Robinhood 40 Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Robinhood 40 begins not just with its 1996 production start, but with its direct predecessor, the Cape Dory 40. Cape Dory Yachts, a prominent builder of fiberglass sailboats from 1963 to 1992, established a reputation for sturdy, well-built cruising boats, many of which were designed by Carl Alberg. When Cape Dory ceased operations, Robinhood Marine Center, nestled in Riggs Cove, Georgetown, Maine, acquired the molds for the Cape Dory 40, enabling them to continue its legacy as the Robinhood 40. Robinhood Marine Center, now Derecktor Robinhood, has a long-standing history of constructing high-quality custom yachts continuously since 1950, further underscoring their commitment to durable and refined craftsmanship. Their facility even housed Cape Dory Yachts from the late 1970s until 2016, making the transition of the 40-foot design a natural fit for their ethos of robust boatbuilding. This continuity ensured that the Robinhood 40 maintained the essential characteristics and build quality that sailors had come to expect from Alberg's designs and the original Cape Dory lineage.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Robinhood 40's design firmly places it in the category of a heavy displacement, stable cruising yacht. With a displacement of 21,000 lbs and a length overall of 42.67 feet, it boasts a displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 347.2. This high ratio signifies a weighty vessel built for comfort and security in varied conditions, providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. The boat's sail area to displacement ratio of roughly 16.24 suggests that while she is not a light-air speedster, she is designed to be well-mannered and capable in a breeze. With a ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 0.3857, the Robinhood 40 demonstrates a solid level of initial stability and stiffness, allowing her to stand up to stronger winds with confidence. Owners and reviewers describe the Robinhood 40 as a "no-nonsense long-distance cruising boat" known for its superb design and construction, and it is considered stable, stiff, and possessing excellent righting capability, making it well-suited as a bluewater cruising boat. Its long keel hull type further contributes to its directional stability and comfortable ride offshore.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom figures for the Robinhood 40 are not always readily available in standard specifications, the interior is consistently described as spacious and practical, designed to comfortably accommodate a cruising couple with occasional guests. The main cabin typically features a U-shaped dinette to port complemented by a long settee, providing ample seating and dining space. Drawing on its Cape Dory heritage, interiors often feature a classic, warm aesthetic, with examples noted for superb glossy cherry wood finishes. Other Cape Dory models hint at cozy interiors with wooden shelves and teak trim, suggesting a similar traditional and functional approach to the Robinhood 40's living spaces. The layout generally includes a V-berth forward, a head, a well-appointed salon, and a functional galley, providing essential amenities for extended cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

The Robinhood 40, through its direct lineage with the Cape Dory 40, benefits from a dedicated community of owners who actively discuss these vessels on various online forums, such as The Cape Dory Board and the Cape Dory Sailboat Owners Association. This active engagement suggests a loyal following drawn to the enduring qualities of the design. Owners consistently praise the solid construction and the boat's ability to handle challenging conditions with grace, making it a reliable choice for long-distance and offshore passages. The robust, full-keeled hull and ample ballast contribute to a sense of security and a comfortable motion in a seaway, which are frequently highlighted as significant strengths. While specific recurring weaknesses are not broadly publicized in general reviews, the shared experiences within these owner communities often revolve around routine maintenance for vessels of their age and the ongoing appreciation for their traditional build quality and cruising capabilities.