Passport 40 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Passport 40 commenced in 1980 and continued until 1991, with a total of 148 hulls built during this period. Designed by Robert Perry, whose contributions to iconic Passport models are significant, the Passport 40 reflects a design philosophy focused on combining robust offshore capability with comfortable cruising. Early Passport Yachts, including the 40, were predominantly constructed in Taiwan at esteemed facilities like the King Dragon yard and Hai Yang, which helped establish the brand's initial standards for build quality and offshore performance.

The design of the Passport 40 features a softly raked bow with a hint of concavity forward, a springy sheer, and a standard transom. Notably, the coach-roof extends unusually far forward, a design choice influenced by the interior layout that incorporates the head forward. The model also saw some variations during its production run, including a shallow draft version and a version with a reverse transom, which later evolved into the Passport 41.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Passport 40 is celebrated for its sweet sailing characteristics, making it a reliable passage-maker. With a calculated hull speed of approximately 7.75 knots, it is described as beautifully balanced and capable of maintaining good speed while minimizing crew fatigue. The boat's design incorporates a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, contributing to its stable and predictable handling.

Its Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio, calculated at approximately 15.7, suggests moderate performance in lighter air, aligning with its role as a robust cruiser rather than a light-air racer. The Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of about 0.37 (37%) indicates a good level of stiffness and stability, enabling the boat to stand up to a fair amount of wind. Furthermore, with a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 272, the Passport 40 falls into the heavier displacement category, signifying a more traditional and seakindly cruising vessel.

Accommodations and Layout

While the Passport 40's interior dimensions, such as maximum headroom, are not always explicitly listed, its accommodations are generally praised for their quality and thoughtful layout. The interiors are typically beautifully constructed with extensive use of teak, often featuring a gorgeous teak and holly cabin sole and solid wood throughout. Robert Perry's design aimed for a practical, no-nonsense interior arrangement.

Given Passport Yachts' commitment to semi-custom builds, interior plans can vary significantly between individual boats; roughly half of the Passport 40s were more or less custom-built. However, common interior arrangements typically include a V-berth forward, a head forward, a comfortable salon, and a well-appointed galley. These details, combined with the general reputation for robust construction, contribute to a comfortable and functional living space for extended cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently commend the Passport 40 for its solid construction and comfortable motion in a seaway, often describing it as a proven blue-water cruising vessel. Many owners report being able to achieve routine daily runs of 130-140 miles, highlighting its capability as a passage-maker. The endearing sailing characteristics, particularly its balance, are frequently cited as a major strength. Indeed, some owners express such satisfaction that after decades of ownership, they would choose to buy the Passport 40 again, having no reason to covet another sailboat.

However, like any vessel of its vintage, the Passport 40 can present some common maintenance considerations. A recurring issue noted by owners relates to the original teak sidedecks, which, due to copious fasteners and cored construction, are known to develop leaks and often require re-bedding. Similarly, the original Atkins and Hoyle deck hatches were sometimes replaced with Lewmar hatches in later production runs, suggesting potential issues with the earlier models. While generally well-regarded, specific hull deformations have been reported in forums, indicating potential areas for pre-purchase inspection.