Fjord 39 XP Review (2025 Edition) by Aquaholic

On Deck

The Fjord 39 XP is all about life outdoors. At the stern there is a gate to close things off and drawer fridges tucked neatly around the cockpit. The aft seating is configurable. You can flip the backs forward to extend the sunbed, drop them flat to create headrests, or set them upright to face forward when you are running fast. It only takes a moment to realise you can set them up however you like.

The twin tables are electrically height adjustable with telescopic legs. Open them up for a wide dining table across the cockpit or fold them back for cocktail tables when you are in party mode.

Press a button and the sunbed rises up to reveal a huge storage cavern. With outboards in place of inboard diesels this space is left completely free and can take paddleboards, folding bikes, kayaks or C-Bobs. This very boat is heading for Antigua and the dealer is fitting racks to keep everything in order. With inboard diesels the space would be taken up by the engines.

The aft section is also designed to allow the outboards to tilt clear of the water. Closed, it gives you a flat surface to walk across the stern. Pop-up lights, a stainless transom gate and the neat built-in Fjord fenders complete the detailing.

A fixed hardtop carries built-in lighting and a roller blind that pulls across the aft beam. Side curtains can be fitted to enclose the cockpit when you want shelter.

The wet-bar module behind the helm can be arranged with two or three seats. Underneath are drawers, storage, a fridge, a sink and space for a grill or hob. It is set up for picnics, drinks and quick food rather than full cooking.

Fusion speakers and remotes are scattered all over the decks so music follows you wherever you are on board.

Moving forward, the side decks are deep and secure. On the bow the Fjord 39 carries a giant daybed which also improves headroom in the cabin below. The anchor sits forward on an electric windlass, flanked by pop-up cleats and navigation lights. Fittings are in place for bimini poles if you want shade on the foredeck.

Go inside and the raised foredeck pays dividends with improved headroom compared to the earlier Fjord 38. The berth is surrounded by LED strip lighting with small windows and blinds plus an overhead hatch. This boat has the wardrobe option fitted and there are lockers and another fridge inside. The heads is a proper size and has a separate shower stall. That works perfectly with the boat’s party role as people can come in after swimming and shower off without soaking the entire compartment. There is a mirrored cabinet, storage and practical lighting.

Controls for pumps and electrics are here as well, along with the Fusion stereo head unit and battery switches for service, engine and bow thruster banks. It is not designed for weeks away. It's aimed at a couple who want to stay the night after a day afloat, or freshen up before heading ashore in the evening.

Power comes from twin Mercury V10 outboards at 400 horsepower each. Performance is projected in the mid 40 knot range, possibly more once sea trials are complete. A comfortable cruise is around 30 knots. Alternatively the boat can be fitted with twin Volvo Penta stern-drive diesels at 440hp each. This version should deliver about 40 knots but the outboards give you the benefit of the big storage bay aft.

The helm carries twin Garmin screens with Mercury instrumentation, Garmin VHF, joystick control, Humphree trim tabs and a bow thruster. The joystick links the engines and thruster to slide the boat sideways or spin it on the spot. Skyhook station keeping can hold the boat over a GPS position without dropping the anchor. The tall windscreen has a large wiper to keep vision clear.

The Fjord 39 XP is brand new, so precise range and consumption figures are still being gathered, but we know what to expect. With twin 400 horsepower Mercury outboards, fuel burn is heavy at full throttle. At 40 knots you are paying for the performance in litres per hour, but ease them back to a 30 knot cruise and the numbers make more sense, and that is where most owners will sit for longer runs. Range is estimated at around 200 miles depending on loading and sea state.

Running outboards has its advantages. They tilt clear of the water, service access is simple, and annual maintenance is straightforward compared to stern-drives. Owners coming out of bigger inboard boats will find the predictability of outboard servicing refreshing. By contrast, the twin Volvo Penta diesel stern-drive option gives better economy if you are planning more miles, but you sacrifice the enormous storage bay beneath the aft sunpad.

It also makes sense to compare the XP with its sister model, the Fjord 39 XL. Both share the same hull, but the XL is a more laid-back dayboat with a gentler pace. The XP is the high-performance version with Mercury V10s hanging on the back, so you pay more at the pump, but you gain the thrill of a mid-40 knot top end. Owners who want easier running costs may lean towards the XL. 

Berthing fees will reflect length rather than displacement, insurance premiums will be slightly higher due to the performance, and depreciation will be similar to comparable premium European dayboats. The big bills really only come if you spend all day running at full throttle. Used as intended, as a weekend platform with a mix of relaxed anchoring and fast hops between bays, the costs should beentirely predictable.

The Fjord 39 XP is a party machine with the flexibility to convert its cockpit between dining, sunbathing and forward seating. The storage bay is vast with the outboard option and the helm systems make handling easy for any owner. It's not a long-range cruiser, but it is like a private island with the speed to match the fun.