39DS vs 42DS (First sailboat purchase)

[jchan]

Hello everyone,

I'm in the market for my first sailboat and I'm stuck between the 39DS and 42DS. I'm a relatively inexperienced sailor and it's important that I have a boat I can comfortably sail on my own. However, I can't imagine the difference between the 42 and 39 would be hugely significant.

42DS 

Pros: -Large aft cabin (this is a big one for me, I'm tall and that extra room would be nice)
         -Faster?
         - More room for guests
        
Cons: -I've heard boats over 12m can be significantly more expensive to dock and moor in the Med
          -More expensive (Within my budget, but pushing that budget to the upper limit)
           
39DS

Pros: -Easier to handle
         -Cheaper

Cons: -Less space
          -Worse performance

I found a 39DS for sale in Las Palmas that I really like, plus it has in mast furling. Asking is 107k. The cheapest 42DS I've found is in Italy and the asking price is 143k. What do you guys think? Any input in greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Jordan

[Chris Meyer]

Jan 29, 2024 12:34:16 GMT jchan said:

Hello everyone,

I'm in the market for my first sailboat and I'm stuck between the 39DS and 42DS. I'm a relatively inexperienced sailor and it's important that I have a boat I can comfortably sail on my own. However, I can't imagine the difference between the 42 and 39 would be hugely significant.

42DS 

Pros: -Large aft cabin (this is a big one for me, I'm tall and that extra room would be nice)
         -Faster?
         - More room for guests
        
Cons: -I've heard boats over 12m can be significantly more expensive to dock and moor in the Med
          -More expensive (Within my budget, but pushing that budget to the upper limit)
           
39DS

Pros: -Easier to handle
         -Cheaper

Cons: -Less space
          -Worse performance

I found a 39DS for sale in Las Palmas that I really like, plus it has in mast furling. Asking is 107k. The cheapest 42DS I've found is in Italy and the asking price is 143k. What do you guys think? Any input in greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Jordan

tough one to answer Jordan.

We have had several boats and recently upgraded from a Beneteau 321 to Jeanneau 389.    Both had self furling mains which I would never buy a boat without it.  Personal preference.

If this is your first boat, the 42 is pretty big.   Not sure if these both have bow thrusters but it is for sure nice to have along with air conditioning.

Not sure the condition of each boat you're looking at.   Engine hours and age of the boat?   While I like teak, I would want a boat with minimal teak since it is work to clean and seal every year.

Also depends what you want to do with the boat.  If you will be on it for weeks or months at a time, the bigger one might be better.   If shorter sails, you might be happier with the 39.

Just my thoughts.

Chris

[NZL50505]

I’ve sailed extensively on 39i and 39DS.

And I’ve also owned 42DS.

Whilst both 39DS and 42DS are great boats, the extra amenity you get from the 42DS is significant.

As you’ve already clocked, the huge owners’ aft cabin is a game-changer and is better than you will find on many 50 footers.

Also, the extra size really does give you just that little bit more speed under sail and stability at anchor.

And if you’re motoring, again the extra waterline length and engine size (55hp vs 39hp???) will help you punch through the chop more capably.

So overall, I would recommend the 42DS. As you’ve alluded, the principles of sailing mean that you will need to learn the same skills regardless of whether you go for the 39 or 42.

And the 42DS will reward you with more amenity which means you will probably keep it longer before you’re thinking about upgrading.

[jchan]

Thanks for response! I agree that the aft cabin is very alluring, and in my mind a mere 3 feet of difference would be worth it. Interestingly enough I noticed that the LWL on the 45DS is even shorter than the 42DS, I don't know how that's possible, but that's what I'm seeing on SailboatData. So I ruled out the 45 pretty quickly, doesn't seem worth the extra cost.

If all goes as a planned, I'll be getting a job in Naples, Italy and sailing on the weekends and getting to know the boat. After that I plan on taking 4-5 months off and cruising. But things rarely go as planned, so we shall see. I wouldn't want to get the 39DS, then be wishing I was in the comfy aft cabin of the 42 haha. 

[jchan]

Jan 29, 2024 13:55:56 GMT Chris Meyer said:

Jan 29, 2024 12:34:16 GMT jchan said:

Hello everyone,

I'm in the market for my first sailboat and I'm stuck between the 39DS and 42DS. I'm a relatively inexperienced sailor and it's important that I have a boat I can comfortably sail on my own. However, I can't imagine the difference between the 42 and 39 would be hugely significant.

42DS 

Pros: -Large aft cabin (this is a big one for me, I'm tall and that extra room would be nice)
         -Faster?
         - More room for guests
        
Cons: -I've heard boats over 12m can be significantly more expensive to dock and moor in the Med
          -More expensive (Within my budget, but pushing that budget to the upper limit)
           
39DS

Pros: -Easier to handle
         -Cheaper

Cons: -Less space
          -Worse performance

I found a 39DS for sale in Las Palmas that I really like, plus it has in mast furling. Asking is 107k. The cheapest 42DS I've found is in Italy and the asking price is 143k. What do you guys think? Any input in greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Jordan

tough one to answer Jordan.

We have had several boats and recently upgraded from a Beneteau 321 to Jeanneau 389.    Both had self furling mains which I would never buy a boat without it.  Personal preference.

If this is your first boat, the 42 is pretty big.   Not sure if these both have bow thrusters but it is for sure nice to have along with air conditioning.

Not sure the condition of each boat you're looking at.   Engine hours and age of the boat?   While I like teak, I would want a boat with minimal teak since it is work to clean and seal every year.

Also depends what you want to do with the boat.  If you will be on it for weeks or months at a time, the bigger one might be better.   If shorter sails, you might be happier with the 39.

Just my thoughts.

Chris


Thanks for the input Chris! The 39 and 42 that I'm looking at both have bow thrusters and in mast furling. The 39 has teak, which I agree, seems like a pain in the butt to maintain. I should probably get the 39 and save money...but the extra comfort of the 42 is so tempting.

[rcsailor]

Hi Jordan, looks like you are getting some valued input on your 39/42 DS inquiry.  Having had a 39 ds, and now a 44ds, thought I would add in with my opinion.  I purchased my 39 new in 2007 and owned for 8 years, trading it for the 44 ds in 2015. The dealer had the 39 and a 42 ds in 07. We opted for the 39 as it was a little more in budget. The 39 was a nice size and the garage storage aft f the head was a always welcomed bonus on the boat. The only major drawback on the 39 was the aft stateroom with the bed across the boat.  So someone always need to climb over the other to get in/out of bed.  My 39 had the teak decks which required weekly care/cleaning to look mostly presentable.   Both boats have the in-mast furling which is a safety bonus if you want to single hand. Of course you loose some sailing performance with in-mast furling.  Another added bonus is a bow thruster especially if single handing. 
I am in US and sail on Great Lakes, primarily Lk. Michigan.  Most marinas and boatyards have a surcharge for dock/storage if over 40 feet so a consideration with operating costs.  I much enjoyed my 39 but after a couple years regretted not going bigger with the 42. 
I have been most happy with my 44ds and the bigger aft cabin compared to the 39. Take note of access to the engine and which model gives better engine access for routine Maintenace.  I love the enlarged head room and light the Deck Salons offer/have.  I single hand 3-4 times a season and the 39 and 44 are well manageable with one person if using care and your mariner skills.  If you are planning to do some extended cruising the 42 will probably be a little better performer and comfort with the additional hull length.  Best of luck with your decisions and purchase.

[Charlie-Bravo]

You did say “any input”

So not from experience of the grand yachts in question, but, the choice isn’t clear without full knowledge of your finances, not that you need to post your bank statements, it’s just that both the models in question can and hopefully will bring great fun and adventure, and the running costs are going to be a little cheaper on the 39 than the 42, but not by a country mile.

A ‘rule of thumb’ that I read long ago said that you can base your running cost on 10% of the purchase price per annum + any improvements you feel are needed. I went ahead buying my boat regardless of that equation, feeling that being handy and being able to turn myself to most things mechanical and electrical, should be able to run a yacht under that 10%, and some years I do, others I don’t, it would seem from my experience that 10% isn’t a bad starting point. 
The other thing to keep in mind is that you don’t always lose money on a well kept boat, you may well get the purchase price back when you sell, …….. just a shed load of money disappears keeping it all together in the years of your custodianship, just food for thought.

If you stretch the budget to breaking point there will be stressful decisions down the line. If you go too safe you might regret missing out on the bigger boat, ……. then again you are only here once.
Either boat is ‘big’ (in a marina) , when you are in big water, then both feel like a small cork bobbing on the water.

Good luck hunting down your boat, she will let you know when you find her.

CB

[saltymetals]

Jordan,  maybe you have already made up your mind for either the 39ds or 42ds but i have another suggestion. A few years older but if you find a well kept one the 43ds is a great boat. Find one with a bow-thruster, change the port halyard winch to electric and if you need new sails get a genoa with a foam luff and an in-mast furling main with vertical battens. There are a few other tweaks you can do but those are the main things to look for. 2004 or younger will avoid a known problem of a collapsing block under the mast compression post which Jeanneau fixed for 2004 builds and later. Older boats will have most likely had the problem fixed. The 43ds was built with two different interiors. One is a 2-cabin version, very nice but not convenient if you have lots of visiting family & friends. The other version comes with dividing panels very cleverly cut so that they slide away into special recesses. This give you the choice of having 2 cabins forward and splits the aft cabin so you get two double cabins aft. There is one for sale right now in Italy that you can find on the Cruising Association website or just look up "Aldebaran 43ds" but i think it is the fixed 2-cabin ver.  There is a YouTube link also 

Youtube.com





Might be too highly specced (and priced) for you, AC, watermaker, etc but there are other 43ds models around for sale. Mine is the flexible 2,3,4 cabin version (but not for sale! I love it), very easy to sail and i do about500-1,000 nm solo each year. . Values for the 43ds are probably in the £100-125,000 range but at the bottom end the boat might be needing a bit of work. Most of them were never chartered which is important. Most also have the 75hp Yanmar engine which is better than the smaller option. The 75 hp engine uses a fraction under 3 litres/hour. While 43ft is a fraction over 13 metres many registrations are for 12.84 metres which is the result of a tonnage survey done before registering on the Part 1 Registration. Just in case you start looking at marina costs so at 12.84 metres the mooring fee would be the same as for the 42ds. (both under the 13 metre threshold.) 

We have a Model-Specific section for the 43ds on this website. Quite popular, sorting through ideas we each have for the same model.

Best of luck in your search.
Andrew

[NZL50505]

Despite what the name might suggest, the 43DS is actually slightly shorter than the 42DS (both for waterline length and overall length).

I’m told by people who have sailed / owned both that the 42DS is a slightly faster boat too. That was my experience when sailing alongside my friend on his 43DS although the difference was small enough that it could have been a matter of different sail trim or cleanliness of hull etc.

[Spritz]

Feb 6, 2024 23:49:49 GMT NZL50505 said:

Despite what the name might suggest, the 43DS is actually slightly shorter than the 42DS (both for waterline length and overall length).

I’m told by people who have sailed / owned both that the 42DS is a slightly faster boat too. That was my experience when sailing alongside my friend on his 43DS although the difference was small enough that it could have been a matter of different sail trim or cleanliness of hull etc.

Dear ALL, 
i sailed extensively on the 39 DS and I was in love with that boat owned by a friend of mine. when I had to purchase my sailing boat I brought the 42 DS.
NO comparable 
the 42 is more spacious, faster, more comfortable and the length difference is not a problem (please take with the bow thrust).
I came from a 10 mt motor boat (a fisherman) so pretty different but after 12 years I would never change my SPRITZ. 
the 42DS is extremely maneuverable, easy to operate and the in-furling main is a plus in my opinion, also because i very often an a solo sailor.
in terms of speed under engine the 39 cannot do more than 7.2 knots while the 42 DS has a cruising speed of 8.3-8.5 knots.

you said that the 45 DS is smaller and YOU ARE RIGHT, they prolonged 10 cm the bow and 10 cm the aft, increasing 10 cm the sofa in the AFT cabin, that's all, in terms of performance the 45DS is slower than the 42 DS.

expenses: I usually suggest (in the MED and in Italy in particular) to calculate an ALL INCLUSIVE COST of 1000€ for linear meter, it means that the max yearly cost for a 12 mt (ALL INCLUDED) would be 12.000€/year. obviously this is a mean and includes EVERYTHING even the upgrades you will perform during the ownership of the vessel.

 if and when you will arrive in Italy let me know! perhaps we might share a SPRITZ on board of SPRITZ!

[jchan]

Feb 20, 2024 15:45:10 GMT Spritz said:

Feb 6, 2024 23:49:49 GMT NZL50505 said:

Despite what the name might suggest, the 43DS is actually slightly shorter than the 42DS (both for waterline length and overall length).

I’m told by people who have sailed / owned both that the 42DS is a slightly faster boat too. That was my experience when sailing alongside my friend on his 43DS although the difference was small enough that it could have been a matter of different sail trim or cleanliness of hull etc.

Dear ALL, 
i sailed extensively on the 39 DS and I was in love with that boat owned by a friend of mine. when I had to purchase my sailing boat I brought the 42 DS.
NO comparable 
the 42 is more spacious, faster, more comfortable and the length difference is not a problem (please take with the bow thrust).
I came from a 10 mt motor boat (a fisherman) so pretty different but after 12 years I would never change my SPRITZ. 
the 42DS is extremely maneuverable, easy to operate and the in-furling main is a plus in my opinion, also because i very often an a solo sailor.
in terms of speed under engine the 39 cannot do more than 7.2 knots while the 42 DS has a cruising speed of 8.3-8.5 knots.

you said that the 45 DS is smaller and YOU ARE RIGHT, they prolonged 10 cm the bow and 10 cm the aft, increasing 10 cm the sofa in the AFT cabin, that's all, in terms of performance the 45DS is slower than the 42 DS.

expenses: I usually suggest (in the MED and in Italy in particular) to calculate an ALL INCLUSIVE COST of 1000€ for linear meter, it means that the max yearly cost for a 12 mt (ALL INCLUDED) would be 12.000€/year. obviously this is a mean and includes EVERYTHING even the upgrades you will perform during the ownership of the vessel.

 if and when you will arrive in Italy let me know! perhaps we might share a SPRITZ on board of SPRITZ!

Thanks for the input! You've swayed me towards the 42. 

[Spritz]

HAPPY!!!!

the only problem is that there are few 42DS on sale and are highly costly.......