PT-40 (Plas Trend 40) Information, Review, Specs

The PT-40 was produced for a brief period between 1967 and 1968, with only three units ever built. The builder, Plastrend, under the leadership of Andy Green, had a clear vision for creating fast and durable sailing vessels, leveraging emerging composite construction methods. Green's personal involvement in competitive sailing undoubtedly influenced the company's focus on performance. The company quickly gained a reputation for tough, high-performance sailboats, using advanced composite materials for their construction.

The design of the PT-40 is attributed to Robert E. Derecktor, a renowned naval architect, yacht racer, and builder celebrated for his innovative work on America's Cup 12-meters and mega-yachts. Derecktor's design philosophy centered on perfecting the craft of boatbuilding, contributing to his reputation for crafting high-speed yachts. This aligns with Plastrend's goal of producing competitive boats. The PT-40 features a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration typical of performance-oriented designs of its era, offering a balance of efficiency and control.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The PT-40's specifications translate into a qualitative understanding of its sailing performance. With a total calculated sail area of 684.95 square feet and a displacement of 16,985 pounds, it boasts a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 16.55. This indicates a boat with moderate sail-carrying ability, suggesting good all-around performance in various wind conditions, rather than being an extreme light-air specialist.

Its displacement-to-length ratio, calculated at around 253.7 (using displacement in long tons), places the PT-40 in the moderately heavy displacement category. While not a lightweight flyer, this ratio suggests a solid and capable vessel, able to handle more challenging sea states effectively. The ballast to displacement ratio of 37.14% further supports this, indicating a good degree of stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up to the wind and carry its canvas well. The hull speed of 7.47 knots is indicative of its efficient hull form. Anecdotal evidence suggests the PT-40 is a "fantastic sailing vessel" and "The boat ROCKS," hinting at an exciting and rewarding sailing experience. Its fin keel contributes to good upwind performance and maneuverability, while the skeg-hung rudder provides protection and reliable steering.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the interior accommodations and layout of the Plas Trend 40 is scarce, particularly detailed descriptions or diagrams, which is not uncommon for a boat with such a limited production run. What little information is available suggests that the interior layout might be considered "horrible" by some. Given its clear focus on performance and racing, it is reasonable to infer that the interior prioritized functionality and weight efficiency over luxurious cruising amenities. The absence of a specified maximum headroom further supports the idea that living space might have been more compact and utilitarian compared to dedicated cruising yachts.