Islander 40 MS Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Islander 40 MS commenced production in 1970 under the banner of Islander Yachts, a company known for producing robust and well-designed cruising vessels. Designed by Charles Davies, the 40 MS emerged during an era when Islander was solidifying its reputation for capable yachts suitable for both coastal and offshore cruising, focusing on solid construction and comfortable interiors. The vessel features a sturdy fiberglass solid hull and deck construction. Interestingly, the Islander 40 MS was later re-introduced as the Freeport 41, with an updated interior design penned by Robert Perry, demonstrating an evolution of the model and its enduring appeal. Some versions of the Freeport 41 may have also been built by Cheoy Lee.

A key design feature of the Islander 40 MS is her long keel hull type. This design choice is known to provide superior directional stability compared to boats with fin keels, which contributes to a more comfortable motion in a seaway. She is rigged as a masthead ketch, a configuration that offers a versatile sail plan and is generally considered easier to handle due to smaller individual sail sizes.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a motorsailer, the Islander 40 MS prioritizes comfort and motor-driven capability, though she remains a capable sailboat. Her sailing performance metrics reflect this design philosophy. With a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/Disp) of 12.54, she is considered an "underpowered" sailboat, suggesting that while she can sail, her performance in light winds may be modest. This characteristic is typical for a motorsailer, where auxiliary power is often utilized to maintain speed in varying conditions.

The vessel's Ballast to Displacement Ratio (Bal/Disp) is 21.43%. While this figure is relatively low compared to performance-oriented sailboats, the Islander 40 MS is described as "reasonably stable / stiff and has an excellent righting capability if capsized". This inherent stability is largely attributed to her heavy displacement and the design of her full-length long keel, which provides a deep, stable platform. Her Displacement to Length Ratio (Disp/Len) of 364.13 further reinforces her classification as a very heavy boat for her length. This substantial build contributes to a comfortable and steady motion, particularly in choppy seas, making her well-suited for cruising rather than racing. With a hull speed of approximately 7.64 knots, she is designed for efficient passage making under power or sail. The ketch rig allows for flexible sail combinations, enabling easy handling and reefing in changing wind conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Islander 40 MS, like many motorsailers, is designed to maximize comfort and livability, often featuring a raised salon or pilothouse to provide excellent visibility and protection from the elements. While specific detailed layouts for the Islander 40 MS are not widely documented in review snippets, Islander Yachts generally cultivated a reputation for building boats with comfortable interiors and solid construction. Given its motorsailer designation, the design likely emphasizes generous headroom, ample storage, and comfortable living spaces suitable for extended cruising. The updated Freeport 41 version, derived from the 40 MS, featured an interior redesign by Robert Perry, suggesting a focus on optimizing internal volume and functionality for liveaboard or extended voyages. Owners often find these boats to offer a good balance of interior volume and seaworthiness, making them ideal for long-distance cruising or comfortable dockside living.