Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
7.6 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 32.2′, the Nauticat 39 tops out around 7.6 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √32.2′ LWL = 7.6 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
Ballast / Displacement
35.5%
Typical cruising ballast — balanced stability and motion underway.
Displacement / Length
227
Moderate — a good balance of speed and load-carrying ability.
Hull Speed
7.6kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
8lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Nauticat 39 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Dehler 39
Swan 39
Etap 39S
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Nauticat 39.
| Nauticat 39 | Dehler 39 | Etap 39S | First 407 Beneteau | Hallberg Rassy 39 | Swan 39 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 39.0 | 39.0 | 39.0 | 39.3 | 39.0 | 39.3 |
| LWL | 32.2 | 35.1 | 33.5 | 34.8 | 32.3 | 31.5 |
| Beam | 11.5 | 12.5 | 12.6 | 12.3 | 12.3 | 12.5 |
| Displacement | 16 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 22,046 | 18 |
| Ballast | 6 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 9,259 | 7 |
| Sail Area | — | 1,032 | 649 | 806 | 882 | 761 |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | 75 | 90 | — | — | 84 |
| SA/Disp | — | 26.7 | 17.1 | 21.1 | 18.0 | 17.8 |
| Bal/Disp | 35.5 | 42.1 | 33.1 | 39.1 | 42.0 | 43.9 |
| Comfort | — | 22.7 | 22.5 | 22.9 | 35.0 | 28.5 |
| Capsize | — | 2.02 | 2.05 | 1.99 | 1.76 | 1.91 |
| Hull Speed | — | 7.9 | 7.8 | 7.9 | 7.6 | 7.5 |