Catch a summer vibe on the water aboard 39' Sea Ray motor yacht review
Yacht · 39 ft (12 m) · Chicago
expert score
Key specs
- Builder
- Sea Ray
- Model
- 390 Sea Ray
- Length
- 39 ft (12 m)
- Guests
- 12
Verdict
A capable late-1980s/1990-era Sea Ray cruiser with a wide beam, practical layout and solid coastal cruising ability. It offers good livability for day trips and weekends, but age, systems upkeep and moderate handling precision keep it from feeling modern.
Pros
- +Wide 13'11" beam gives the boat a roomy interior for its length
- +Twin inboard power options suit cruising and docking
- +Deep-V hull is a familiar Sea Ray platform for coastal use
- +Seats up to 12, making it useful for group outings
Cons
- −Older design means fit, finish and systems depend heavily on maintenance
- −Fuel economy is not a strong point with twin gas power
- −Handling is competent but not especially sharp in tight quarters
- −Actual cabin count varies by listing, so layout should be verified
The Sea Ray 390 from this era is a classic American express-cruiser package: 39 feet long, nearly 14 feet wide, and built on a deep-V fiberglass hull. That beam helps the boat feel larger than its length suggests, with a layout designed around entertaining and short-stay cruising rather than minimalist performance.
On the water, the model is generally described as a steady, moderate-speed cruiser. Publicly listed versions were offered with twin inboard gas power or optional diesel packages, and test reports on related 390 Sea Ray configurations show cruising speeds in the low 20-knot range with top speeds around the mid-20-knot area, depending on engines and load. It should be considered a competent coastal boat rather than a fast or especially agile one.
Comfort is one of its stronger points. The beam supports a usable salon, practical helm seating and a layout that can handle day guests well, which fits the listed 12-person capacity. As with most boats of this age, livability depends heavily on condition, especially upholstery, wiring, plumbing and engine-room maintenance.
Value is tied to survey results and upkeep history more than model reputation alone. The Sea Ray 390 can be an appealing entry into larger yacht life, but buyers should budget for age-related refit costs and verify the exact cabin and engine configuration before treating any listing as representative.
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