Back to Search
Etap 39S
Designer: J&J Design/Etap Yachting  ·  Builder: Etap Yachting  ·  First built: 1998
+ Add to Compare
About the Etap 39S

Built from 1998 to 2005, this Belgian-designed cruiser represents Etap Yachting's approach to comfortable coastal and offshore sailing. The J&J Design team created a well-balanced platform that emphasizes ease of handling and livability over pure performance, making it an attractive option for couples or small families seeking adventure without sacrificing comfort. The fractional sloop rig and fin keel with bulb configuration deliver predictable sailing characteristics, while the moderate displacement of 14,991 pounds strikes a pleasant balance between stability and responsiveness. With a comfort ratio of 22.52, the boat provides a relatively smooth ride in moderate seas, though the capsize screening formula of 2.05 suggests it's better suited for coastal cruising and protected offshore passages rather than serious ocean voyaging. Notable features include Etap's signature unsinkable foam-cored construction and their reputation for thoughtful interior layouts that maximize the 12.63-foot beam. The 40-horsepower engine provides adequate auxiliary power for harbor maneuvering and motoring in light winds. While not a speed demon, the SA/Displacement ratio of 17.14 indicates respectable performance in moderate conditions, making this an ideal choice for sailors prioritizing comfort and safety over racing credentials.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 38.98 ft / 11.88 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 33.46 ft / 10.20 m
Beam 12.63 ft / 3.85 m
Max Draft 6.40 ft / 1.95 m
Displacement 14,991.00 lb / 6,800 kg
Ballast 4,960.00 lb / 2,250 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 649.00 ft² / 60.29 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/bulb & spade rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer J&J Design/Etap Yachting
Builder Etap Yachting
First Built 1998
Last Built 2005
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
90
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
17.14
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
33.09
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
178.65
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
22.52
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
2.05
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 7.75 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
2.99
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 1,510.00 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 17.13
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 43.33 ft / 13.21 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 12.08 ft / 3.68 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 46.67 ft / 14.23 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 16.58 ft / 5.05 m
SA Fore 261.71 ft² / 24.31 m²
SA Main 386.89 ft² / 35.94 m²
SA Total (100%) 648.60 ft² / 60.26 m²
Est. Forestay Length 44.98 ft / 13.71 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Volvo Penta
Engine Model MD-2040s
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 40
Fuel Capacity 37 gals / 140 L
Water Capacity 92 gals / 348 L
How It Compares

vs. Dehler 39, Grand Soleil 38 Finot, Sun Odyssey 39I Jeanneau

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Etap 39S ★
39.0 ft
Dehler 39
39.0 ft
Grand Soleil 38 Finot
39.0 ft
Sun Odyssey 39I Jeanneau
38.9 ft
LWL
Etap 39S ★
33.5 ft
Dehler 39
35.1 ft
Grand Soleil 38 Finot
31.2 ft
Sun Odyssey 39I Jeanneau
35.2 ft
Beam
Etap 39S ★
12.6 ft
Dehler 39
12.5 ft
Grand Soleil 38 Finot
12.3 ft
Sun Odyssey 39I Jeanneau
12.7 ft
Displacement
Etap 39S ★
14 lbs
Dehler 39
15 lbs
Grand Soleil 38 Finot
14 lbs
Sun Odyssey 39I Jeanneau
16 lbs
Ballast
Etap 39S ★
4 lbs
Dehler 39
6 lbs
Grand Soleil 38 Finot
5 lbs
Sun Odyssey 39I Jeanneau
5 lbs
Sail Area
Etap 39S ★
649 sq ft
Dehler 39
Grand Soleil 38 Finot
656 sq ft
Sun Odyssey 39I Jeanneau
670 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Etap 39S ★
90 s/nm
Dehler 39
75 s/nm
Grand Soleil 38 Finot
Sun Odyssey 39I Jeanneau
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Etap 39S ★
17.1
Dehler 39
Grand Soleil 38 Finot
17.3
Sun Odyssey 39I Jeanneau
16.8
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Etap 39S ★
33.1 %
Dehler 39
42.1 %
Grand Soleil 38 Finot
35.3 %
Sun Odyssey 39I Jeanneau
31.1 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Etap 39S ★
22.5
Dehler 39
Grand Soleil 38 Finot
24.5
Sun Odyssey 39I Jeanneau
23.3
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Etap 39S ★
2.05
Dehler 39
Grand Soleil 38 Finot
1.99
Sun Odyssey 39I Jeanneau
2.02
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Etap 39S ★
178
Dehler 39
159
Grand Soleil 38 Finot
220
Sun Odyssey 39I Jeanneau
166
Hull Speed
Etap 39S ★
7.8 kts
Dehler 39
Grand Soleil 38 Finot
7.5 kts
Sun Odyssey 39I Jeanneau
7.9 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Etap 39S ★
3.0
Dehler 39
Grand Soleil 38 Finot
2.5
Sun Odyssey 39I Jeanneau
3.1
Find a Etap 39S For Sale