ERICSON 39
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 39 ft |
| LWL | 30 ft |
| Beam | 11.33 ft |
| Draft | 5.92 ft |
| Displacement | 19,000 lb |
| Ballast | 9,500 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.3 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 52 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 16.5 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 44 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 14 ft |
| FLforestay | 16.5 ft |
| Mainsail | 761.6 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 429 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 729.3 sq ft |
Engine
| Commonly | Universal, Kubota, Atomic 4 |
About the ERICSON 39
A more cruising oriented version with a trunk cabin was called the ERICSON 39 B. Shorter rig: I(IG): 50.00' / 15.24m J: 16.50' / 5.03m P: 44.00' / 13.41m E: 14.00' / 4.27m
Designed by Bruce King and built by Ericson Yachts (USA) from 1970–1979, the Ericson 39 is a substantial cruising sloop with a production run of 105 hulls. Its heavy displacement of 19000.0 lb and fin keel configuration reflect a design philosophy prioritizing stability and comfort, evidenced by a comfort ratio of 35.41.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal cruisers and those seeking a stable, comfortable platform for extended weekend trips, given its moderate sail area-to-displacement ratio of 16.62 and robust interior layout. It appeals to owners willing to invest in significant maintenance, particularly regarding deck integrity and propulsion systems.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.7 and a displacement of 19000.0 lb, the Ericson 39 possesses the stability and momentum for offshore passages, though its bluewater readiness is heavily contingent on addressing critical structural issues like deck core moisture and rudder integrity.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Cal 40 and O'Day 38, which share similar production eras, displacement characteristics, and the role of a heavy-displacement coastal cruiser. These vessels also feature masthead sloop rigs and fin keels, offering similar performance profiles and interior volume.
Direct variant of the ERICSON 39
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
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° | 4.8 | 5.6 | 6.2 | 6.6 | 6.7 | 6.8 | 6.8 |
| 60° | 5.1 | 5.9 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.1 |
| 75° | 5.3 | 6.2 | 6.8 | 7.0 | 7.2 | 7.3 | 7.4 |
| 90° | 5.2 | 6.1 | 6.8 | 7.1 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.7 |
| 110° | 4.8 | 5.7 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.9 |
| 120° | 4.5 | 5.4 | 6.2 | 6.8 | 7.2 | 7.4 | 7.9 |
| 135° | 3.9 | 4.9 | 5.7 | 6.4 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.7 |
| 150° | 3.4 | 4.3 | 5.2 | 5.8 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.5 |
| Beat VMG | 3.2 | 3.8 | 4.1 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.6 |
| Run VMG | 2.9 | 3.8 | 4.6 | 5.3 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 7.2 |
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 39ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
20 reported issues across 7 systems for the ERICSON 39, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a ERICSON 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 20 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 ERICSON 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: Universal, Kubota, Atomic 4, Yanmar — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the ERICSON 39
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