Sun Fast 40.3 (Jeanneau) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Sun Fast 40.3 began in 2004, designed by the celebrated naval architect Daniel Andrieu. Andrieu is known for designing hulls dedicated to both performance and comfort, a philosophy that is clearly evident in the Sun Fast 40.3's lines. Jeanneau, with a history spanning over six decades, has consistently championed innovation and quality, embracing new technologies like fiberglass construction from early in its history. During the era of the Sun Fast 40.3's production, Jeanneau had already solidified its global presence under Groupe Beneteau, and maintained a strong emphasis on creating "liveable boats" with clever layouts and comfortable amenities, even for its performance models. While the Sun Fast range focuses on speed and sensations, these boats also prioritize reliability, ease of handling, and safety. The Sun Fast 40.3 was built with a fiberglass solid hull and deck, indicative of Jeanneau's advanced construction techniques, which also included resin infusion molding for larger models during this period, 1]. There's no widespread information indicating significant variations like MkI/MkII designations for the Sun Fast 40.3 during its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Jeanneau Sun Fast 40.3 is designed for spirited sailing, a characteristic reflected in its performance ratios. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 17.23, the Sun Fast 40.3 suggests a boat with good performance potential, capable of moving well in a variety of wind conditions, though it doesn't lean exclusively towards extreme light-air performance. Its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 217.25 places it in the category of a medium-weight performance cruiser, indicating a good balance between speed and comfortable motion through the water. The ballast to displacement ratio, at approximately 0.29, suggests a design that balances stability with a lighter displacement for agility, rather than being an exceptionally stiff boat that stands up to an extreme amount of wind with minimal heel.

Anecdotal owner reviews often highlight the Sun Fast 40.3 as being "fun, fast" and easy to manage. It is frequently described as having excellent sailing characteristics, being responsive, and well-balanced under sail. The Sun Fast line, including the 40.3, is noted for having distinct foils, keel (fin with bulb), and hull forms optimized for performance, often equipped with robust race-oriented deck gear. The inclusion of a twin-wheel design in the cockpit not only enhances visibility but also provides better access to the swim platform, a notable feature for a performance-oriented vessel of its size. The hull form is often considered to be fast, contributing to its enjoyable sailing experience.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its emphasis on performance, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 40.3 offers a practical and surprisingly luminous interior, designed for comfort during extended cruising. While specific maximum headroom is not universally listed in specifications, the interior layout is designed to be "liveable". Typically, the interior arrangements include a V-berth forward, a head, a spacious salon, and a functional galley. Some configurations offer a luxurious owner's layout.

The Sun Fast 40.3 often features a large double bunk aft, though headroom can be limited in certain areas of the aft cabin, particularly under the cockpit sole. The general finish quality is in line with Jeanneau's reputation for using quality materials, though specific details like wood trim vs. fiberglass vary by year and owner customization. Storage is generally adequate for a boat of its size, designed for cruising, and ventilation is typically achieved through deck hatches and portlights.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Jeanneau Sun Fast 40.3 generally express high satisfaction with the boat's overall performance and build quality. Many praise its ability to combine exhilarating sailing with comfortable cruising capabilities, often describing it as "fun, fast" and easy to handle. The hull, shared with some Sun Odyssey models, is frequently cited for its robust and "pretty well built" construction, as well as its speed. The twin-wheel design in the cockpit is also a highly appreciated feature, providing excellent visibility and easy access to the transom.

However, like any boat, some common points of discussion or potential maintenance areas are occasionally mentioned. While not a universal issue, some forum discussions touch upon challenges with moving the main traveler, with some older models reportedly requiring boom replacement in certain situations. Overall, owners consistently commend the Sun Fast 40.3 for its solid construction and enjoyable sailing experience, making it a popular choice for those seeking a balance between performance and cruising comfort.