrical components or "creative" plumbing solutions that may require a complete refit to meet modern ABYC standards.
4. Chainplate Anchorage: Examine the chainplates where they pass through the deck. Because these boats are often used for blue-water cruising, the stainless steel components are prone to crevice corrosion if the deck seals have been neglected.

Community & Resources

The Yorktown community is primarily centered on the West Coast of the United States, where the majority of McCune’s boats were built and sold. While the original factory website is no longer active, the Yorktown Owners Association and various digital archives serve as the primary repositories for technical drawings and hull-specific advice. These groups are vital for owners attempting to decipher the unique "one-off" systems installed by previous builders.

The Verdict

The Yorktown 39 is a "diamond in the rough" for the right sailor—one who prioritizes structural mass and interior volume over sleek lines and racing pedigree. It remains one of the most affordable ways to acquire a center-cockpit blue-water cruiser capable of crossing oceans.

Pros:

• Exceptional interior volume and headroom for its length.
• Heavy-duty fiberglass construction that resists "oil-canning" in heavy seas.
• Highly affordable entry point into the blue-water cruising market.
• Center-cockpit design offers excellent privacy for couples or small families.

Cons:

• Inconsistent build quality due to its history as a kit boat.
• Heavy and sluggish in light winds; requires a diesel engine in good repair.
• Aesthetic is often described as "utilitarian" or "boxy" compared to contemporary designs.
• Non-standardized systems can make DIY repairs a complex detective task.