Jouët 1040 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Jouët 1040 entered production in 1981, a period when the Jouët brand was operating as a subsidiary of Yachting France. This allowed the company to leverage more efficient fiberglass construction techniques that had revolutionized boat building. Designer Yves Mareschal brought a vision to the 1040 that sought to balance interior volume and comfort with respectable sailing characteristics. Produced until approximately 1987, the 1040 embodies the builder's ethos of crafting dependable and capable sailing yachts designed to handle diverse conditions. While specific design philosophies for the 1040 aren't widely detailed, the Jouët brand itself emphasized robust construction and a blend of aesthetic appeal with reliable performance, qualities evident in the 1040's design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of just over 34 feet and a waterline length of nearly 29 feet, the Jouët 1040 features a fin keel and skeg-hung rudder, a configuration chosen for both performance and directional stability. Her displacement of 9,600 lbs gives her a displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 181, suggesting a lighter, more performance-oriented cruiser rather than a heavy, traditional displacement vessel. This translates to a boat that moves efficiently through the water. The Jouët 1040 boasts a sail area to displacement ratio of around 18.80, indicating good performance potential, especially in lighter air. While some sources identify it as a motorsailer, it is consistently described by owners as a capable sailboat that "walks correctly by sail" and is a "good performer."

The ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 45% (derived from a reported 45.29% ratio) points to a stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to a good breeze. This high stability contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, making it a secure platform for cruising. Owners frequently praise its comfortable and safe handling characteristics, affirming its suitability for coastal and overnight cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its performance leanings, the Jouët 1040 prioritizes comfortable living spaces below deck. Owners often describe the interior as spacious, pleasant, and comfortable. The layout typically features a large owner's cabin forward, providing ample privacy and space. A comfortable aft cabin offers additional berths, and the saloon often includes a convertible dinette, maximizing sleeping capacity. While specific details on maximum headroom are not consistently available, the Jouët brand, particularly with models like the 920 and 1300, was known for generous headroom and overall spaciousness, a design priority that likely carried over to the 1040. The interior generally features robust construction, aligning with Jouët's reputation for durable vessels.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Jouët 1040 consistently highlight its strengths as a solid and dependable cruising yacht. The boat is frequently praised for its robust construction, which contributes to a feeling of security and longevity. Its stable and stiff nature under sail is a recurring positive, making it a comfortable vessel for both short day sails and longer passages. Many appreciate the balance between sailing performance and interior comfort, finding it a versatile platform for overnight cruising and general sailing. While it may not be a dedicated racer, its ability to sail effectively, even with its motorsailer designation in some instances, is valued by those seeking a reliable and enjoyable cruising experience.