CAVALIER 39

About the CAVALIER 39

Working SA: 535 sqft. Thanks to 'kestrahl' for providing information on this yacht. Apparently there were a number of versions and details vary.

Designed by Bob Salthouse and built by Export Yachts New Zealand Ltd., the Cavalier 39 is a rare New Zealand-built cruiser with only 35 hulls constructed between 1973 and 1979. Its substantial displacement of 18700.0 lb and comfort ratio of 35.23 reflect a design prioritizing seakeeping and stability over pure speed.

Best for:

This boat suits experienced coastal cruisers and those seeking a robust, heavy-displacement vessel for protected waters, particularly owners willing to manage the maintenance of a rare, older New Zealand build.

Bluewater capability:

With a low capsize ratio of 1.71 and high displacement of 18700.0 lb, the hull form suggests good offshore stability, though the limited build count of 35 hulls means fewer documented bluewater passages compared to mass-produced contemporaries.

Comparables:

Comparable to other heavy-displacement fin-keel sloops from the 1970s such as the Island Packet 38 or Valiant 40, due to similar beam (11.33 ft), displacement (18700.0 lb), and masthead sloop rig configurations.