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Sailboat Specifications

Ericson 39

Masthead Sloop · Fin With Rudder On Skeg

Designed by Bruce King · Built by Ericson Yachts (Usa) · First built 1970

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LOA 39.00 ft  ·  Beam 11.33 ft  ·  Displacement 19,000.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 737  ·  Masthead Sloop  ·  Fin With Rudder On Skeg
About the Ericson 39 Sailboat

Designed by renowned naval architect Bruce King, this 39-footer represents a thoughtful blend of performance and comfort from Ericson's golden era of the 1970s. Built between 1970 and 1979 with only 105 hulls produced, the Ericson 39 has developed a devoted following among sailors seeking a capable coastal cruiser with offshore potential. The masthead sloop configuration and fin keel with rudder on skeg provide responsive handling while maintaining directional stability in challenging conditions. King's design philosophy emphasized seaworthiness without sacrificing sailing performance, evident in the boat's moderate displacement and well-balanced proportions. The substantial ballast-to-displacement ratio contributes to excellent stability and stiffness under sail. With her fiberglass construction and quality Ericson build standards, these boats have proven remarkably durable over the decades. The design excels at coastal cruising and extended passages, offering comfortable accommodations for couples or small families while maintaining the sailing characteristics that made Ericson's reputation. Her moderate draft allows access to many harbors while the robust construction handles rough weather confidently. For sailors seeking a classic American cruiser with proven offshore capabilities and distinctive character, the Ericson 39 remains a compelling choice in today's used boat market.

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Balsa core was used extensively in the deck construction. Areas around chainplates, stanchion bases, and deck hardware frequently show core rot due to fastener holes that were not properly sealed at the factory, allowing water migration over decades.
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The chainplate backing plates are glassed into a relatively thin area of the deck structure. Chainplate leaks are extremely common and often go unaddressed for years, resulting in significant balsa core saturation and delamination around the shroud attachment points.
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The cast iron fin keel is attached with mild steel keel bolts that are prone to corrosion. The keel-to-hull joint often shows weeping rust staining, and the bolts should be carefully inspected or replaced as they can lose significant cross-section without visible external evidence.
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Market Price Estimate Beta
Small sample size. This estimate is based on fewer than 5 listings and may not be representative of the true market. Use with caution.
$3,000 – $19,500
typical asking price
Median $19,500  ·  3 listings used
All listings
$3,000 – $19,500 3
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Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 39.00 ft / 11.89 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 30.00 ft / 9.14 m
Beam 11.33 ft / 3.45 m
Max Draft 5.92 ft / 1.80 m
Displacement 19,000.00 lb / 8,618 kg
Ballast 9,500.00 lb / 4,309 kg
Ballast Type Lea
Sail Area (Reported) 737
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Bruce King
Builder Ericson Yachts (USA)
First Built 1970
Last Built 1979
Number Built 105
Associations Ericson Yachts Information
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ericson 39's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Ericson 39 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 16.62. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Ericson 39's comfort ratio?

The Ericson 39 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 35.41. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Ericson 39 safe for offshore sailing?

The Ericson 39 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.7. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Ericson 39?

The theoretical hull speed of the Ericson 39 is 7.34 knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Ericson 39 weigh?

The Ericson 39 has a displacement of 19,000.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 39.00 ft.

How much does a used Ericson 39 cost?

Based on 3 recent market listings, used Ericson 39 sailboats typically sell for between $3,000 and $19,500, with a median asking price of $19,500. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.

Who designed the Ericson 39?

The Ericson 39 was designed by Bruce King, first built in 1970.