Review of Wilderness 40

Basic specs..

The hull is made of fibreglass. Generally, a hull made of fibreglass requires only a minimum of maintenance during the sailing season.

The boat equipped with a masthead rig. The advantage of a masthead rig is its simplicity and the fact that a given sail area - compared with a fractional rig - can be carried lower and thus with less heeling moment.

Sailing characteristics

This section covers widely used rules of thumb to describe the sailing characteristics. Please note that even though the calculations are correct, the interpretation of the results might not be valid for extreme boats.

What is Capsize Screening Formula (CSF)?

The capsize screening value for Wilderness 40 is 2.31, indicating that this boat would not be accepted to participate in ocean races.

What is Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed?

The theoretical maximal speed of a displacement boat of this length is 7.6 knots. The term "Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed" is widely used even though a boat can sail faster. The term shall be interpreted as above the theoretical speed a great additional power is necessary for a small gain in speed.

The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for Wilderness 40 is about 239 kg/cm, alternatively 1338 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 239 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 1338 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.

Sailing statistics

This section is statistical comparison with similar boats of the same category. The basis of the following statistical computations is our unique database with more than 26,000 different boat types and 350,000 data points.

What is Motion Comfort Ratio (MCR)?

What is L/B (Length Beam Ratio)?

What is Displacement Length Ratio?

What is SA/D (Sail Area Displacement ratio)?

Maintenance

Are your sails worn out? You might find your next sail here: Sails for Sale

If you need to renew parts of your running rig and is not quite sure of the dimensions, you may find the estimates computed below useful.

UsageLengthDiameter
Mainsail halyard 32.9 m(108.0 feet)12 mm(1/2 inch)
Jib/genoa halyard32.9 m(108.0 feet)12 mm(1/2 inch)
Spinnaker halyard32.9 m(108.0 feet)12 mm(1/2 inch)
Jib sheet 12.2 m(40.0 feet)14 mm(0.55 inch)
Genoa sheet12.2 m(40.0 feet)14 mm(0.55 inch)
Mainsheet 30.5 m(100.0 feet)14 mm(0.55 inch)
Spinnaker sheet26.8 m(88.0 feet)14 mm(0.55 inch)
Cunningham3.6 m(11.8 feet)12 mm(1/2 inch)
Kickingstrap7.2 m(23.6 feet)12 mm(1/2 inch)
Clew-outhaul7.2 m(23.6 feet)12 mm(1/2 inch)

This section is reserved boat owner's modifications, improvements, etc. Here you might find (or contribute with) inspiration for your boat.

Do you have changes/improvements you would like to share? Upload a photo and describe what you have done.

We are always looking for new photos. If you can contribute with photos for Wilderness 40 it would be a great help.

If you have any comments to the review, improvement suggestions, or the like, feel free to contact us . Criticism helps us to improve.

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Any opinions on Wilderness boats

Madmark62

By Madmark62 January 29, 2009 in General Boating

Featured Posts

I saw one of these today and they look really lovely, I like the idea that you can just lhitch up and away you go to where ever you fancy in the Country, without taking weeks to travel there by Canal. Therefore allowing you to see more of the canal network than you are otherwise able to, unless you are a CC`er that is.

Are they any good? I know they have outboard engines and are fibreglass shells, but they do look like a mini narrowbaot.

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ditchcrawler

ditchcrawler

I saw one of these today and they look really lovely, I like the idea that you can just lhitch up and away you go to where ever you fancy in the Country, without taking weeks to travel there by Canal. Therefore allowing you to see more of the canal network than you are otherwise able to, unless you are a CC`er that is. Are they any good? I know they have outboard engines and are fibreglass shells, but they do look like a mini narrowbaot.

You need a good size car to tow them

Are they very heavy then? I have a Renault Espace turbo diesel and a Rover 420 turbo diesel , could I tow one with these?

haggis

The Wilderness owners have a web site at http://www.wilderness.org.uk/ where you can find out more about the boats

Sorry I have no idea what the towing capacity of the cars you have are.

alan_fincher

alan_fincher

Yes, I agree with Haggis, the Wilderness Owners Club web-site is a good starting point for information.

http://www.wilderness.org.uk/

There was a review of the new 23 foot Wilderness Beaver in the October 2008 Waterways World.

That says.....

The all-up weight of the trailer and boat with normal personal kit is around 2000kg so it is well beyond the scope of the family car . The most suitable towing vehicles are medium to large 4x4s like the Land Rover Discovery or Mitsubishi Shogun.

I believe older ones were not quite as heavy as this latest build, so something a bit smaller might tow them, (but don't know details).

:lol:

A bit expensive then eh????

edited to add

Neil TNC

I can't comment on the trailing bit...we have more luck with a 58ft narrowboat.

The best place to get a SH one is straight through Ian Graham, Wilderness Boats (the designer and old manufacturer)

Wilderness Boats

Tel: 01666 577773 Mobile 07973 815920

Expect to pay around 12 grand for a decent Beaver with trailer.

Some of the self fit out ones have more room for a couple than the traditional 4 berth jobbies

Mrs TNC's Mini Me can be seen at the end of this page

http://www.tuesdaynightclub.co.uk/TourMM_0...7MMBristol.html

They fairly whiz along and being only 8" draught hardly cause any bow wave.

You will need a 4x4 (or a Transit van) to pull the trailer, something thay will tow 2000Kg, so that rules out a Freelander or a Nissan X-Trail. Landy, Deaf-ender or Range Rover would fit the bill. A lot of Wildernii owners use Izuzu Troopers.

Once you have one you can join the very friendly and (even by TNC standards) intrepid Wilderness Boat Owners Club

If I *ever* get a barge, then Mrs TNC's could well be for sale....along with the KIA Sorrento! ;-)

Graham Davis

Graham Davis

No, you ara really looking at something the size of a Land Rover 110, Discovery, Range Rover, or Nissan Patrol.

Thanks for all the replies.

  • 1 year later...

Justin Smith

Justin Smith

We are thinking (in the long term....) about the practicalities of boat ownership and have concluded that a trailboat might make more sense.

The thing is we don`t really want a huge 4WD as our everyday transport just so we can use it to tow the boat around every now and again !

When they say that the towing limit of a Suzuki Jimny is 1300Kg what does that actually mean ?

Is it a legal thing, a traction problem or a braking problem ? If it`s the latter, surely the trailer is braked anyway ?

Barry

It's an interesting idea

What intrigues me though is where on the network are the slipways to allow you to get your trailable boat onto the canal.

Towing law.....a minefield of confusion and misunderstanding.

Firstly I'm going to presume you passed your test prior to 1997.

All vehicles state maximum towing capacities. This is specified by the manufacturer and in general is what they think that vehicle can safely stop and restart on a 1:8 hill. One limit is for unbraked trailers and never seems to be above 750kg, the other is for braked trailers.If you exceed these figures you are breaking the Law, and it could lead to prosecution under several Laws, from invalid insurance to loading regulations. So in the case of your Suzuki, if you tow more than 1300kg you are illegal.

There is further confusion because the likes of the Caravan Club "suggest" that you do not exceed 85% of the actual stated gross weight of your vehicle, which can be a lot less than the actual stated weight above. This "ruling" is mostly to do with the stability of both the trailer and tug.

Some vehicles, like LR Defenders, actually have a max stated towing capacity well in excess of their actual gross weight, but personally I have found that this is something you would want to do for long distances.

It is also illegal to tow a trailer that is plated with a total max weight capacity that is greater than the max your vehicle is plated to. So if you towed a trailer that was plated as 2000kg by your Suzuki you would be illegal.

As I said, confusing!!

carlt

It's an interesting idea   What intrigues me though is where on the network are the slipways to allow you to get your trailable boat onto the canal.

Carry it about on a flat bed Ford Cargo, with hiab.

;)

.... and people who passed a car driving test more recently have much more restrictive rules for towing unless they pass a supplementary test.

No. 1 daughter passed her test recently and it was interesting comparing the vehicle categories on her license and mine. I had never realised that I was licensed to drive a road-roller lighter than 11.9 tons (not steam powered).

Towing law.....a minefield of confusion and misunderstanding.   Firstly I'm going to presume you passed your test prior to 1997.   All vehicles state maximum towing capacities. This is specified by the manufacturer and in general is what they think that vehicle can safely stop and restart on a 1:8 hill. One limit is for unbraked trailers and never seems to be above 750kg, the other is for braked trailers.If you exceed these figures you are breaking the Law, and it could lead to prosecution under several Laws, from invalid insurance to loading regulations. So in the case of your Suzuki, if you tow more than 1300kg you are illegal.   There is further confusion because the likes of the Caravan Club "suggest" that you do not exceed 85% of the actual stated kerb side weight of your vehicle, which can be a lot less than the actual stated weight above. This "ruling" is mostly to do with the stability of both the trailer and tug.   Some vehicles, like LR Defenders, actually have a max stated towing capacity well in excess of their actual kerb weight, but personally I have found that this is something you would want to do for long distances.   It is also illegal to tow a trailer that is plated with a total max weight capacity that is greater than the max your vehicle is plated to. So if you towed a trailer that was plated as 2000kg by your Suzuki you would be illegal.   As I said, confusing!!

So is it illegal due to braking issues ?

Just as a matter of theoretical interest, if one could tow an air braked trailer (i.e. not with "run on" brakes) would the limits still be the same ?

I`m just thinking about artics, with them the trailer weighs far more than the tractor unit.

So is it illegal due to braking issues ? Just as a matter of theoretical interest, if one could tow an air braked trailer (i.e. not with "run on" brakes) would the limits still be the same ? I`m just thinking about artics, with them the trailer weighs far more than the tractor unit.

Nothing to do with braking issues, but with what the vehicle manufacturer registers the limits for that particular vehicle. In fact it is more to do with the ability to restart on a hill with a full load.

In respect of a car/van and trailer it doesn't matter what braking system is used; if the trailer weight exceeds the manufacturers limits you can't do it. Which is also why you will find that most artic tractor units are rated at something like 45 tonnes.

And before you ask, no you can't get your vehicle rerated without major expense and testing!

Athy

How would I find out this legal maximum towing weight? We recently bought a Subaru Forester which is fitted with a towing hook and Mrs. Athy has spoken of getting a trailer - what restrictions apply? She passed her test about 1980 by the way.

and, more specifically

The limits will be in the Handbook, plus will be on the VIN plate, wherever that is on your car. Being as she passed her test prior to 97 you shouldn't have too many problems.

This might help, but it might not be your year model;

http://www.carpages.co.uk/guide/subaru/subaru-forester-2.0-x-dimensions.asp

What would be the smallest most economical car that could legally tow a Wilderness Beaver 23 ? I think the all up weight of the latter (including the trailer) is 2000Kg.

I doubt you will find a car suitable. It would have to have a gross weight of around 2.5 tonnes, with a towing capacity of 2 tonnes minimum, and probably more.

You really are looking at LR Defenders (90 or 110), Discovery, Isuzu Trooper, Nissan Patrol type vehicles. It would be beyond most of the more modern Jap Twin-Cab pick-ups.

I have tried going through the Wilderness Boats web links posted earlier but can't find any weights listed, so you really would need to know the actual weight of a particular boat and trailer first.

We saw a few of these boats when we were out earlier in the year and I quite like them, although SWMBO wasn't so sure.

Greenie

I doubt you will find a car suitable. It would have to have a gross weight of around 2.5 tonnes, with a towing capacity of 2 tonnes minimum, and probably more. You really are looking at LR Defenders (90 or 110), Discovery, Isuzu Trooper, Nissan Patrol type vehicles. It would be beyond most of the more modern Jap Twin-Cab pick-ups.   I have tried going through the Wilderness Boats web links posted earlier but can't find any weights listed, so you really would need to know the actual weight of a particular boat and trailer first.   We saw a few of these boats when we were out earlier in the year and I quite like them, although SWMBO wasn't so sure.
I think a Land Rover Freelander is rated at 2000Kg towing weight, but they`re hardly cheap or economical, and did I hear something about suspect reliability ? The thing is that if one ends up having to buy a much bigger car (more expensive to purchase and run) then the economics/practicality of trailboating starts to take a dive. For example, I don`t believe in spending much on a car, my present vehicle is a 13yr old Escort. It costs me virtually nothing in depreciation, is pretty reliable and reasonably economical, and it`s fine, though the rust will get it before too long ! But if I have to spend an extra £2000 per year running a big 4WD then one could hire a boat for a couple of weeks just with that extra amount.

mokjumbo

Hi,I`ve got a Caraboat and tow it with an Espace with ease.Look at the caraboat club website if interested(www.caraboat.com)hope this is of use.

AFAIK a Wilderness Beaver 23 + trailer will just come in over the magic 2000Kg, obviously it will depend upon the fit out and equipment / junk on board.

Ian Graham ("Noah", designer and original builder of Wilderness boats), certainly thought that Mrs TNC's Beaver 23 would be just over 2000Kg, she never got around to having the trailer + boat weighed at our Local Authorities public weighbridge, at the local dump.

After the demise of my son's Disco, we looked into 4x4's and concluded a Freelander or Nissan X-Trail would not be up to the job. We eventually went for a KIA Sorento.

Ian Graham swears blind by his ancient Izuzu Trooper, a half decent "R" reg one came up for sale for around £2000 through the WBOC a while back.

Mrs TNC has only just sold her Wilderness Beaver 23 "Mini Me", through Ian Graham.

http://www.wildernessboats.com/

The new Wilderness boats are made and sold through a new company

http://www.wildernesstrailboats.co.uk/

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  • Sailboat Guide

1986 Wilderness 40

  • Description

Seller's Description

Wilderness 40 Sail Boat for sale. Mull designed, Santa Cruz built ocean racer cruiser. PHRF rating in the 60’s, which means this boat is the perfect balance of speed, safety, and comfort. The boat was built in 1986, and is the tall rig model. Very similar to a SC 37, but more comfortable and less money :)

The boat is an amazing sailor – no bad habits and fast and secure in all weather. Easy to sail shorthanded (I take her out alone), but can handle large groups and a perfect boat for long weekends at Catalina.

Well maintained and ready for a trip to the islands today, just add food and go!

Video walkthrough:

Wilderness 40 Interior Walkthrough

Wilderness 40 Sailboat – Exterior walkthrough

Rigging and sails:

  • Double spreader masthead rig, all rod rigging.
  • New (July 2020) hydraulic backstay adjuster ($2k)
  • Ullman full batten mainsail on a tides marine strongtrack. Lazy jacks.
  • North 150% furling genoa on Harken furler.
  • Assorted jibs (fair to good), symmetric spin (good), and very good Asymmetric spin with sock.
  • New main halyard – dyneema hybrid, and spin halyards (over $400).
  • Edson wheel with leather cover in great shape
  • Dodger and a great set of covers keep everything clean and in good working order.

Electronics:

  • Raymarine wheel pilot
  • Stereo with interior and new cockpit speakers. Bluetooth.
  • Built in Battery charger and inverter. 110v system
  • 2 battery banks: Trojan T105s – good condition. Integrated battery monitor
  • New 175W solar panel and MPPT charge controller (never needs shore power and can run the fridge nonstop)
  • New Standard Horizon VHF radio with GPS, DSC, and AIS receiver. Ram mic mounted in cockpit. ($$$)
  • Digital Yacht Wifi module to broadcast NMEA 2000 data. Allows you to display AIS and instrument data on your phone or tablet.

Interior / Galley:

  • LNG stove with oven. Safe and works perfectly.
  • Pressure fresh water with cockpit shower.
  • 6’+ vee berth, 7’+ port and starboard berths, huge (close to queen size) aft berth. Could sleep 6, and we have had 4 comfortably for the weekend.
  • Plenty of storage
  • Manual head with holding tank – new joker valve installed 2020.
  • Yanmar 3GM30F diesel – reliable and economical
  • Fresh water cooled.
  • Runs great. New filters, belts, and oil change this year.
  • Folding 2-blade prop
  • New bottom paint June 2018
  • Diver cleans monthly
  • Zincs inspected and replaced as needed

This boat is ready to go! We are sad to see her go as we love this boat. Great to sail and perfect for trips to the islands. However, we are under contract on another boat so we need to sell and have priced this boat competitively. Lots of love and thousands have been put into the boat in the last couple years and it shows. If you are looking for a great sailboat that can be raced or cruised, and fun for the beginner and pro alike – this is it!

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

  • SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
  • D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

  • D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
  • LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

  • D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
  • LOA: Length overall in feet
  • Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Probably an ‘extended’ version of the WILDERNESS 38 design. At least 5 were built. Later versions had a taller rig.

This listing is presented by SailingAnarchy.com . Visit their website for more information or to contact the seller.

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08-05-2015, 02:23  
Boat: Nantucket Island 33
tomorrow. I've heard good things about them in regards to seaworthiness and sailing ability. Interested in opinions, , anything basically on the things to watch out for when giving one the once over and what past or present owners or crew have thought of them in general.

Cheers, Jeff.
08-05-2015, 05:22  
Boat: C.L.O.D.
(Scarborough???) in the 80s that were a bit suspect in QC department - thin spots in the and so on but there are probably a lot that were well built.
08-05-2015, 14:52  
Boat: Nantucket Island 33
 
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Information on the Wilderness 30'? By Wilderness Boat Works

  • Add to quote

Hello I'm a college student looking to get a boat for a college student kind of price. There is someone in my area who wants to sell a Wilderness 30. I have looked on line for more information about this boat but i can't find much. I know it was partly designed by Chuck Burns (talked to him on the phone), but I'm still lost on its value, its usability as cruiser and racer? Or any structural flaws it may have? If anyone owns one of these our has sailed one please let me know. I'd be very appreciative for any information and opinions. The ad I read said make offers. I might have to get an appraiser? hope to hear from you  

wilderness 40 sailboat review

Given your "college student kind of price" budget, I would highly recommend you buy a smaller boat. A smaller boat will be easier to maintain and far less expensive to own.  

Hi Sailingdog Thanks for your recommendation, I was thinking of making it work by living aboard. That way i can afford mooring and work on it if it needs work. So any information on this brand of boat? Is it comparable to a j30? In size at least? i could live on a j30....  

Specifications for it are located here The j30 is a lot bigger , since it has a beam of 11' versus the 8.8 of the Wilderness 30. Before doing anything else, I would highly recommend you read the Boat Inspection Trip Tips thread I started, as it will help you determine whether this boat is even worth going any further with. You don't want to buy a cheap boat...you don't want to focus on PRICE, but on VALUE. You want a good boat at a good price.  

wilderness 40 sailboat review

The Wilderness 30 was not really conceived as any kind of liveaboard and is pretty spartan.... and narrow, as SD pointed out. A J30 would be luxurious in comparison. It was considered a pretty lightweight boat when it was introduced, and is a quick, responsive boat that will reward good handling. But roomy and comfy maybe not.....  

The Wilderness 30 would be a cool boat to own and sail. I think only a handful were ever built, and a few of them are still lurking in Santa Cruz, and the SF Bay area. They occasionally appear for sale in Latitude 38, for $15-20K. Since they are a ULDB, concieved to be similar to an Olson 30, they will be light on accomodation, but a great performer. It would be more of a camp aboard boat than a live aboard, with about the room of a typical 25'er. If you search around at Sailing Anarchy, you sould be able to find an informative thread or two about these boats. If a budget live aboard is a primary motivation, then I also concur that it would be worth considering a slightly smaller boat, but with perhaps a little more accomodation.  

Hi everyone Thanks for the great tips and info. I like the sounds of a good handling quick boat, especially a rare one!! I'd love to get into some more racing. So maybe it won't a long term liveaboard, but a short term camp aboard... Maybe its just a pipe-dream to have a boat right now, but the current owner really wants to get it to someone who would value it for what it is and is willing to make a long term paying contract or some other arrangement, they're not interested in the money but more that it gets put to good use (the vibe I get). I believe its just been sitting. There are a lot of boats just sitting in Seattle, rather sad to see. I'm going to go look at it none the less, and will do some research on boat inspections and take some photos so that there is a least some photo documentation of this boat on the web (I cannot find a single picture of one). I'll be posting up my results. From the picture on the ad I think she has some beautiful lines and looks racy. It also sounds like a fun racer, phrf is around 100-120 (multiple sources), so not bad.  

At the end of this video is a W30 finishing mostly under control in tough conditions.. (blue kite) at the 1:50 mark....  

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10 Best Used Cruising Sailboats

  • By John Kretschmer
  • Updated: May 24, 2024

The appeal of offshore voyaging is difficult to explain to land people who can’t imagine life without basic human rights like copious quantities of hot water and unlimited data. It can even be challenging to explain to fellow sailors who think the notion of spending days or weeks at sea is a form of water­boarding, some kind of self-inflicted torture.

But for those of us who understand, who relish intimacy with the untamed wilderness that is the ocean and embrace self-­reliance and individual expression while accepting the ­dispassionate whims of Neptune, this is the good life.

There are two essential truths about this life: One, money does not matter. Cruising budgets and lifestyles reflect bank accounts with variously positioned commas; it’s the passages and landfalls that add up, not your investment portfolio. And two, a good bluewater sailboat — not necessarily an expensive boat, but a well-­designed, solidly built, imminently seaworthy boat that is only limited by your moxie and imagination — is the key to successful bluewater passagemaking.

– LEARN THE NAVIGATION RULES – Know the “Rules of the Road” that govern all boat traffic. Be courteous and never assume other boaters can see you. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

So, to that second point, I’ve compiled a list of interesting and affordable cruising sailboats for serious voyaging. A list of 10 sailboats for any purpose, much less world cruising, is sure to evoke outrage from strong-minded sailors, who by nature tend to be a bit opinionated. Stand by before hurling insults my way, and let me explain. I have decided to stay away from the sailboats we know by heart, the iconic old boats that usually populate a list like this: the Westsail 32, Tayana 37, Shannon 38 and Valiant 40 (the last of which, with a bit of searching, can still be found at or just below $100,000).

My list of some of the best liveaboard sailboats is eclectic and includes a mix of well-known and obscure manufacturers, but all the boats are linked in three ways: All are top-quality vessels capable of crossing oceans. They’re affordable, although in a few cases you have to look for older models in less-than-stellar condition to stay below $100,000. Indeed, in some ways, this list of used sailboats is a function of age; most of the boats were priced at more than $100,000 when new but have dipped below our self-imposed threshold in middle age. And finally, they’re all boats that I have encountered in the past few years in far-flung cruising destinations .

Island Packet 35

Packet 35

Love them or loathe them, Island Packets are everywhere. To some, the beamy, full-keel, high-freeboard hull designs seem quaint, to put it charitably. To others, the robust construction standards, roomy interiors and overall user-friendliness make them the ideal cruising boat. More than most, sailing vessels are compromises, and Bob Johnson and his crew at Island Packet were brilliant in prioritizing the needs of sailors. The IP 35 was introduced in 1988 and features a huge cockpit, an easy-to-handle cutter rig with a jib boom, and a clever, comfortable interior with the volume of many 40-footers. It might not be the fastest boat upwind, but the long waterline translates to good performance off the breeze, meaning the IP 35 finds its stride in the trade winds. In all, 188 boats were built before production stopped in 1994.

Don’t confuse the IP 35 with the IP 350, which was launched in 1997 and included a stern swim step. You won’t find a 350 for less than $100,000, but you will have a choice among 35s, especially those built before 1990. With two nice staterooms, the 35 is ideal for family cruising. I know of a couple of 35s that have completed the classic Atlantic Circle passage. It’s perfect for a sabbatical cruise because it holds its value and there’s a ready market when it comes time to sell.

Prout Snowgoose 37

Prout Snowgoose 37

There’s no room for discussion: Catamarans are crossing oceans, and many sailors are choosing cats for world cruising. My last visits to the Azores and Canary Islands, the classic Atlantic waypoints, proved the point. I’m not much of a statistician, but by my count, at least a quarter and maybe a third of the boats I saw were catamarans. There would be more on this list, but they are just too expensive. Finding a quality catamaran for less than $100,000 is tough. One boat to consider is the classic workhorse multihull, the Prout Snowgoose 37.

When the Snowgoose 37 was launched in 1983, English builder Prout & Sons had already been in business for nearly 50 years. The 37 was an updated version of the Snowgoose 35, one of the most successful cruising cats ever. In 1986, the 37 was updated again; the Snowgoose Elite model included more beam and interior upgrades. These models are challenging to find for under $100,000, but it’s possible. A quick glance at yachtworld.com shows several of both models available for less than $100,000. Again, the strong dollar makes European boats an excellent value.

The Snowgoose 37 is not sexy like go-fast cats, and not roomy like modern cruising cats. It is, however, seaworthy. Of the 500 built, many have circumnavigated. Older boats have solid fiberglass hulls, and more recent models are solid glass from the waterline down and cored above. The cockpit is rather compact by catamaran standards, and the bridgedeck is solid (no tramp). Many 37s and all Elites were rigged with staysails, a big plus in heavy weather. The masthead-­rigged Snowgoose 37 can be sailed like a monohull offshore, and it’s quite nice not having a huge, roachy mainsail to wrestle with in a storm. With a 15-foot-3-inch beam for the 37 and a 16-foot-3-inch beam for the Elite, it’s easy to find affordable dockage and yards for haulouts. Most boats have three double cabins, making the Snowgoose 37 an ideal family cruiser.

Corbin 39

The Corbin 39 is not as well known as it should be. It’s a capable bluewater sailboat cruiser with many impressive voyages logged. My Quetzal spent several weeks moored alongside a handsome 39 in Corfu that had sailed around the world, and I also spent a winter in Malta in the same boatyard as another 39 that had recently crossed the Atlantic. A canoe-stern, flush-deck pilothouse cutter, the 39 was offered with either an aft or center cockpit. Designed by Michael Dufour and constructed by Corbin les Bateaux in Canada, hull number one was launched in 1977. Built in various locations in Quebec, 129 boats were launched before a fire destroyed the deck tooling in 1982. A new deck with a larger cockpit was designed, and 70 more boats were laid up before production ceased in 1990.

The rub on the Corbin 39 is that the majority of boats were sold as kits with owner-­finished interiors. Kits varied from just hull-and-deck to “sailaway,” with everything fitted except the interior. Only 15 boats were finished at the factory. Not surprisingly, the interior quality is unpredictable, from rough-hewn lumberyard specials to beautifully handcrafted gems finished by marine professionals. The difference is reflected in the price. A nicely finished, well-equipped model from the mid-’80s typically sells for between $60,000 and $80,000.

The hull shape features a long fin keel and skeg-mounted rudder. The hulls are heavily laid up and include Airex coring. Early decks were plywood-cored, but most boats have Airex in the deck as well. Ballast is 9,000 pounds of internal lead, translating to a 40 percent ballast-to-displacement ratio. The wide flush deck is spacious, and the sleek pilothouse usually includes inside steering. Massive double anchor rollers are incorporated into the bowsprit in later models. Most boats include a double-­spreader spar, and almost all were set up as cutters. There’s plenty of freeboard, which becomes obvious below. While interior arrangements vary considerably, there’s a lot of room to work with. I prefer the post-1982 aft-cockpit 39s; they’re generally of a higher quality than earlier boats.

– CARRY A BEACON – Satellite beacons such as EPIRBs or PLBs allow boaters to transmit distress signals and their exact coordinates from anywhere on the planet, no cell service required. It may be the best $400 you ever spend. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

Cabo Rico 38

Cabo Rico 38

“The Cabo Rico 38 hull shape is the one in which everything came together best,” wrote Bill Crealock in his design notes. He might have changed his mind later in life, considering that the Cabo Rico was introduced in 1977 and he designed many boats after that, but few will dispute that this 38-foot cutter, built in Costa Rica, is flat-out beautiful. From the clipper bow to the sweet sheer to the abundance of honey-colored teak, the Cabo Rico 38 is a boat to inspire the most practical among us to quit their job, buy this vessel, and head for the South Pacific.

Not surprisingly, many people have done just that. Cabo Rico built 200 full-keeled 38s, with most of the production occurring in the 1980s. There’s always a selection of boats for sale for less than $100,000. Cabo Rico was an outlier among manufacturers of the time, building serious cruising boats in Central America instead of Taiwan, but quality control was always excellent. The full keel is slightly cutaway, and the rudder is attached to the trailing edge. The prop is in an aperture and totally protected, but not well suited to backing into a slip. Full-keel boats may make some younger sailors cringe, but the CR 38 has a very soft ride in rough seas and heaves to effectively. It also has a solid fiberglass hull with a layer of balsa for insulation. Sometimes it’s noted that the hull is balsa-cored, but it’s not. After about hull number 40, lead was used instead of iron for internal ballast. The deck is balsa-cored, however, and there’s a substantial bulwark. Items to be wary of are the teak decks (most 38s have them) and the fittings supporting the bobstay.

A true cutter rig, the 38 has just under 1,000 square feet of working sail area and performs better than most people suspect. The staysail was originally set on a boom that cluttered the foredeck and limited sail shape. Many boats have been converted with furling staysails sans the boom — a nice upgrade. When the wind pipes up, the 38 tracks nicely with a reefed main and staysail. I encounter 38s all over the Caribbean. They’re easy to spot; they’re the beautiful boats in the anchorage.

Tayana Vancouver 42

Tayana Vancouver 42

Ta Yang, builder of Tayana sailboats, has been building capable cruising boats forever, it seems. The Robert Harris-designed Tayana Vancouver 42 has been a mainstay of the serious cruising fleet since the day it was launched in 1979, and is still in demand today. The company built 200 boats, mostly in the ’80s and early ’90s, although a few V42s were built into the 2000s. With a bit of digging and some haggling, you can find boats for less than $100,000, but they’re likely to be older models. As of this writing, yachtworld.com has eight V42s listed, with three asking less than $100,000.

I’ve encountered the V42 all over the world, and in my yacht-delivery days, I had the pleasure of delivering a couple of 42s up the East Coast and down to the Caribbean. The double-ended hull shape with a fin-skeg underbody is stiff and seaworthy, if not wickedly fast. Considering the rugged construction, with a solid fiberglass hull and balsa-cored deck, nobody has ever accused Ta Yang of going light on its boats. Ballast is internal iron, a massive single casting that weighs in at 11,800 pounds. Ta Yang has evolved as a builder, and later models included upgrades like vinylester resin and larger Yanmar diesels.

A true cutter, the V42 has a double-spreader rig and is heavily stayed. The seagoing deck is cambered to shed water. Teak decks, with all their virtues and vices, were common; I’d look for a boat that’s been de-teaked. Like the Corbin 39, the V42 came with either a center or aft cockpit, although most boats were aft-cockpit models. The aft cockpit is deep and secure, if a bit tight due to volume sacrificed by the canoe stern. The center cockpit is cramped but offers excellent visibility. The interior is lovely, with exquisite Taiwanese joinery. Although interior arrangements vary because Ta Yang encouraged owner input, across the board, this is a friendly boat for living aboard. The aft-cockpit model includes one head and a traditional layout with excellent light and ventilation. The center-­cockpit model features a large owner’s stateroom aft.

Wauquiez Pretorien 35

Wauquiez Pretorien 35

The Pretorien 35 does not pay homage to tradition. The Euro-style low-slung wedge deck and flattish lines were thoroughly modern when the Pretorien was launched in 1979. Sure, there are IOR influences in this well-proven Holman & Pye design, including a slightly pinched stern, cramped cockpit, and a high-aspect, short-boom mainsail that results in a large fore­triangle. But a small main is easy to handle offshore, especially in squally conditions, and a large poled-out furling genoa provides a low-stress way to cross oceans. The test of a design is revealed long after the launch, and the Pretorien has aged brilliantly. It’s often mistaken for a Swan or Baltic. Famed voyager and author Hal Roth chose a Pretorien for his last boat.

Below the water, which is what really matters at sea, the Pretorien pushes the right buttons for serious sailing. A fine entry provides enough of a forefoot to prevent pounding in lumpy conditions, and as on the Valiant 40, the fin keel incorporates a stub to which the external ballast is fastened. The rudder is mounted well aft for excellent steering control, especially on a deep reach, and is tucked behind a narrow but full-length skeg. The Pretorien displaces 13,000 pounds, of which 6,000 pounds is ballast, translating to a stiff, seakindly boat.

The construction is superb. The solid fiberglass hull includes longitudinal stringers that stiffen the panels and encapsulate the bulkheads. Tabbing and fiberglass work is first-rate throughout. Wauquiez was one of the first builders to use solid laminate beneath high-load deck fittings. The side decks are wide and, with the chainplates well inboard, easy to navigate. The interior arrangement is conventional, but ample beam amidships helps create a surprisingly spacious feel below.

There were 212 Pretoriens built during a seven-year production run, so there’s usually a good selection of boats on the used market. Today’s strong dollar makes European Pretoriens an excellent value.

– SHOW THEM HOW MUCH YOU CARE – Nothing says ‘I love you’ like making sure the kids’ life jackets are snugged up and properly buckled. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

Gulfstar 44

Gulfstar 44

Gulfstar had a terrible reputation in the early ’70s: It was infamous for producing wide-body motorsailers with tiny rigs and chintzy Formica interiors. Company founder Vince Lazzara was adept at reading market trends and upped his game in the late ’70s and ’80s. Lazzara, who also founded Columbia Yachts, was a veteran of the production-­sailboat wars and realized that buyers were demanding high-quality boats that sailed well. The Gulfstar 44 was launched in 1978, and 105 were sold before the company started producing the Hirsh 45 in 1985.

Some mistake the G44 for a Bristol, and it has a similar profile, right down to the teak toerail and raked cabin trunk. A sleek center-­cockpit design, the hull shape features a 5-foot-6-inch fin keel, a skeg-hung rudder and moderate proportions. I know the boat well, having delivered one from Bermuda to Annapolis and another from Fort Lauderdale to Boston. It has a nice ride in lumpy seas and powers up when the big genoa is drawing on a reach. The construction is typical of the time, with solid fiberglass hulls and cored decks. Gulfstars were known to blister, and it’s likely that any 44 you find will have had an epoxy bottom job along the way — and if it hasn’t, it will need one. The keel-stepped spar has an air draft of 55 feet. Some owners have modified the sloop rig with a staysail. The cockpit is roomy, especially for a center-cockpit design, although there’s not much of a bridgedeck. All sail controls are led aft. Lazzara was an early proponent of this feature, and the boat is user-friendly overall.

The interior sells the boat. It’s nicely finished in teak, and the layout is made for living aboard. The aft cabin includes an enormous double berth with an en suite head and stall shower. The main saloon is spacious and well ventilated, although beware of the plastic opening portlights. If you are looking for a comfortable, well-built center-cockpit cruiser but can’t find one that you can afford, track down a Gulfstar 44; you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Nordic 40

Any list of bluewater cruising sailboats must include a Robert Perry design. I could have easily put together nine Perry boats for this list. The Nordic 40 may surprise some, especially because 40 feet is an iconic length, bringing to mind such boats as the Valiant 40, Hinckley Bermuda 40, Bristol 40, Pacific Seacraft 40, Passport 40 and others. The trick is finding a 40-footer for less than $100,000. Nonetheless, the Nordic 40 and its larger sister ship, the 44, are among my favorite boats.

Based in Bellingham, Washington, Nordic produced world-class yachts during its brief production run in the 1980s. Only 40 Nordic 40s were launched between 1982 and 1987, but they’re worth seeking out on the used-boat market. The 40 features the classic double-ended Perry hull shape, with a fine entry, a deep and powerful fin keel, a skeg-mounted rudder positioned well aft, and a reverse transom. Freeboard is moderate and the sheer line is subtle, but to my eye, with its double-spreader rig and gently sloping deck line, the boat is poetry in the water.

The hull is solid fiberglass and the deck is balsa-cored, with solid laminates below loaded-up deck fittings. Original boats came with Navtec rod rigging and a hydraulic backstay, but many have been upgraded by now. Sail-control lines are led aft to the compact but functional T-shaped cockpit. The traveler is forward of the companionway, allowing for a cockpit dodger. The Nordic 40 is nimble in light to moderate breeze but can also stand up in a blow and heave to decently.

The interior is well suited to a cruising couple. It’s really a two-person boat, with a V-berth forward and large C-shaped galley aft, with plenty of counter space and a huge fridge. It includes the normal deft Perry touches — excellent sea berths, a separate stall shower and generous tankage. If you do find a Nordic 40 on the used market, be sure to take a hard look at the Westerbeke diesel and the V-drive transmission.

Pacific Seacraft 34

Pacific Seacraft 34

A handsome, nimble and capable double-ender by legendary designer Bill Crealock, the Pacific Seacraft 34 is well proven, with scores of ocean crossings in its wake.

After the boat was first launched as the Crealock 34 in 1979, Pacific Seacraft introduced a fifth model years later, a scaled-down version of the popular PS 37. Though expensive at the time, the 34 was another success story for one of America’s premier builders, and hundreds of boats were built in the company’s yard in Santa Ana, California. There is always a good selection of used boats available for less than $100,000. Another nice perk for used-boat buyers is that the 34 is back in production at the reincarnated Pacific Seacraft yard in Washington, North Carolina, providing an outlet for parts and advice. The company is now owned and operated by marine archaeologist Stephen Brodie and his father, Reid.

The 34 blends traditional values above the waterline with what was then a more modern underbody, with a long fin keel and skeg-hung rudder. A bit hefty at 13,500 pounds of displacement, the design otherwise is a study in moderation, and drawn with a keen eye toward providing a soft ride in a seaway and staying on good terms with Neptune in a blow.

The hull is solid fiberglass, and early decks were plywood-­cored before Pacific switched to end-grain balsa. The hull-to-deck joint incorporates a molded bulwark that offers added security when you’re moving about on deck, and a vertical surface for mounting stanchions.

Most 34s are cutter-rigged for versatility but carry moderate-­size genoas instead of high-cut yankees for more horsepower off the wind. Down below, the layout is traditional, but the 6-foot-4-inch headroom is a pleasant surprise. The Pacific Seacraft 34 is perfect for a cruising couple.

John Kretschmer is a delivery captain, adventurer and writer, whose own boat Quetzal , a 1987 Kaufman 47, has seen a refit or two over the years. His latest book is Sailing a Serious Ocean: Sailboats, Storms, Stories and Lessons Learned from 30 Years at Sea , also available on his website .

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Wilderness 40

The wilderness 40 is a 40.0ft masthead sloop designed by gary mull and built in fiberglass by wilderness boat works since 1980..

The Wilderness 40 is a light sailboat which is a very high performer. It is very stable / stiff and has a low righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a racing boat.

Wilderness 40 sailboat under sail

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Main features

Model Wilderness 40
Length 40 ft
Beam 12 ft
Draft 6.50 ft
Country United states (North America)
Estimated price $ 0 ??

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Sail area / displ. 22.15
Ballast / displ. 44.10 %
Displ. / length 122.62
Comfort ratio 14.77
Capsize 2.31
Hull type Monohull fin keel with spade rudder
Construction Fiberglass
Waterline length 32 ft
Maximum draft 6.50 ft
Displacement 9000 lbs
Ballast 3969 lbs
Hull speed 7.58 knots

wilderness 40 sailboat review

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Rigging Masthead Sloop
Sail area (100%) 597 sq.ft
Air draft 0 ft ??
Sail area fore 352.50 sq.ft
Sail area main 244.85 sq.ft
I 47 ft
J 15 ft
P 41.50 ft
E 11.80 ft
Nb engines 1
Total power 0 HP
Fuel capacity 0 gals

Accommodations

Water capacity 0 gals
Headroom 0 ft
Nb of cabins 0
Nb of berths 0
Nb heads 0

Builder data

Builder Wilderness Boat Works
Designer Gary Mull
First built 1980
Last built 0 ??
Number built 0 ??

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  3. The WEIRDEST 40' Sailboat I've EVER Seen [Short Tour] Part 2

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COMMENTS

  1. Wilderness 40

    706. Vancouver, BC. Apr 8, 2014. #2. Boat shopping again and a Wilderness 40 in Morro Bay CA caught my eye. I seem to remember these boats being shy on headroom inside. I'm 6' and would like to be able to stand up.

  2. 40' Wilderness Sailboat 1981

    40' Wilderness Sailboat 1981. 40' Wilderness Sailboat 1981 ocean cruiser/racer. VERY FAST ! - $58000. I can't find any info. We (wife and I) are searching for a passage making cruiser in the 60-80k range for an open ended cruise, with possability of a circ.

  3. WILDERNESS 40: Reviews, Specifications, Built, Engine

    WILDERNESS 40 Detailed Review. 1 of 1. If you are a boat enthusiast looking to get more information on specs, built, make, etc. of different boats, then here is a complete review of WILDERNESS 40. Built by Wilderness Boat Works and designed by Gary Mull, the boat was first built in 1980. It has a hull type of Fin w/spade rudder and LOA is 12.19.

  4. WILDERNESS 40

    40 to 50 indicates a heavy bluewater boat; over 50 indicates an extremely heavy bluewater boat. Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam^1.33), where displacement is expressed in pounds, and length is expressed in feet. Capsize Screening Formula (CSF): Designed to determine if a boat has blue water capability.

  5. Wilderness 40

    Notes. Probably an 'extended' version of the WILDERNESS 38 design. At least 5 were built. Later versions had a taller rig. Suggest Improvements. Source: sailboatdata.com / CC BY. Embed. Wilderness 40 is a 39′ 11″ / 12.2 m monohull sailboat designed by Gary Mull and built by Wilderness Boat Works starting in 1980.

  6. Wilderness 40

    The Wilderness 40 is a small recreational keelboat, built predominantly of fiberglass, with wood trim. It has a masthead sloop rig, an internally-mounted spade-type rudder and a fixed fin keel. It displaces 9,000 lb (4,082 kg) and carries 3,969 lb (1,800 kg) of lead ballast. The boat has a draft of 6.50 ft (1.98 m) with the standard keel.

  7. Review of Wilderness 40

    The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for Wilderness 40 is about 239 kg/cm, alternatively 1338 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 239 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 1338 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.

  8. Wilderness 40

    The Wilderness 40 is a 40.0ft masthead sloop designed by Gary Mull and built in fiberglass by Wilderness Boat Works since 1980. The Wilderness 40 is a light sailboat which is a very high performer. It is very stable / stiff and has a low righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a racing boat.

  9. Wilderness 40 Sailboat

    Wilderness 40 Sailboat exterior tour.

  10. Any opinions on Wilderness boats

    There was a review of the new 23 foot Wilderness Beaver in the October 2008 Waterways World. ... The all-up weight of the trailer and boat with normal personal kit is around 2000kg so it is well beyond the scope of the family car. The most suitable towing vehicles are medium to large 4x4s like the Land Rover Discovery or Mitsubishi Shogun. ...

  11. 1986 Wilderness 40

    Seller's Description. Wilderness 40 Sail Boat for sale. Mull designed, Santa Cruz built ocean racer cruiser. PHRF rating in the 60's, which means this boat is the perfect balance of speed, safety, and comfort. The boat was built in 1986, and is the tall rig model. Very similar to a SC 37, but more comfortable and less money :)

  12. Wilderness 40

    The Wilderness 40 is an American sailboat, that was designed by Gary Mull and first built in 1980. The Wilderness 40 is an American sailboat, that was designed by Gary Mull and first built in 1980. Introduction Wilderness 40; Production; Design; Variants; See also; References

  13. Wilderness 40 Interior Walkthrough

    Walk through the interior of a Wilderness 40 sailboat.

  14. The Best Sailboats for the High Seas?

    Here are some of the boats that were suggested from our readers: Mariner 36, Cal 34, Morgan 43, Swan 43, Bermuda 40, Island Packet 26, Mariner 47, LeComte Northeast 38, Westsail 32, Dana 24, J/35, and the CSY 44. Id be interested in hearing of other nominees for this list, or other good resources for sailors looking for a short list of good ...

  15. Wilderness 21

    My model is the SJ21, pref. the MkII. I'm not real happy about the balsa-cored decks and their history of rotting out; and I suspect the SJ21 needs constant steering. But that boat is the comparator. So, if you would, help me put together a list of good daysailers under 2' of draft. Buccaneer18, Grainnia.

  16. Cal 40

    Sailboat Reviews; Sailboats 36-40ft; Cal 40 Though now an old and dated design, the Cal 40 was a hot boat when new, and she carries that legacy. By. Darrell Nicholson - Published: June 14, 2000 Updated: April 16, 2020. 0. Facebook. Twitter. Email. Print. Cal 40 Specifications.

  17. Salar 40 Good Bad and Ugly?

    Boat: Nantucket Island 33. Posts: 4,866. Salar 40 Good Bad and Ugly? Bitten by 3 foot-itis (6 foot-itis, actually) and off to look at a Salar 40 ketch tomorrow. I've heard good things about them in regards to seaworthiness and sailing ability. Interested in opinions, reviews, anything basically on the things to watch out for when giving one the ...

  18. Information on the Wilderness 30'? By Wilderness Boat Works

    The Wilderness 30 would be a cool boat to own and sail. I think only a handful were ever built, and a few of them. are still lurking in Santa Cruz, and the SF Bay area. They occasionally appear for sale in Latitude 38, for $15-20K. Since they are a ULDB, concieved to be similar to.

  19. Wilderness Sailing

    Review: Xquisite 30 Sportcat Top 10 Best Boats 2024 Nominee. The new Xquisite 30 Sportcat looked like a drag racer, tugging at her dock lines at the Annapolis sailboat show. At 30 feet, she was by far one of the smallest boats in the water, but this carbon speedster looked like she'd give the big boats a run for their money.

  20. 10 Best Used Cruising Sailboats & Liveaboards

    Only 40 Nordic 40s were launched between 1982 and 1987, but they're worth seeking out on the used-boat market. The 40 features the classic double-ended Perry hull shape, with a fine entry, a deep and powerful fin keel, a skeg-mounted rudder positioned well aft, and a reverse transom.

  21. WILDERNESS 40

    Blue Water Surf Value Rank (BWSVR) 4957. Capsize Comfort Value Rank (CCVR)

  22. Sailboats Over 40ft

    Practical Sailor takes the guesswork out of boat & gear buying. Explore our content about Sailboats Over 40ft. Activate My Web Access; My Account ... Beneteau 40.7. Sailboats Over 40ft November 29, ... Latest Sailboat Review. Sailboat Reviews. Ericson 41 Used Boat Review. August 26, 2024 ...

  23. Wilderness 40

    The Wilderness 40 is a 40.0ft masthead sloop designed by Gary Mull and built in fiberglass by Wilderness Boat Works since 1980. The Wilderness 40 is a light sailboat which is a very high performer. It is very stable / stiff and has a low righting capability if capsized.