Allures 39.9

2014 Allures 39.9: What to Check Before You Buy and How to Make It a Smart Cruising Choice If you’re looking at a 2014 Allures 39.9, chances are you already know it has a strong reputation as a capable bluewater cruiser with a distinctive aluminum hull and a practical, seaworthy layout. But like any used cruising yacht, the big question isn’t just whether it looks good on paper — it’s whether the specific boat in front of you is actually a good fit for your plans, your budget, and your tolerance for ongoing maintenance. That’s where many buyers get stuck. The 2014 Allures 39.9 can be a fantastic boat, but the real challenge is separating a well-kept example from one that has hidden wear, deferred upkeep, or upgrades that were done halfway. For people interested in this model, the smartest approach is to focus less on the brochure and more on the details that affect comfort, safety, and long-term ownership costs. In this article, we’ll walk through the most important things to inspect, common ownership pain points, and practical ways to evaluate whether a 2014 Allures 39.9 is the right move for your cruising style. - Why the 2014 Allures 39.9 stands out The Allures 39.9 is known for blending offshore capability with a comfortable cruising setup. It’s not a lightweight weekend sailor trying to be everything to everyone. Instead, it’s designed for sailors who want a serious passagemaking platform that still feels manageable for short-handed cruising. One of the biggest reasons people are drawn to this model is the aluminum hull paired with a composite deck and superstructure. That combination gives owners a practical mix of strength, reduced weight where it helps, and corrosion resistance where it matters. For many buyers, that alone makes the boat worth a closer look. The design also appeals to sailors who want: - Good offshore stability - A protected cockpit - A layout that supports liveaboard or extended cruising - A reputation for solid build quality - A boat that feels more “go anywhere” than “dockside pretty” Still, the question is not whether the model is capable. The question is whether a specific 2014 Allures 39.9 has been maintained in a way that preserves those strengths. - The real problem buyers face with a used 2014 Allures 39.9 The main issue with shopping for a used cruiser like this is that condition can vary a lot from boat to boat. Two examples from the same year can have very different ownership histories, and that matters more than many first-time buyers expect. A common problem is that buyers focus on visible finish and forget the expensive systems hidden below deck. On a boat like the 2014 Allures 39.9, the hull and rig may be excellent, but neglected systems can quickly turn a “good deal” into a costly project. The most common pain points usually include: - Deferred engine servicing - Aging batteries and charging equipment - Worn standing or running rigging - Water intrusion around fittings and hatches - Electronics that are outdated or mismatched - Sails that have lost shape - Minor corrosion or wear in hardware and fasteners - Maintenance gaps in pumps, seals, and steering components In other words, the problem is rarely the model itself. It’s often the gap between what the boat was designed to do and how well it has actually been cared for. - What makes the 2014 Allures 39.9 worth evaluating carefully The 2014 Allures 39.9 sits in a sweet spot for sailors who want a modern cruising yacht without going too large or overly complex. At around 40 feet, it’s big enough for comfortable offshore passages but still within a range that many couples or small crews can handle. That said, boats in this size and category tend to be used hard. They cross oceans, spend time in marinas, and often carry a full cruising load. That means wear can accumulate in places that are easy to miss during a casual viewing. When evaluating this model, pay special attention to: - Structural condition - Evidence of water ingress - Mechanical service history - Electrical system updates - Sails and rig condition - Ground tackle and deck gear - Interior signs of heavy use or neglect A well-maintained 2014 Allures 39.9 can still be a very attractive boat. The key is knowing where the value is and where the risk hides. - Start with the hull, deck, and structural details The aluminum hull is one of the boat’s biggest strengths, but it still deserves close inspection. Aluminum is durable, but it is not immune to corrosion, especially if fittings, drainage, or maintenance have been neglected. Look for: - Pitting or oxidation in areas exposed to moisture - Signs of electrolysis around fittings - Poorly isolated dissimilar metals - Repairs that don’t match the surrounding structure - Dents, impact marks, or evidence of hard grounding Also inspect the deck and coachroof carefully. Composite structures can perform very well, but hardware bedding and seal integrity are critical. Water intrusion around chainplates, stanchions, hatches, and deck fittings can lead to expensive repairs if ignored. A few practical checks: 1. Open and close all hatches and ports. 2. Inspect sealant lines for cracking or lifting. 3. Check for soft spots or movement around deck hardware. 4. Look for staining inside the cabin near fittings. 5. Ask when bedding compounds were last renewed. If the hull and deck are in good shape, you’re starting from a strong foundation. - Don’t skip the rig and sail inventory For a cruising sailboat, the rig is not just a sailing feature — it’s a safety system. On the 2014 Allures 39.9, rig condition can tell you a lot about how the boat has been used and maintained. Standing rigging should be inspected by a qualified professional if there’s any uncertainty about age or history. Even if it looks fine, age and service intervals matter. Offshore sailors especially should treat rigging as a priority item. Check: - Age of standing rigging - Condition of turnbuckles and terminals - Mast base and spreader fittings - Signs of chafe on halyards and sheets - Sail condition, especially UV exposure and seam wear - Reefing gear and furling system performance A tired sail inventory doesn’t just affect speed. It affects confidence. If the sails are blown out, the boat may feel sluggish and harder to balance, especially in stronger wind. A practical way to think about it: - Good rig and sails = ready to cruise - Average rig and tired sails = budget for upgrades - Unknown rig history = treat as a serious negotiation point - Mechanical systems matter more than cosmetics One of the easiest mistakes buyers make is getting distracted by clean upholstery or polished teak while overlooking the engine and supporting systems. For the 2014 Allures 39.9, ask for: - Full engine service records - Oil and filter change intervals - Cooling system maintenance history - Fuel system checks - Propeller and shaft inspection records - Spare parts and owner manuals If possible, inspect the engine compartment for: - Leaks - Corrosion - Loose wiring - Signs of overheating - Poor ventilation - Fuel smells or staining The engine on a cruiser like this should start reliably, run smoothly, and show evidence of regular care. If the owner has been diligent, that’s a very good sign. If records are missing, assume the cost of catching up may be yours. Also pay attention to the generator, watermaker, heating, and air conditioning if fitted. These systems are useful, but they also add complexity. More equipment can mean more comfort, but only if it has been maintained properly. - Electrical systems: where many used boats get complicated Electrical issues are one of the most common frustrations in used cruising boats. The 2014 Allures 39.9 may have had upgrades over time, but the quality of those updates matters more than the amount of gear installed. Look at: - Battery age and type - Charging sources - Solar integration - Inverter/charger condition - Shore power setup - Wiring neatness and labeling - Fuse protection and circuit organization A clean electrical panel and sensible wiring are good signs. Random add-ons, unlabeled cables, and amateur modifications are not. For buyers, the practical solution is simple: - Test everything - Ask for a wiring diagram if available - Confirm battery age and replacement history - Check whether systems were installed by a professional - Budget for modernization if electronics are outdated Modern cruising often depends on reliable power. Even a great sailboat becomes frustrating if the batteries are weak and the charging system is unreliable. - Interior layout: comfort is important, but so is function The 2014 Allures 39.9 is appealing because it aims to be a livable boat. That matters if you plan to cruise for weeks or months at a time. But interior comfort should be judged by usability, not just appearance. When you step below, ask: - Does the layout support how you actually cruise? - Are the berths practical for your crew? - Is there enough storage for offshore or liveaboard use? - Can you access key systems without tearing the boat apart? - Does ventilation work well in warm climates? - Are the galley and head arrangements usable underway? A boat can look stylish and still be annoying to live with. On the other hand, a well-thought-out layout can make long passages much easier. Signs of a boat that has been used well: - Dry bilges - Clean lockers - Accessible service points - Minimal musty odor - No soft furnishings showing major water damage - Hardware that functions properly If the interior feels tired but structurally sound, that’s often manageable. Cosmetic refreshes are far easier than hidden structural or systems problems. - Sea trial: the part that reveals the truth A sea trial is where the boat stops being a listing and starts being a real yacht. For a 2014 Allures 39.9, this is the stage where you can assess whether the boat performs like a capable cruiser or just looks the part. During the trial, pay attention to: - Engine start-up and idle - Steering response - Noise and vibration levels - Sail handling under load - Heel behavior - Autopilot performance - Winch and furling operation - Docking visibility and maneuverability Try to sail in conditions that reveal handling characteristics. A calm-day motor around the harbor is not enough. You want to know how the boat feels when loaded, trimmed, and working. Useful questions to ask yourself: 1. Does the boat feel balanced? 2. Is it easy to reef? 3. Can one person manage the deck safely? 4. Does the autopilot hold course well? 5. Are there any unusual sounds, smells, or vibrations? The sea trial often confirms what the survey cannot fully capture: whether the boat inspires confidence. - How to decide if a 2014 Allures 39.9 is the right fit Not every sailor needs the same kind of cruiser. The 2014 Allures 39.9 is a strong option for buyers who value offshore capability, build quality, and comfortable passagemaking. It may be less ideal for those who want a very light, performance-first boat or a low-maintenance weekend platform. This model tends to make the most sense if you: - Plan coastal cruising with occasional offshore passages - Want a boat you can live aboard comfortably - Prefer a sturdy, confidence-inspiring hull - Appreciate practical rather than flashy design - Are willing to inspect and maintain systems carefully It may be less suitable if you: - Want minimal upkeep - Prefer ultra-simple systems - Need top-tier racing performance - Don’t want to budget for ongoing technical maintenance The smartest buyers are usually not the ones chasing the lowest asking price. They’re the ones looking for the best overall condition and the clearest maintenance history. - A practical buying strategy for this model If you’re seriously considering a 2014 Allures 39.9, use a step-by-step approach rather than relying on first impressions. Here’s a sensible process: 1. Review the listing photos and equipment list carefully. 2. Ask for service records before traveling to see the boat. 3. Confirm rigging age, engine hours, and battery age. 4. Arrange a professional survey with offshore cruiser experience. 5. Sea trial the boat under sail and power. 6. Estimate near-term upgrade costs before making an offer. 7. Compare condition, not just asking price, against similar boats. This approach helps you avoid the classic mistake of buying a boat that looks ready but needs a long list of expensive catch-up work. - Common upgrades that can improve ownership If you find a good 2014 Allures 39.9, a few targeted upgrades can make ownership easier and more enjoyable. These don’t need to be done all at once, but they can improve reliability and comfort over time. Useful upgrades often include: - New batteries and charging management - Updated navigation electronics - Modern AIS and communication gear - Fresh sails or sail repairs - Improved lighting and power efficiency - Better ground tackle for extended cruising - Waterproofing and seal renewal on deck fittings The goal is not to rebuild the boat. It’s to make sure the systems match your cruising plans and your confidence level. - Final thoughts before you commit The 2014 Allures 39.9 can be an excellent choice for sailors who want a serious cruising boat with a strong offshore reputation and a comfortable liveaboard feel. But the value of the model depends heavily on the condition of the specific boat you’re considering. The best solution for buyers is to focus on inspection, records, and sea trial results rather than appearance alone. If the hull, rig, engine, and electrical systems check out, you may be looking at a very capable cruiser with a lot to offer. If not, it’s better to walk away than inherit someone else’s maintenance backlog. A careful evaluation now can save a lot of time, money, and frustration later. And for the right buyer, that’s exactly what turns a promising listing into a genuinely smart purchase.