Hughes 40 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Hughes 40's story begins in 1973 with its initial design by Sparkman & Stephens as the Northstar 80/20, identifiable by its Sparkman & Stephens design number #2134. Production of the vessel, under the Hughes name, commenced in 1975. During this period, Hughes Boat Works had been acquired by US Steel and was operating as Northstar Yachts Ltd., a Canadian manufacturer known for producing fiberglass sailboats, many of which were designed by Sparkman & Stephens. Howard Hughes, the company's founder, repurchased Northstar Yachts in 1977, rebranding popular models, including the Northstar 80/20, which was re-christened the Hughes 40. Sparkman & Stephens, a firm synonymous with elegant and performant yacht design, typically emphasized factors like long waterlines to enhance speed in their creations. The Hughes 40, with a waterline length of 31 feet for its 40-foot overall length, reflects this design philosophy, offering performance competitive with larger vessels of its era. The hull is constructed of solid fiberglass, featuring a fin keel with a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration known for offering a good balance of maneuverability and directional stability. Notably, the Swift 40, built in Korea, also shared this same Sparkman & Stephens design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Designed as a heavy-displacement cruiser, the Hughes 40 provides a remarkably comfortable and stable motion in a seaway. Its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio, calculated at approximately 419.5, places it firmly in the heavy cruiser category, indicating a vessel built for comfort and seakindliness rather than outright speed. While its Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of around 13.58 suggests it is not a light-air performer, the boat is often praised for its ability to sail effectively with good sails and a skilled hand. The ketch rig offers significant flexibility in sail management, allowing for various sail combinations to suit different wind conditions and points of sail, contributing to its reputation as a solid cruising yacht. With a Ballast to Displacement (Bal/Disp) ratio of approximately 32.8%, the Hughes 40 maintains a moderate level of stiffness, contributing to a stable and forgiving ride in most conditions. Owners frequently report that the boat sails well and, despite its cruising orientation, can point with other cruising boats, going to windward "like it's on rails" in strong breezes. The robust build and design make it a reliable choice for offshore passages.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Hughes 40, characterized by a center cockpit design, is focused on practicality and efficiency, making it well-suited for extended voyages. The design typically features a two-cabin layout, providing distinct private spaces, although some versions may offer a more open single-cabin arrangement. Owners consistently find that there is plenty of space both on deck and below, offering comfortable and spacious accommodations for its size. While specific details on interior finish materials may vary by individual boat and refit, the general emphasis is on creating a functional and livable space for cruisers.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Hughes 40 generally praise its solid construction and comfortable motion, particularly in a seaway. The boat is widely regarded as a stable and sturdy cruiser, heavily built and well-suited for blue water sailing. A recurring consideration noted by some owners, as with many vessels of its vintage, is the potential for aging systems that may require attention or upgrades. Despite this, the Hughes 40 maintains a dedicated following among those who appreciate its classic Sparkman & Stephens design and its robust capabilities as a long-distance cruising sailboat. Finding a well-maintained example is often the key to maximizing the ownership experience.