Shannon 39 Deck Plan

Sidedecks

The sidedecks on the Shannon 39 offer ample space from the trunk cabin outboard to the teak toe rail, double lifelines, and 30" tall stainless steel stanchions. Mast stays and genoa tracks are positioned outboard at the toerail. This is a significant safety difference between the 39 and the typical combination racer/cruiser. Going forward at night or in bad weather on a boat with shrouds and genoa tracks right in the middle of the sidedeck can be difficult or even hazardous. The one or two degrees improvement in windward performance that inboard shrouds and tracks may provide does not warrant this liability, except for the daysailer or diehard racer. Accepting the premise that safety should be foremost, the Shannon 39's sidedecks allow an unobstructed passage from the cockpit to the bow.

The 39's cockpit also was designed for easy movement getting from behind the wheel to go forward. The primary winches, instruments, and engine panel are positioned for access and visibility from the helm so it is not necessary to constantly move to see instruments or tend sails. The cockpit of the 39 is a secure and dry place - it is deep enough to keep you comfortably surrounded by high coamings that keep water out. Because it is critical that the cockpit drain quickly, especially when filled by breaking waves in storm conditions, there are four 1 1/2" scuppers in the cockpit. Another example of Shannon's emphasis on offshore safety is the provision for the mainsail halyard and reefing lines to be lead aft to the cockpit. In extreme conditions, the crew does not have to leave the security of the cockpit to reduce sail. Another safety feature of the cockpit design is that it permits the use of a full length emergency tiller installed directly onto the rudder post that can be used while comfortably seated. Often emergency tillers are too short and located in such awkward locations that they are very difficult to use for more than a few minutes.

S39 Home
Photos
Interiors
Sail Plans
Prices & Specifications

The deck configuration of the Shannon 39 successfully reflects the reality that eighty per cent of time awake on board is spent in the cockpit and that safety while underway should be of paramount importance. Special attention has been paid to designing the best deck plan possible. Sailing a boat at times requires leaving the cockpit and going forward to tend sails or handle docklines and anchors. The non-skid areas in the deck are an exclusive Shannon feature. Shannon's non-skid has a custom molded-in raised diamond pattern that provides excellent traction and prevents "hydroplaning" on wet decks. This non-skid is simple to clean, and the diamond pattern can be repaired easily if the gelcoat is ever damaged. The diamond pattern is not so aggressive that it is uncomfortable to sit on or to walk on bare foot.

Cockpit design

Along with seaworthiness, performance and safety, another important concern in boat design is comfort. A substantial amount of drafting and prototype time was expended to create the optimum cockpit layout for the Shannon 39. Unfortunately many boat designers (and many boat buyers) only focus on interior space and layouts below. Consequently they have ignored the critical design and space issues of the cockpit. A small cockpit does not provide the necessary room and comfort. The angle of the seat back and the width of the seat become critical considerations after a few hours sailing. The Shannon 39's cockpit has seats long enough to stretch out and lie down on, and the space between the seats is close enough that even short people can brace themselves when the boat is heeled. Cockpit seats that are too short for sleeping preclude a rest in the cockpit, whether for an afternoon nap when anchored or while underway at night between turns at the helm.

The cockpit on the Shannon 39 has a deep sail locker and a storage pan under the cockpit seats to starboard and port respectively. Even though roller furled jibs make it a misnomer to call these sail lockers, these storage areas are rapidly filled by fenders, inflatable dinghies, lines, etc. By removing the sail locker partitions, access to the back of the engine, stuffing box, rudder quadrant, and other machinery is achieved easily.

Bow Platform

The bow platform or bowsprit on the Shannon 39 serves many functions. It extends the sail plan horizontally allowing for a double headsail rig. The bow platform allows for carrying two oversized anchors (of different designs) each with a separate anchor rode and its own deck pipe into the divided chain locker in the bow. Unlike other boats, where it may be necessary to get another anchor out of a cockpit locker at 3 AM when the boat starts dragging during a line squall, the 39 has another anchor ready that can be set quickly and safely. The Shannon 39 can carry either nylon line or chain anchor rodes, depending on the owner's choice, and will also accommodate virtually any type windlass. The bow platform is secured by bolts through the deck and a solid rod bobstay. The stainless steel bobstay fitting is bolted to the hull just above the waterline. It is so strong that a mooring pennant can be shackled through a special fitting so the entire boat can swing off the bobstay fitting, without any concern about chafing. This is particularly important if moored in storm conditions. Beyond rig and ground tackle considerations, the bow platform provides an ideal vantage point for spotting coral heads or bottom changes when exploring unfamiliar waters.

Ventilation, portlights, & deck hatches

Proper ventilation is very important both when underway or at anchor, especially in warmer climates such as the Caribbean. There is generally some wind in an anchorage, but a boat must be able to open up and take full advantage of the breeze. On the Shannon 39 there are four 4" vents with baffled dorade boxes, twelve opening portlights (every port on a Shannon is an opening port), and two deck hatches.