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Lancer 39
Designer: Herb David  ·  Builder: Lancer Yacht Corp.  ·  First built: 1981
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About the Lancer 39

Built during the late 1970s and early 1980s, this mid-sized cruising sailboat represents a practical approach to bluewater sailing from an era when affordable offshore capability was becoming increasingly important to sailors. The Lancer 39 emerged as part of the production boat boom, offering sailors a vessel designed to handle both coastal cruising and extended offshore passages. With its moderate displacement and traditional sailing characteristics, the design emphasizes seaworthiness over pure speed. The boat features a center cockpit layout that provides excellent separation between the sailing station and living spaces below, making it particularly appealing for couples or small families planning extended cruises. This configuration also contributes to a drier, more protected helm position during rough weather. The hull form strikes a balance between interior volume and sailing performance, offering enough space for comfortable long-term living while maintaining respectable sailing qualities. Like many boats from this period, the Lancer 39 was built with solid fiberglass construction, contributing to its reputation for durability. While not designed for competitive racing, it provides reliable performance for serious cruising sailors who prioritize comfort and safety over racing credentials in their offshore adventures.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 39.00 ft / 11.89 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 33.50 ft / 10.21 m
Beam 12.00 ft / 3.66 m
Max Draft 5.67 ft / 1.73 m
Displacement 16,000.00 lb / 7,257 kg
Ballast 3,500.00 lb / 1,588 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/rudder on partial skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Herb David
Builder Lancer Yacht Corp.
First Built 1981
Last Built 1983
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Performance Ratios
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
25.7
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
1.91
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. 7.76
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. 1.0
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