Kettenburg 40 Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Kettenburg 40 began in 1959 with the launch of the first hull, originally named "Tomboy II". Designed by Paul Kettenburg, the K-40 followed in the successful footsteps of the K-38, demonstrating the company's consistent design legacy. Over a period of seven years, nearly 40 units of this model were built, a significant number for wooden boats of its type during that era. Kettenburg Boats, under George Kettenburg Jr. and later generations, was celebrated for its unwavering dedication to traditional wooden construction and a design philosophy that integrated performance with family-friendly usability.

The Kettenburg 40 exemplifies this ethos, featuring a full keel design with a keel-hung rudder, and constructed with mahogany planking on oak stringers. This traditional build, using techniques like building over an inverted jig, ensured both consistency and the high-quality craftsmanship for which Kettenburg was known. While later Kettenburg models briefly explored fiberglass, the K-40 remains a quintessential wooden classic, preserving the company's core identity.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Kettenburg 40 is characterized by its balanced sailing attributes, a hallmark of Kettenburg's design philosophy. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 17.23, she offers reasonable performance across a range of wind conditions, suggesting a boat that can move well in lighter breezes while remaining manageable as the wind builds. Her ballast to displacement ratio, around 35%, indicates a moderately stiff vessel, capable of standing up to a decent amount of canvas.

With a displacement of 14,250 lbs and a waterline length of 27.33 feet, the Kettenburg 40 has a displacement to length ratio of approximately 312.07. This classifies her as a heavy displacement cruiser, known for a comfortable motion in a seaway and robust construction rather than outright speed. Her full keel and keel-hung rudder contribute to excellent directional stability, making her a predictable and easily handled boat, particularly on longer passages. Owners and enthusiasts often praise Kettenburg designs for their balance and seaworthiness, which translate into a pleasant sailing experience even for families. The boat's original auxiliary power often included a Gray Marine gasoline engine.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior details can vary between individual boats due to customization over decades, the Kettenburg 40 was designed to accommodate six people, typically featuring a layout suitable for a couple or a small family. Descriptions of K-40 interiors often highlight a traditional arrangement, common in yachts of its era. This would typically include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that convert into berths, and a galley area, likely with a quarter berth aft.

Interiors of Kettenburg wooden boats generally showcased high-quality craftsmanship, with ample use of wood trim and robust joinery. Storage would typically be found under berths and settees, within lockers, and in designated galley spaces. While the maximum headroom is not specified in available data, boats of this size from the period generally offered comfortable standing room in the main salon. Ventilation would typically be provided through traditional deck hatches and portlights.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Kettenburg 40s frequently appreciate the enduring quality of their classic wooden construction and the timeless elegance of their design. The sailing community generally regards Kettenburgs as well-built, capable cruising yachts, 7]. However, owning a wooden boat of this vintage often entails a commitment to maintenance, a common characteristic of traditional vessels. Owners have noted concerns regarding the original gasoline engines, emphasizing the potential for hazards associated with older fuel systems. Despite these considerations, there. is a strong community of enthusiasts dedicated to preserving and restoring these boats, with examples still actively sailed and traded today.