15 Nov
The Fjord 39 XL proved one of the stars of the recent Southampton Boat Show, with its distinctive styling, generous deck space and comfortable, spacious accommodations attracting highly positive comments from many who viewed it.
Inspiration Marine Group displayed the Fjord and Current Torque was keen to find out from Director James Stone what show visitors thought of the 39 XL.
Current Torque: James the Southampton Boat Show marked the UK debut of the stunning new Fjord 39 XL. How was the boat received? What was the reaction?
James Stone: We were delighted to be presenting the 39 XL at Southampton, and the boat got a fantastic response from those who had specifically some to see her, but also from those walking past the stand. There was a lot of positive feedback on the design and how much deck space is on offer.
CT: Which version (engines and cabin layout), did you have on display?
JS: Our UK display model is powered by the twin D6-440’s and we also spec’d the optional 3rd helm seat and galley pod on deck, plus the A2 internal layout to offer some hanging space in the cabin as we felt this would be important to most clients. We tend to like to show a relatively high-spec model for a show, so we also went with a number of options including the additional lighting packages on deck, twin Simrad 16 inch EVO3 S’s and a painted black T-Top – the classic Fjord combination with a white hull that still looks so good!
CT: What were some of the first impressions you encountered?
JS: For those who know the Fjord range and were familiar with the previous Fjord 38, the new 39 range offers a much more usable cabin space for overnighting and this is definitely a big positive. Out on deck, having a permanent sunpad at the bow and at the stern, but still having a cockpit table, was a feature that definitely appealed to a number of the visitors and again is a positive development from the 38. The fact that you also have a substantial T-Top to offer a lot of shade is sometimes overlooked by clients, but once you start chatting to them you discover it is often something missing from their current boat.
CT: Yes that T-top almost stretching the entire cockpit really is a big standout feature?
JS: It is massive. We also went with the full-height windscreen, and it creates a great protected helm space when you are cruising along at 30-odd knots. We are also designing a full canvas enclosure for the boat to give an all-weather usability to her (what with the UK weather not being the most reliable at times), but even in the UK on a hot summer day not all your guests will want to be in full sun all day, so having some shade onboard under that T-Top where people can escape and relax is imperative.
CT: In videos and photos the boat projects a dynamic presence. Does it live up to those expectations?
JS: It really does. I would say visually it is a move more towards the classic angular, straight lined Fjord styling which has aged so well with models like the 40 and the 42/44, but the balance of the design of the boat is spot on. She really stood out at the show, and we had a lot of people come onto the stand to have a look as they had seen her from another boat in the show!
CT: What features of the 39 XL were show visitors most impressed with?
JS: The feeling of quality and construction was mentioned often and that is something you can really only get from stepping onboard. There are a lot of options now in this segment for someone looking at a more open walkaround style boat but it was reassuring that as soon as a visitor stepped onboard, they could feel the difference between the Fjord 39 and some of the competition. Everything, from the stainless handrails to the T-top pillars make you feel like you are on a really solid boat that is going to look after you whatever the conditions. I think this is increasingly appreciated by owners where many boats are built to a specific price point, so it was good feedback to receive.
CT: How would you rate the headroom and amenities in the Owners cabin? (head with sink, Jabsco electric toilet and separate and spacious stall shower with teak flooring)?
JS: I am over 6ft tall and can stand up with headroom to spare in the main section of the cabin and in the heads. It’s a really spacious cabin with a proper bed and would be really comfortable for a couple overnighting on. The little touches like the LED mood lighting and the fridge in the cabin add to the ambience and feeling of being onboard something a little bit special.
CT: The 39 XL’s interior has been significantly upgraded compared to the Fjord 38 and seeks to set new standards in this boat class. What have you noticed and how much of a difference is there?
JS: Definitely. The Fjord 38 was a perfect boat for someone who was only ever going to do day boating and wasn’t really interested in overnight stays; yes of course you could spend a night onboard, but the cabin was really only ever used by owners for storage.
The 39 is such a different proposition and suddenly you have all the deck space and the signature layout that has worked so well on other Fjord models, plus this amazingly spacious and luxurious cabin. It opens up options for an owner that maybe is going to go day boating with friends and family maybe 60 per cent of the time, but wants to be able to head up the coast or over to some islands and spend a few nights onboard in comfort. That is really where the 39 hits the mark.
CT: Have you had an opportunity to undertake a sea-trial? If so what were the take-outs in regards to handling and performance??
JS: We have had the 39 out in both calm conditions and rougher seas and she is a great boat to handle. The D6 engine delivers a real surge of power that takes you from zero to 30 knots with such ease and almost no bow lift to get up and onto the plane. You can have fun and throw her into a turn and the hull grips throughout, but when it is rougher all it takes is a little bit of trim and the spray rails in the bow do their job admirably, which makes is much more comfortable for everyone onboard. As mentioned, the feeling of being on a super-solid boat is something you only really value in rough conditions, so we never turn down the chance to demo to clients in rough conditions…. within reason! Like all the Fjord hulls, they sit happily at a fast cruise and the fuel economy for a boat of this size and weight is very good.
CT: Having now spent some time with the Fjord 39 XL what are some of pleasing finer details you’ve discovered?
JS: It’s a small thing but I really like some of the switches being on the panel above the helm. With more and more kit being fitted to boats the helms can get really congested with switches and screens, so having these up above your head is a nice touch. The arm rests on the forward sunpad are great and give your guests something to hold on when underway. Finally I think the pop-up lights on the bow and on the aft sunpad are a really nice touch and create a great atmosphere as the sun sets.
CT: Who would best suit a Fjord 39 XL?
JS: From a usability point of view, the 39 is going to appeal to someone looking for a versatile day boat that can do more. For me the cabin is what creates the wow factor and sets her apart from other boats in the class. Beyond that the Fjord 39 is for someone who values the quality materials and the construction and engineering expertise that goes into creating a Fjord which is not often something you see on first glance but is something you definitely feel after some time on the water.
Current Torque: James thanks for giving us a great insight into the new Fjord 39 XL.
James Stone: A pleasure!
More information on the Fjord 39 XL at windcraftyachts.com/motor-yachts/fjord-39xl
