The True North brand was initially developed by Pearson Yachts in Rhode Island but was acquired by Catalina Yachts a few years ago and the two boats they build, the 34 and 39, have gone through a complete re-engineering.
The new 39 that was launched last summer is an evolution of the successful 38. The 38 was an inboard-powered Down East-style express cruiser with a single owner’s cabin. The new 39 is similar in many ways but Catalina has changed the inboard for three Mercury Verado outboards.
The 39 has a lot to like. This is a sensible American-built cruiser with a hull that smacks of Maine lobster boats. The bow is plumb and has a useful bowsprit for housing the anchor.
The sheer has a jaunty spring to it that looks classic and salty. Note the amount of flare in the hull’s forward sections. This will deflect the bow wave and spray from waves to keep the decks and cabin dry. Aft there is a touch of tumblehome at the stern for a pleasing old-time look.
The three eight-cylinder outboards are mounted on a massive stern bracket that be raised and lowered to change the depth of the props in the water. All the way down, the draft will be 3-foot, 6 inches. All the way up that is reduced to just over 2 feet, which will make shallow waters less daunting.
The design of the deck house continues the classic lobster boat theme with the nicely angled front windows, a nearly straight after edge, a flat top and huge square saloon windows. This is a true American look.
The 39’s cockpit has a side door to starboard for easy boarding from a dock. The L-shaped dinette has an almost triangular table that will seat six for outdoor meals. Note the deep gloss to the varnish on the table. Catalina has committed to Bristol fashion and yacht quality.
In the cockpit to port there is an aft facing lounge that will seat two and has leg rest that folds up and down like a La-Z-Boy armchair. Across from it is the outdoor galley with an electric grill, a sink and an ice-maker.
There are three large lockers under the cockpit floor. The center space can be used for a generator, an HVAC unit, a water-maker and a Seakeeper stabilizer. The two outer lockers will hold deck gear, fenders and water toys.
One feature owners will appreciate is the large window in the aft end of the deck house and the disappearing glass door. With these open the cockpit and saloon become one social space. Close them and the saloon is sealed off from the weather and can be heated or cooled as needed. This feature makes the 39 a true three-season cruiser.
Owners of the 38 always appreciated the boat’s wide side decks and the high stainless-steel rails that run from the cockpit to the bow. This design makes going forward to anchor or manage dock lines safe and secure with a firm handhold always an arms-length away.
The 39’s saloon is larger than on the 38 but still manages to wedge a lot into the available space. The galley has a handsome Corian countertop, a two-burner induction stove, a microwave, a drawer-style fridge and a deep sink with a cutting board top.
The dinette is similar to the configuration in the cockpit and will seat six around the triangular table. The windows are huge and provide a 360-degree view for those seated at the table. This is a small detail but a valuable one. Note the center panel of the windshields opens to allow a breeze to flow through the deckhouse.
A lot of attention has been paid to the helm. A lot is going on here, but Catalina has managed to make it look and operate as simply and efficiently as possible. There are two 22-inch Garmin glass screens that can each display nav information and radar.
But, the port screen has been set up to manage all of the boat’s systems digitally, so you can monitor the engines, fuel and water tanks, battery bank charge, and more. This data can be linked to a smart phone or tablet, so you have access to it anywhere on the boat.
The helm seat is double width and can be adjusted forward or back like a modern car seat. This puts the footrest and wheel within every crew member’s reach. A useful touch at the helm is the opening side window that wil make communications between the person at the helm and those on deck or on a dock easier.
The 39 is set up to be primarily a couple’s boat with a large centerline double berth in the forward cabin. It’s a pleasant space with plenty of light, handsome vanished battens on the hull liner and plenty of drawers and hanging space. The hanging lockers have cedar linings, a la Catalina.
Behind the companionway steps and tucked under the cockpit, there is another double berth that could be for children. It does not have a way to close it off so more than a couple will turn into a slumber party.
The head is divided into a vanity and the shower stall. Catalina has put the head in the shower stall and provides a fold-down seat over it. This makes good use of the available space.
True North boats are made in Largo, Florida at the large Catalina factory and by the craftsmen and women who build Catalina sailboats. Catalina likes to say about their boats that “the closer you look, the better we get.” And that is certainly true of the new generation of outboard powered True North express cruisers.
