CARTER 39
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 39 ft |
| LWL | 30 ft |
| Beam | 12.75 ft |
| Draft | 6.75 ft |
| Displacement | 18,750 lb |
| Ballast | 7,350 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.3 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 52 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 16.75 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 46 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 13 ft |
| FLforestay | 16.8 ft |
| Mainsail | 758.4 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 435.5 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 740.4 sq ft |
About the CARTER 39
Shown here is the flush deck 'Competition' version. Another version 'Offshore' with a trunk cabin was also available.
Designed by Dick Carter and built by Olympic Yachts in Greece, the Carter 39 is a robust cruising sloop with a production run starting in 1974. With a displacement of 18750.0 lb and a beam of 12.75 ft, this vessel offers substantial interior volume and stability, though potential buyers must account for the unknown total hulls built.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and those seeking a comfortable, stable platform for extended weekend trips, given its high comfort ratio of 29.87 and spacious 39.0 ft LOA.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 18750.0 lb, a capsize ratio of 1.92, and a fin keel, the Carter 39 is well-suited for offshore passages, provided critical structural integrity is verified.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other 1970s heavy-displacement cruising sloops like the Cal 40 or Valiant 40, the Carter 39 shares similar dimensions and a focus on interior comfort over pure racing performance.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 4.7 | 5.6 | 6.3 | 6.8 | 7.1 | 7.2 | 7.3 |
| 60° | 5.0 | 5.9 | 6.7 | 7.1 | 7.3 | 7.4 | 7.5 |
| 75° | 5.3 | 6.2 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 7.7 | 7.9 |
| 90° | 5.2 | 6.2 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.4 | 7.7 | 8.0 |
| 110° | 4.6 | 5.6 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 7.6 | 8.1 |
| 120° | 4.3 | 5.3 | 6.1 | 6.8 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 8.0 |
| 135° | 3.8 | 4.8 | 5.6 | 6.3 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.8 |
| 150° | 3.3 | 4.2 | 5.0 | 5.8 | 6.4 | 6.9 | 7.5 |
| Beat VMG | 3.0 | 3.6 | 4.1 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 5.0 | 5.1 |
| Run VMG | 2.8 | 3.7 | 4.5 | 5.2 | 5.8 | 6.5 | 7.2 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the CARTER 39 yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 39ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
17 reported issues across 8 systems for the CARTER 39, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CARTER 39? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 17 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your CARTER 39?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Perkins, Yanmar, Volvo Penta, Westerbeke — is it one of these?
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the CARTER 39
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…