Seguin 40 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Seguin 40 traces back to the mid-1980s when designer Craig V. Walters, a former designer with Sparkman & Stephens, brought his vision to life. Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding, a company known for fusing traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, commenced production in 1983. This era marked a significant period in boatbuilding, with an industry transition towards new materials and construction methods, a shift that Lyman-Morse readily embraced. Walters' design philosophy for the Seguin 40 emphasized a "slightly more spacy hull design" compared to many contemporaries, suggesting an intentional focus on interior volume and comfort.

The boat's construction in fiberglass, a hallmark of Lyman-Morse's capabilities during this period, contributed to its reputation for solid build quality. 2, 4, Builder Article A defining feature of the Seguin 40 is its keel/centerboard hull configuration, offering a minimum draft of 2.33 feet, expanding to a maximum of 7.33 feet when the board is deployed. This design provides both enhanced performance upwind and versatile shoal-draft capability for exploring shallower anchorages. The centerboard itself is designed for easy retraction, with its mechanism accessible from the cabin top for maintenance. While exact variations during its limited production run of 5 to 7 hulls are not extensively documented, the custom nature of Lyman-Morse builds suggests that "several interior layouts" would have been tailored to individual owner preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Seguin 40 is consistently described as a moderate-weight sailboat with commendable performance characteristics. With a displacement of 17,200 pounds and a waterline length of 31.25 feet, her Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 252 places her firmly in the moderate to heavy cruiser category. This indicates a vessel designed for comfort and stability in a seaway, rather than ultra-light racing.

A significant aspect of her design is the high Ballast to Displacement ratio of 0.50, meaning half of the boat's total weight is in her lead ballast keel. This substantial ballast ratio contributes immensely to her stiffness and stability, enabling the Seguin 40 to stand up to a considerable amount of wind without excessive heeling. Owners have reported that the boat is "NOT tender," affirming its solid and stable motion. The Seguin 40 boasts a Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) of 1.89, a favorable number that suggests good offshore capability and a high degree of initial stability. Her masthead sloop rig, with a total calculated sail area of 753.2 square feet, contributes to her reputation as a "good performer," capable of making good progress in varied conditions. The combination of a substantial rig and a stable hull allows for comfortable and efficient sailing, whether on a coastal cruise or a longer passage.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior schematics for the Seguin 40 are scarce due to its custom build nature, the design intent pointed towards maximizing interior volume. The boat is noted for being "more spacy than 54% of all other designs," emphasizing comfortable accommodations. Lyman-Morse, known for its high-quality custom yachts, would have ensured a well-finished interior, likely featuring extensive use of wood trim and robust marine-grade materials.

Reports from the builder indicate that "several interior layouts" were offered, allowing for owner customization. While details for the Seguin 40 specifically are limited, a similar model from the builder, the Seguin 44, featured an "L-shape galley with formica counters and teak fids," providing an insight into the typical construction and material choices of Lyman-Morse during that period. Generally, a vessel of this size and vintage would typically feature a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a dining table, a functional galley, and a dedicated head compartment, often with a quarter berth or aft cabin depending on the specific layout. Given the emphasis on cruising comfort, ample storage and good ventilation would have been key considerations in the design and finishing of the interior.

Owner's Perspectives

Despite the limited number of Seguin 40s built, owners and sailing enthusiasts who are familiar with the model frequently praise its solid construction and excellent seakeeping abilities. Owners consistently highlight the boat's "stable / stiff" nature and its "good righting capability if capsized," providing confidence in challenging conditions. Anecdotal reports describe the Seguin 40 as a "fast, good looking, sea kindly" vessel, affirming its strong design and construction. The robust build quality by Lyman-Morse is a recurring theme, often associated with a comfortable motion in a seaway. Due to the very low production numbers (5 to 7 hulls), specific forums or extensive owner-reported common problems are not readily available. This scarcity of information often reflects a boat that is well-built and generally free of widespread, recurring issues, or simply that its small ownership group communicates privately.