Stevens 40 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Stevens 40 emerged from a fruitful collaboration between the legendary design firm Sparkman & Stephens and the burgeoning Taiwanese shipyard, Queen Long Marine. Designated as S&S design #2413, its production commenced in 1982. Queen Long Marine, established in 1978, had already demonstrated its capabilities by building Peterson 44-footers for Stevens Yacht Charters, showcasing an early commitment to robust offshore designs. This foundational experience directly informed the Stevens 40, which became one of the yard's early significant models before they launched their highly successful Hylas Yachts brand.

Sparkman & Stephens, celebrated for their enduring and capable yacht designs, instilled in the Stevens 40 a philosophy of seaworthiness and reliable performance. Queen Long Marine's manufacturing ethos during this period emphasized meticulous construction, particularly in fiberglass, a material they became adept at working with to produce durable and thoughtful designs for comfortable and safe blue-water cruising. The Stevens 40 features a keel/centerboard hull type, providing versatility in varying depths, along with a modified fin keel, encapsulated ballast, and a skeg-hung rudder for robust steering control. Notably, an extended and re-styled version with an aft-cockpit was later introduced in 1986 as the Stevens 42.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Designed with a focus on comfortable passage-making rather than outright racing, the Stevens 40 exhibits characteristics of a capable blue-water cruiser. Its Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 14.75 indicates a moderate sail plan relative to its weight, suggesting it performs well in a range of conditions without being overly sensitive in light airs or overpowered in heavy winds. With a Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 31.4%, the Stevens 40 offers a reasonable degree of stiffness, allowing it to stand up to a breeze and maintain a comfortable angle of heel.

The Displacement to Length ratio, calculated at approximately 330, places the Stevens 40 firmly in the category of a heavy, traditional cruiser, highlighting its substantial build and capacity for carrying stores and equipment for long voyages. This heft contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, a quality highly valued by offshore sailors. Owners have generally described the Stevens 40 as sailing very well, appreciating its sea-kindly hull, which is designed specifically for blue-water cruising. It is noted for its hull speed of 7.57 knots. The combination of its modified fin keel and skeg-hung rudder provides good directional stability and control, although one owner noted it "backed worth of damn when trying to do a Med. Mooring type," suggesting potential maneuverability quirks in reverse.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Stevens 40 is celebrated for its traditional, high-quality finish and practical layout, designed for comfort during extended periods at sea. The boat typically features a center cockpit design, which often allows for a more spacious aft cabin. Descriptions frequently highlight a high-quality teak interior, often with a solid teak sole, contributing to a warm and classic ambiance.

While specific headroom dimensions are not widely detailed, the design emphasizes generous living spaces. The most common interior arrangement is a two-stateroom, two-head layout, sometimes referred to as the "Plan A" layout, providing good privacy and facilities for crew or guests. Owners appreciate the abundant storage capacity and substantial tankage, including 156 gallons of fresh water, which are crucial for extended cruising and were often considerations for owners outfitting the boat for circumnavigation.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Stevens 40 consistently praise its solid construction and the comfortable motion it provides in a seaway, highlighting its suitability for blue-water sailing. Many consider the Stevens 40, alongside its larger sibling the Stevens 47, to be closely related in build and capability to the early Hylas models, which are renowned for their robust, blue-water designs. The generous storage and tankage are frequently mentioned as significant strengths, allowing for self-sufficiency on long passages. The vessel is often lauded as a comfortable and safe cruising sailboat, ideal for those seeking to embark on serious offshore adventures. While general handling is well-regarded, some owners have pointed to specific characteristics, such as less-than-ideal backing maneuverability, which is a common trait among many full-keel or modified-keel sailboats.