Test: Skilsø 39 Panorama with plenty of space and a long range

The "Skilsø 39 Panorama" belongs to a segment that is characterised less by sporting ambitions than by functional requirements. The almost twelve metre long motor yacht comes from southern Norway and follows the classic Scandinavian school in its design: the deckhouse that gives it its name defines the appearance of the cruising boat, while the lines of the hull are restrained, almost conservative for the year 2026. The shipyard has dispensed with the pronounced hull steps or fashionable design elements favoured by more Mediterranean shipyards. The high freeboard and solidly dimensioned superstructure already make it clear in the harbour that the focus is less on dynamics and more on living on the water. The 39 Panorama was designed by the Skilsø shipyard's in-house construction team, which has been developing boats for Nordic waters for decades.

Classic lines, clear function

The generously glazed deck saloon is a characteristic feature. The windows run around the entire superstructure and provide an almost unrestricted all-round view from the helm position. Narrow frames and a slightly raised seating position enhance the overview. The feeling of space on board benefits significantly from the glazing.

Outside, the "Skilsø 39 Panorama" is businesslike and functional. Wide side decks, a high railing and well-placed handholds on the superstructure roof make it easy to move around on board. From the helm station, steps lead up to the slightly raised foredeck. A sunbathing area and the anchor locker are located there. The railing is also pleasantly high there and provides a sense of security. The four grey elements on the deck are deck vents, one for each cabin. There is also a small wooden platform at the bow to make it easier to climb over.

The large aft windows are striking. They are blown from the inside via four air vents to prevent ice or condensation. There are also two windscreen wipers to match the size of the boat. The roof is otherwise largely free of superstructures. There are no equipment carriers or similar installations on our test boat. Instead, there is a large sliding glass window that can be opened by around 80 centimetres and brings plenty of fresh air into the saloon.

Practical solutions in the cockpit

An L-shaped sofa with a height-adjustable table is built into the rear area. Not an unusual solution, but functional, and that's all it really needs. The upholstery is neatly finished and comfortable. A lockable passageway to starboard provides access to the bathing platform with a large locker. The two stern cleats are not mounted on the platform but on the extensions of the bulwark. This makes sense when mooring astern, but can take up space on the bathing platform when mooring forwards with crossed lines. A question of personal preference. The saloon can be connected to the cockpit via sliding doors, the transition is via a small step.

The saloon is the centrepiece of the boat. The crew can sit comfortably in the seating area and the galley is fully usable. Material quality and workmanship are of a high standard. Skirting boards are installed along the windows to prevent liquids from running aft if water is spilt. This speaks in favour of an interior designed for durability.

The helm station is fully equipped and lacks no essential functions. The test boat is dominated by light-coloured wooden surfaces combined with light-coloured upholstery, giving the interior a friendly and spacious feel. The layout is logical and well thought out.

Clearly designed for travelling below deck

One floor below is the owner's cabin with a large bed and ample storage space. The two guest cabins can be used flexibly. The wet room is functional and has no decorative details. The separate shower room is a positive feature. A rare but practical solution.

Overall, the "Skilsø 39 Panorama" presents itself as a consistently well thought-out cruising boat. It does not follow short-term design trends, but instead favours tried-and-tested solutions and a clear, functional focus.

Good-natured driving behaviour, long range

Good holiday usability requires predictable handling. Even though the Panorama has no sporting ambitions, it has nothing to hide. The top speed of 3,930 revolutions per minute is 31 knots. Normally, you will be travelling at around 3,000 rpm and around 22 knots. Those who prioritise range will travel at 1,000 to 1,250 rpm. In this range, the boat is not yet pushing any significant water in front of the bow, which has a positive effect on efficiency. Consumption is between 5.8 and 10.4 litres per hour, which, including a 15 percent fuel reserve, enables ranges of between 778 and 515 nautical miles.

When gliding, the "Skilsø 39 Panorama" completes the usual test manoeuvres inconspicuously. Circling, slaloming and abrupt evasive manoeuvres are completed without any critical reactions. The boat corners moderately and remains controllable at all times. Even at top speed, the handling remains good-natured. Thanks to the bow thruster, harbour manoeuvres are possible without any problems, even in windy conditions and with a less experienced crew. A Yanmar joystick is on the options list. Outside the harbour, it proved to be well calibrated and easy to operate.

BOOTE rating

The Skilsø 39 Panorama is a solid and comfortable cruising boat. Its spacious deck saloon, stable construction and practical equipment make it particularly suitable for longer coastal journeys. The sailing characteristics are predictable and reliable, sportiness is not the main focus. Anyone who values safety, a clear overview and suitability for everyday use will find the 39 Panorama a well thought-out, harmonious boat.

Design and concept

All-round visibility

Large windows

Driving and steering

Pleasant cosiness without being boring

Well equipped

Living and finishing quality

Logical division

Separate shower

Good construction quality

Equipment and technology

High-quality equipment

Richly equipped even in the standard version

Some options expensive

Technical data

• CE design category B/14
• Total length 11,90 m
• Width 3,80 m
• Draught 1,10 m
• Clearance height 4,10 m
• Weight 8,650 kg
• Motorisation min. 2 x Yanmar with 370 hp
• Motorisation max. 2 x Yanmar with 400 hp
• Fuel tank 900 l
• Water tank 400 l
• Holding tank 155 l
• Hot water 60 l
• Batteries 2 x 200 Ah
• Bunks 6 + 2
• Kilogramme per PS 10,81

Rear dimensions

• Length 2.13 m
• Width 2.42 m
• Height 2.04 m

Running deck

• Side deck 0.29 m
• Height deer ring 0.96 m
• Teak decking

Sound pressure

At a cruising speed of 1,500 revolutions per minute and a speed of 8.2 knots, the boat is quieter than average. Just 65 decibels were measured at the helm.

Engine

• Manufacturer Yanmar
• Type 8LV 370
• Quantity 2
• Power output 370 hp
• Full load speed 3,800 rpm
• Cylinder 8-cylinder in-line engine
• Displacement 4,460 cm³
• Diesel fuel

Measurement results

Standard equipment

Bow thruster - Blackout and mosquito net - Reading light - Bathing ladder - Canopy - Manual bilge pump - LED lights - Gas tank (5 kg) - Stainless steel railing - Windscreen wiper - 12-volt USB port - Cup holder - Leather steering wheel - Helm seat - Fender - Axiom 2 XL 19 plotter

Construction method

To save time and costs, the hull is manufactured using the injection moulding process. The deck, on the other hand, is laminated using a vacuum process, which achieves a more even resin distribution and a higher material density.

Manoeuvring aids

The Skilsø is equipped with a bow thruster as standard and an optional stern thruster. A joystick is also available for the two Yanmar engines. The steering is hydraulic, the throttle is electric.

Control seat

The two individual seats are attractive and comfortable. The seat is designed in two parts so that the passage to the sliding door on the side deck remains free.

Pantry

The galley is well equipped. I particularly like the good view of the water. The large window is a real eye-catcher and makes the room appear larger and brighter.

Price

from € 599,717

Sales test boat yse.de

Shipyard viknes.no

Surcharge for comfort equipment

• Auto trim system € 1,607
• Electric windlass € 4,125
• Bow thruster incl.
• Cockpit panelling € 5,179
• Soft top € 3,571
• VHF radio 371 €
• Autopilot incl.
• Chart plotter incl.
• Charger € 2,625
• Shore connection incl.
• 230-volt socket outlet € 357
• Heating € 1,379
• Pressurised water system incl.
• Hot water boiler incl.
• Shower WC room incl.
• Outdoor shower incl.
• Comfort price € 620,740

From Skilsø 39 to Viknes S40

Skilsø was bought and taken over by the Norwegian shipyard Viknes in 2011. The usual quality has been maintained and the boats from the two shipyards have now been built side by side for 15 years. This year, the two shipyards are merging. Skilsø has recently ceased to exist and the boat is now sold under the name Viknes S40 with minor visual changes.

Hardly anything has changed inside apart from a few modernisations: Current lighting design in the cabins with indirect lighting, softer side panelling and a new window in the toilet room are the only new features below deck. Outside, the running decks have been widened and there is now a U-shaped sofa with two individual seats in the stern. The ladder to the flybridge can be folded into the roof. The boat is also available without a flybridge, then as a panorama version and just like our test boat. The engines and hull have remained unchanged.

The bathing platform has been extended by a few centimetres, but this does not affect the sailing characteristics or consumption. Overall, the boat looks younger. The additional space in the stern is a positive feature.