The Cavalier 39 stands as the proud flagship of the Cavalier Yachts legacy. As the largest model produced by the historic New Zealand manufacturer, it remains a highly sought-after prize for serious cruisers.
Built from resilience
The origins of Cavalier Yachts trace back to a powerhouse partnership between Peter K. Smith and John Salthouse, initially trading as Salthouse Custom Glass Boats Ltd. After an amicable parting of ways, Smith forged ahead with the Cavalier brand, turning the company into the largest production boat builder in the Southern Hemisphere during its 1970s peak.
Political turbulence struck in 1979 when Prime Minister Robert Muldoon slapped a devastating 20% sales tax surcharge on the domestic boat-building industry. Priced out of international markets overnight, Cavalier collapsed under cancelled orders. Yet, the design was too good to die. Jim Lawry resurrected the operation as Export Yachts Ltd, finding immense success shipping Cavalier 39s to eager buyers in Australia and the United States. One can only wonder how dominant Kiwi boat building might be today if that tax had never existed.
At 62 Doug Esterman takes on the Solo Trans-Tasman for the first time
Proven bluewater pedigree
Designed by the legendary Bob Salthouse, early estimates suggested around 84 hulls were built. While initially envisioned as robust family cruisers rather than flat-out racers, they possess serious offshore teeth. Just look at sailor Doug Esterman, who is currently tackling the grueling 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge aboard his custom Cavalier 39—choosing the platform specifically for its ability to handle the Tasman Sea in moderate comfort.
Mechanically and structurally, the 39 is a fortress. Displacing a solid 8,482 kg, she carries a 3.45-metre beam and a 1.83-metre draft, alongside capacities for roughly 400 litres of water and 289 litres of fuel. For those eyeing the horizon, her Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) score sits at an excellent 1.79. In naval architecture terms, anything under 2.0 indicates superior stability and high resistance to capsizing in rough seas.
The later Mark II iterations evolved this design even further, incorporating a deeper keel and increased ballast to deliver an enhanced righting moment and rock-solid offshore stability.
On the market
⚡ Boating NZ Market Feature
Three Cavalier MkII — Available Now
EXPORT YACHTS
For sailors looking to claim their own piece of New Zealand maritime history, three distinct Mark II models are currently listed for sale on Tradeaboat. While they share the same dependable bones—featuring a secure sea-going U-shaped galley to port, a dedicated skipper’s chart table, a spacious central saloon, and a practical single-head layout—each brings its own unique history and upgrades to the table.
| YEAR | PRICE (NZD) | ENGINE | STANDOUT FEATURE |
| 1983 | $59,990 | Perkins M60 60hp | Professional osmosis treatment |
| 1989 | $67,000 | Perkins 4108 | Custom wood interior, 1.97m headroom |
| 1982 | $79,900 | Beta 50hp (2022) | Near-new engine (36 hours) |
Listing details supplied by vendor. Boating NZ has not independently verified specifications or pricing. Contact the vendor directly for full details.
1. 1983 Cavalier 39 Mk II ($59,990)
Named Mean Time, this Auckland-based sloop represents exceptional value for an offshore-ready vessel. She is powered by a reliable 60hp Perkins M60 engine, fully reconditioned in 2013 with only 750 hours since the rebuild.
The Inside: Offers full headroom, a forward V-berth, a double quarter berth, and can sleep six total.
The Details: Peace of mind is guaranteed thanks to a professional osmosis treatment completed in 2022, a fresh coat of antifoul applied in January 2025, and a full wardrobe of sails packed with Cat 1 safety extras.
2. 1989 Custom Cavalier 39 ($67,000)
Launched in 1989 by Export Yachts, this white-hulled, dark-blue-trimmed beauty focuses heavily on comfort. Boasting a striking custom timber interior and an impressive 1.97m of headroom, she feels like a cozy cottage on the water.
The Inside: Features a double berth and chart room aft to starboard, a second cabin forward, and a hot standing shower.
The Details: Powered by a Perkins 4108 with a new gearbox (installed 05/22). She is highly optimized for self-sufficiency with three 100W solar panels, a universal cable setup, robust AGM house batteries, a dodger, a bimini, an electric winch, and a dinghy with an outboard. There is even an option to purchase her mooring in Matawhi Bay (Russell).
3. 1982 Custom Cav 39 Mk II ($79,900)
Sporting a classic dark blue hull with crisp white trim, this vessel stands out for its mechanical upgrades. The crown jewel of this boat is a 50hp Beta diesel engine installed in 2022, which has only run for a mere 36 hours.
The Inside: A flexible accommodation plan featuring two double berths, two single berths, and brand-new interior upholstery.
The Details: Equipped with a cutter rig (mainsail new in 2021), six total winches, and a deep-keel/high-ballast configuration. Her offshore readiness is bolstered by a wind generator, solar power, a 12v freezer, new hull paintwork (2024), and a comprehensive electronics suite including an autopilot, GPS plotter, and fishfinder.
The verdict
Whether you prioritize the fresh engine of the 1982 model, the structural reassurance of the 1983 hull, or the rich woodwork and headroom of the 1989 liveaboard, the Cavalier 39 remains a premier choice. These are safe, heavy-duty, and beautifully designed yachts that will confidently take you anywhere you want to go.
Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cavalier_Yachts
