Bayfield 40 Information, Review, Specs

The Bayfield 40 was designed by Ted Gozzard for cruising, with production commencing in 1982 and continuing until 1988, the year a fire unfortunately led to the closure of Bayfield Boat Yard Ltd. Gozzard's design philosophy, evident throughout the Bayfield range and particularly in the 40, centered on creating boats with a "miniature traditional ship look." This included signature elements such as a clipper bow with a prominent bowsprit, trailboards, and a long keel. The builder's ethos during this era prioritized comfort and traditional styling, utilizing fiberglass to offer durability while retaining classic charm. A hallmark of Bayfield designs was their focus on maximizing interior volume and headroom, a feature that contributes significantly to the liveability of the Bayfield 40. There is no indication of significant MkI or MkII variations during its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Bayfield 40 is characterized by its long keel and staysail ketch rig, features that contribute to its predictable handling and stability. With a displacement of 21,000 lbs, she is classified as a heavy, traditional cruiser, reflected in a displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 330. This substantial displacement suggests a boat that will carry momentum well and offer a comfortable motion in a seaway.

Her sail area to displacement ratio, calculated at around 16.76, indicates a moderate performer, suggesting she is not optimized for light-air speed but provides a solid, dependable ride. The ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 0.39 signifies good inherent stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a fair amount of wind, though some owners have noted a "rolly motion" in certain conditions. The long keel provides excellent directional stability, which is advantageous for offshore passages, though it can make handling in confined harbor spaces slightly more challenging. The ketch rig, with its divided sail plan, is generally considered easier to manage due to smaller individual sails, providing versatile options for adjusting sail area in varying wind conditions. Owners generally find the Bayfield 40 to be a comfortable and easy-to-sail boat, capable of handling various sea conditions, even if she won't be winning races.

Accommodations and Layout

The Bayfield 40 is particularly noted for its spacious interior and emphasis on comfort, aligning with Ted Gozzard's design philosophy of offering more headroom below decks. With a maximum headroom of 6.25 feet, the interior feels generous. The layout is somewhat unconventional, featuring a spacious salon and two private aft cabins located to port and starboard, which can sometimes be opened to the main salon. Unusually, the head, vanity, and shower cabin are positioned forward in the bow, where a traditional V-berth might typically be found. The boat offers sleeping accommodations for up to six people, utilizing the two double cabins aft and the salon.

The galley typically includes a two-burner gas stove with an oven, an electric remote gas cut-off, a gas sensor alarm, and often a microwave, catering to comfortable live-aboard cruising. While specific details on finish quality vary with age and maintenance, Bayfield boats generally feature robust fiberglass hulls, providing a solid foundation for the interior.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Bayfield 40 consistently praise her as a comfortable and solid cruising boat, often highlighting her seaworthiness and generous interior volume. Many consider her a viable option for live-aboard cruising and ocean passages. The robust construction, a hallmark of Bayfield Boat Yard, contributes to their enduring appeal in the used boat market. While some owners note a "rolly motion" in certain sea states, overall, the handling characteristics are generally appreciated for their predictability and ease, particularly given the ketch rig and long keel. A strong community of Bayfield owners continues to value these Canadian-built yachts for their distinctive charm and practical cruising capabilities.