Boat Test: 2024 Fjord 39 XP

Overview

When looking at the Fjord 39 XP for the first time, gather up all your preconceived dayboat notions. Then toss them overboard. This is a delightful craft that breaks all the rules and is a fresh breath of dayboat air.

For starters, it manifests the slab-sided, plumb-bowed look now so common. If you’re still thinking classic sheerline or curving bow, you’re hopeless. But if you want a super-safe boat for kids, with a deck surrounded by 3-foot-tall teak-capped bulwarks with recessed handrails from stern to bow, think Fjord 39. Even better, its layout is all on one level, bow to stern, so there’s nothing to trip Aunt Edna.

This is a beamy boat at 12 feet, 8 inches, and Fjord makes the most of every inch. Six different layouts are offered: Our test boat offered a massive sun pad aft with walkways to the transom on each side and an extending shade from the hardtop. The backrests flip to create two-sided seating around a clever dining/snack/cocktail table with five folds to precisely fit many needs.

Engines

We tested the XP (outboard) Fjord with twin 400 hp Mercury V-10 Verados. An XL version is offered with twin 320 hp Volvo Penta ­sterndrives (440 hp optional). The Mercs booted us along at 43-ish mph, delivering quiet operation (81 decibels flat-out) for conversing or listening to music. Fuel efficiency proved remarkable.

Interior and Accessories

Just forward of the sun bed/dining district is a wide outdoor galley. The Fjord is preplumbed for up to five scattered fridges or ice makers, plus a wine cooler for oenophiles. The galley is owner’s choice: barbecue grill or induction cooktop, with lots of counter space, a big sink, and a lid to hide everything.

Of note, the entire area is shaded by an immense, impeccably molded fiberglass hardtop braced by sturdy curving supports that create a rock-solid sun/rain protector. And the massive windshield stretches from hardtop to dash.    

The helm is a masterpiece of ergonomics, with either two or three adjustable seats with bolsters. We had two Simrad 16-inch monitors for navigation, engine and boat systems; the horizontal dash had a Merc joystick that can link to an optional Sidepower bow thruster; and you can reach everything while seated.

The wide and safe walk-arounds on each side of the helm console lead to another beautifully imagined space. In the bow, a hidden Quick anchor windlass has both bow and helm controls (with counter) and full chain rode to the stainless-steel Lewmar plow anchor. Facing forward, guests can sprawl on the wide sun pad with armrest/rails for security.

Everyone, especially families, will love the goodies hidden under the seemingly low ­cabin house. Surprise—6 feet, 5 inches of headroom! If you decide to spend the night aboard, you don’t have to rough it.  

For starters, the berth is huge: At 7 feet by 6 feet, 1 inch, it’s within 3 inches of full king size. But what is of more interest is the very civilized head with sink, Jabsco electric toilet and­—­­ta-da—a separate and spacious (35-by-30-inch) stall shower with teak flooring. There is ample space for the usual duties, plus changing clothes, showering off, and starting fresh.  

Underway, the Fjord 39 XP is just a giggle. Crank the leather-padded wheel hard over, and the Fjord just leans into the turn like an F-35 fighter jet looking for its prey. I can attribute this to the deep-V hull with hard chines and twin strakes nearly to the bow, which give it a solid bite on the water and no outboard cavitation. Wanna put the hammer down? We forgot to turn on the Humphree Interceptor trim tabs, but the Fjord came up flat naturally, giving the skipper a clear view of the horizon. Top speed? A squinch over 37 knots. 

Once I’d scouted the basics, I started finding some immensely likable details, such as deck and cabinet lockers everywhere, with deep ­gutters to handle biblical rain. Inset into the bulwark next to the helm are brackets to hold the six custom Fjord fenders out of the way but ready, and they’re square, so they won’t wander around when you need hull protection. And it’s a little detail, but one that says quality: leather drawer pulls in the cabin, as well as soft-close drawers. I’m finicky about bilges, and Fjord finishes them as though you’re going to be eating there.  

The combination swim ladder/passerelle needs to be seen. At the touch of a button, the swim ladder extends underwater, unfolding the steps at just the right angle. It can then be raised far above the water (a railing drops into place) to make a passerelle gangway for easy boarding, even from high docks and quays. 

Shopping? Check out the Pardo 38 ($819,000). It’s a foot shorter but with triple Merc 300s, no shower stall, and an optional second cabin.

Fjord construction by Germany’s Hanse Yachts is impeccable, with vacuum-bagged ­vinylester (no blisters!) resin backed by foam coring for strength and insulation. Not a squeak or groan, even in the Gulf Stream.

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It’s no surprise that the Fjord 39 XP is in demand as a tender for large yachts: seaworthy, dry, and well-built, with safe high sides and a good turn of speed. It will appeal to families for the same reasons.

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin 400 hp Mercury Verado V-10s
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/143/4″ x 23″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.08:1 Fuel Load: 155 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 800 lb.

High Points

• Huge hardtop with extension to cover aft sun pad.
• Rises flat from a dead stop to plane, so no loss of vision.
• Multiple deck hatches with deep gutters for rain/washdown runoff.
• Deep coamings (36 inches) for kid safety.
• Walk-in shower stall. 

Low Point

• Generator optional; uses solar panels and storage batteries to power blender. 

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation