1985 Benford 39

This 1985 Benford 39 is a full-displacement cruising yacht designed by naval architect Jay Benford. The 39-foot fiberglass hull, with a beam of just over 12 feet, embodies the "Fantail" cruiser concept—a traditional design built for long-range offshore work and comfortable extended living at sea. Power comes from a single 30 hp BMW diesel engine, sized appropriately for steady, efficient cruising rather than speed.

The layout prioritizes livability and practicality. The main salon sits amidships with good headroom and movement, while double staterooms forward and aft provide separate sleeping quarters. A substantial galley supports extended provisioning for ocean passages. Throughout the yacht, storage has been engineered generously to handle the needs of long-term cruising. The engine room is laid out with maintenance accessibility in mind.

The deck plan includes a secure cockpit and space for a tender stowed on the aft house-top. The distinctive fantail stern and traditional proportions are characteristic of the design. This yacht was actively sailed and updated by experienced cruising sailors over its decades, and the hull and systems reflect that hands-on stewardship. It represents a working cruiser built to explore both remote anchorages and open ocean with stability and comfort.