Quest 40 (Martin) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Quest 40 traces back to 2002, when Holby Marine introduced the model as the latest addition to their "Quest" line of sailboats. Holby Marine, founded by W. Barrett Holby, Jr. in 1984, built a distinguished name for itself by consistently blending high-performance design with innovative construction techniques from its Rhode Island base. The company was recognized for being "ahead of the times" in its use of advanced materials such as carbon fiber, which contributed to lighter, stronger, and faster yachts. This manufacturing ethos, characterized by a focus on quality, semi-custom builds, and collaboration with renowned naval architects like Rodger Martin, deeply influenced the Quest 40's development.

Rodger Martin, a respected maritime architect, lent his expertise to the Quest 40's design, aiming for a vessel that excelled in "sailing characteristics, handling, and strength." While specific details about the designer's explicit philosophy for this model are not extensively documented in available public records, the boat's specifications strongly suggest a clear mandate for performance. There is no readily available information indicating significant variations or different marks during its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Martin Quest 40's design ratios underscore its identity as a truly performance-oriented vessel. With a calculated sail area to displacement ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 24.77, the Quest 40 possesses a substantial sail plan relative to its weight. This high ratio suggests excellent light-air performance, allowing the boat to generate power and move efficiently even in marginal wind conditions, making it a lively and responsive boat to sail.

Its ballast to displacement ratio (Bal/Disp) of around 0.4156 is also noteworthy, indicating a significant amount of ballast relative to its overall displacement. This robust ballast ratio contributes to the boat's inherent stiffness and stability, enabling it to stand up to a greater amount of wind without excessive heeling. Sailors can expect the Quest 40 to maintain its sails efficiently and track well even when the breeze picks up, providing a secure and capable feel offshore.

Furthermore, the Quest 40 exhibits a very low displacement to length ratio (Disp/LWL) of approximately 117.05. This figure confirms its classification as a light-displacement yacht, a characteristic often associated with modern performance designs. A lower D/L ratio typically translates to less wetted surface area and easier acceleration, contributing to its "performance sport" designation. Coupled with a length overall of 40 feet and a waterline length of 36.5 feet, the Quest 40 is engineered for speed and agility. Its single spade rudder and bulb keel further enhance its responsiveness and upwind ability, while the fractional sloop rig with a maximum draft of 7.9 feet (or a minimum draft option of 5.75 feet) provides an efficient sail plan for competitive sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior specifications for the Martin Quest 40 are not extensively documented in public resources, its nature as a performance sport sailing yacht built by Holby Marine suggests a blend of functional design with a quality finish. The builder was known for producing semi-custom yachts, implying that interior layouts might have varied to some extent based on owner preferences. An ergonomically designed deck layout suggests a thoughtful approach to the overall user experience, likely extending to the functionality of the interior.

Typical for a 40-foot performance cruiser of its era, the interior would likely feature a standard arrangement including a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a dining table, a galley, and a head compartment. Given Holby Marine's reputation for quality, the interior would likely showcase well-appointed materials, potentially including wood trim, durable joinery, and practical finishes suitable for both racing and cruising. Storage would be optimized for offshore passages and liveaboard comfort, while ventilation would be addressed through hatches and ports to ensure comfort at anchor.