Salmo Salar Information, Review, Specs

Embodying a design philosophy focused on reliability and a sea-kindly motion, the Salmo Salar stands as a testament to traditional yacht building, combining a long keel and solid construction to offer a secure and comfortable platform for extended cruising.

History and Design

The genesis of the Salmo Salar dates back to 1965, when Jack Laurent Giles designed the vessel, initially intending it for wooden construction. However, it was A. H. Moody & Sons, already a well-established name in the marine industry since 1827 and known for its commitment to quality and robust construction, that took on the fiberglass production of this influential design, commencing in 1966. This period predates Moody's major shift into mass-produced GRP yachts with the Moody 33 in 1972, placing the Salmo Salar among their earlier fiberglass cruising yachts where craftsmanship and seaworthiness were paramount. The Moody builder's ethos at the time emphasized durability and comfort, qualities perfectly aligned with Laurent Giles' vision for the Salar 40.

The design aimed to create a world-renowned blue water sailing yacht, capable of safe and comfortable passage-making across oceans. During its production run, the Salmo Salar was offered in both sloop and ketch rig configurations. A notable variation was the Salar Buccaneer, essentially a ketch version that also incorporated improvements to the accommodation and layout, demonstrating a continuous refinement of the original robust design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Moody Salmo Salar's design speaks directly to its intended purpose as a capable cruiser. With a calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 14.45, she is not a light-air speedster but rather a yacht that excels in more substantial breezes, offering a comfortable and powerful motion when the wind pipes up. Her Ballast to Displacement ratio of about 0.34 indicates a moderate level of stiffness, providing a good balance between stability and motion without being overly tender or excessively stiff.

Perhaps the most telling indicator of her heavy-duty cruising credentials is her Displacement to Length ratio, which is approximately 349.09. This places the Salmo Salar firmly in the category of a heavy, traditional cruiser, emphasizing stability, comfort in a seaway, and robust construction over pure performance metrics. Owners and reviewers consistently praise the Salar 40 for its superb seaworthiness and superior handling characteristics. Despite being occasionally referred to as a motorsailer due to its robust build and powerful engine (a 72 hp Perkins diesel in the original configuration), the Salar 40 is well-regarded for sailing exceptionally well and is "far from being a motor sailer," making her a true passage-maker under canvas. Her long keel contributes to excellent directional stability, ensuring a sea-kindly motion even in challenging conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Moody Salmo Salar is designed for comfortable living aboard, reflecting its blue water cruising aspirations. The Salar 40 features a center cockpit design, which often provides a secure and well-protected helm position, further enhancing its offshore capabilities. Many models were fitted with a hardtop over the companionway, offering additional shelter from the elements.

While specific headroom details are not consistently available, the overall layout emphasizes functionality and comfort. Typical interior arrangements include a V-berth forward, a main salon, a galley, and often quarter berths, with some versions featuring two en-suite cabins. The use of materials often reflects the era's focus on durable and attractive finishes, with descriptions frequently mentioning solid teak interiors, highlighting a classic and warm aesthetic combined with robust construction. Storage is generally ample, crucial for extended voyages, and while not explicitly detailed in all accounts, attention to ventilation would have been a design priority for a boat intended for diverse climates.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Moody Salmo Salar consistently express high praise for its robust construction, inherent seaworthiness, and comfortable motion in a seaway. The design by Laurent Giles, known for creating yachts capable of taking on challenging conditions, resonates strongly with those who appreciate a dependable offshore cruiser. The Salar 40 is frequently described as a "much sought after blue water cruising yacht," underlining its enduring appeal within the sailing community. Its solid fiberglass hull and long keel are often cited as key strengths, instilling confidence when venturing far from shore. While specific common weaknesses are not widely reported, the general consensus points to a yacht that, with proper maintenance typical of any vessel of its age, offers a highly rewarding and secure cruising experience.