GALE FORCE
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 39 ft |
| LWL | 27.58 ft |
| Beam | 10.5 ft |
| Draft | 5.17 ft |
| Displacement | 18,000 lb |
| Ballast | 7,000.2 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.0 kn |
About the GALE FORCE
LOD: 33.5ft From builders brochure.
Designed by John Kaiser Sr. and built by Kaiser Yachts Associates (USA), the Gale Force is a rare 39-foot cutter with only 30 hulls built in 1977. Its substantial displacement of 18000.0 lb and full/long keel configuration reflect a robust, traditional design philosophy typical of late-1970s American yacht building.
- Best for:
- This vessel is best suited for experienced coastal cruisers and offshore passagemakers who prioritize seakeeping and stability over high-speed planing. Its heavy displacement and cutter rig make it an excellent candidate for single-handers or couples seeking a safe, comfortable passage-making boat.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low capsize ratio of 1.61 and a high comfort ratio of 39.15, the Gale Force is well-suited for bluewater cruising due to its stable, heavy-displacement hull form and proven full keel design.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Island Packet 38 and the Tartan 38, as they share similar heavy-displacement characteristics and full-keel designs from the same era. These vessels offer similar comfort ratios and offshore capabilities, appealing to buyers who value motion comfort and structural integrity.
Performance
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 39ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
We don't have enough data on the GALE FORCEyet to publish model-specific findings we'd stand behind — but here's a free general inspection checklist, built from our research into what actually goes wrong on boats of this kind.
Drawn from 7,029 documented issues across 2,391 models, ordered so the areas that most often turn up problems come first.
Own a GALE FORCE? Reports from owners are what turn this into a model-specific checklist — and they're the reason the boats above it have one.
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your GALE FORCE?
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: Westerbeke — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the GALE FORCE
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…