My opinions
which are worth what you paid...
First of all, with all due respect to Don, the 40.5 is a darn fine boat but they're hardly in the same price range. If you'll look at Yachtworld you'll see that they range from between 100K to 150K which is a good 50K more than the 40's go for. Of course, the 40.5 is newer and in many areas I consider it to be a better built boat. If your dad has the scratch I'd say to absolutely look at one.
Kevin is spot on about the aft holding tank but I've managed a more permanent fix.
In any case, here's my response to your inquiry:
Note that my comments refer to our experiences only and focus on the '84-'86 models. The '87-'90 boats are mostly the same but incorporated many minor design changes.
Cons:
Tankage is one issue. Not capacity, but rather having ALL fuel in one tank and ALL water in one tank. Aluminum for the fresh water tank is a questionable choice of material. There are no access ports.
Aft holding tank built into hull grid is poorly executed, small and prone to leaks.
The steel anchors molded into the grid for the chainplate tie-rod system are mild steel and subject to deterioration with any water intrusion.
The joinery is pedestrian at best.
Lightweight Beckson plastic ports ('84-'86.)
Most of the cabinet doors aren't positively latched.
The cockpit lazarettes aren't gasketed and lockable.
The steep and tall companionway can be treacherous in a wild seaway although I've only managed to fall down ours while anchored in calm waters. Go figure.
Only one anchor roller.
Stock 40's are equipped with CNG for the stove. You won't find it outside the US. You may want to convert to LPG.
Stock 40's have a woefully inadequate house DC bank and charging/monitoring system. DC wiring is untinned.
Two heads on a 40' cruising boat is ridiculous. The H40's forward head is poorly plumbed and so small as to be nearly unuseable.
Most 40's are relatively inexpensive (that's why we own one.) However, that also means that most on the market have been bought and abused by less than knowledgeable people who bought with little money, did no meaningful maintenance because they couldn't afford it, or worse, performed those dreaded "owner modifications." There are many beat-to-shit H40's out there that aren't worth owning. Survey REALLY carefully.
Pros:
It's a great looking boat.
It sails beautifully. It's fast.
It's inexpensive.
It's got a sumptuous salon and aft stateroom for a 40' boat.
There are MANY more issues, both good and bad, but these are the biggy's as far as I'm concerned. Most are repairable at which point you have to answer the "is it worth it to me?" question. For us it definitely has been.
As with all boats, it's all about trade-offs, but after 9 years and nearly 10,000 miles we're happy to have ours.
You can check us out at our web site.
www.svanthem.com
