The Original Neville 39 as featured in Voyaging Under Power A lot of things flowed from this design. It was originally drawn for a Texas physician. When Jim Leishman approached me for a couple of designs to include in the book Voyaging Under Power, his rewrite of Robert Beebe's classic book, this was one of two he chose to include. It was not until several years later that the boat actually came into being. A professor from Duke University commissioned the completed design, and the boat was built by Custom Steel Boats in Merritt, North Carolina. Not long after, the appeal of this design
prompted the design of the Neville 47 and later the Neville 56. If it looks familiar, you may have seen it at a boat show or at Trawler Fest.
Particulars:
LOA
39'-10"
LWL
36'-03"
Beam:
13'- 00"
Draft:
4'- 07"
Weight:
51,300 lbs
Fuel:
632 gal.
Water:
254 gal.
Power:
154 hp
Hull/House:
Steel/Steel
Profile
Arrangement
How big does a boat need to be for serious passage making? Well, that probably depends more on you than it does on the boat itself. There have been some extremely small boats that have made some extraordinary offshore voyages. By most measures, however, this design offers you that capability. At the same time, it is small enough to be a comfortable weekend cruiser if that is what your time and temperament permit.
Our Beverlee Jane class 39 is stoutly built, but with her plate keel and easily formed sections is suitable for either professional or amateur construction. As originally designed she has a steel hull with a steel house. The alternative of an easily worked aluminum deckhouse, however, is an attractive option if you prefer. The lighter deckhouse only improves the boats performance offshore.
This is a comfortable 2-person boat but with room for grand kids or another couple for a short stay. What's particularly remarkable about this design, and what makes it a serious cruiser is her walk-in engine room. That's right, a 39-foot boat with a walk-in engine room. There is room for a work table, or additional storage. You really feel like you are on a little ship. The pilot house gives that same feeling.
The drawings for this boat were done for professional construction. That means they were developed to offer all of the details a commercial boat yard needs to bid and successfully complete the project. I believe you will find the plans more than adequate whether you are building yourself or with an experienced builder. If you do have questions or problems, of course... we are always available to help.
