Valiant 40 PH Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Valiant 40 PH began production in 1981, following the immense success of the original Valiant 40, which was introduced in 1973. The Valiant 40 itself was a groundbreaking design by Robert Perry, conceived to merge the speed and agility of racing yachts with the comfort and safety required for offshore cruising. This innovative approach, combining performance hull elements with a cruising interior and rig, fundamentally redefined what a cruising sailboat could be.

Uniflite Inc., the builder, operated from 1957 to 1984, establishing a reputation for strong fiberglass vessels, including extensive work for the U.S. Navy. During the period when the Valiant 40 PH was produced, Uniflite was a proponent of fire-retardant resins, a practice that, unfortunately, led to widespread hull blistering issues in boats built after 1975 due to a change in resin suppliers. This issue, which became the subject of a class-action lawsuit, notably affected later models, including some in the Valiant sailboat line.

The Valiant 40 PH is essentially a re-design of the standard Valiant 40, primarily featuring a modified coach roof, deck, and interior to accommodate the pilot house. Additionally, the mast was moved slightly forward to improve balance, indicating a thoughtful refinement of an already successful design. Only 10 units of the Valiant 40 PH were built, making it a relatively rare variant.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a total reported sail area of 753 square feet and a displacement of 22,500 pounds, the Valiant 40 PH has a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 15.06. This ratio suggests a capable but not exceptionally light-air performer, indicating a boat designed for solid performance across a range of wind conditions rather than pure speed in light breezes. The ballast-to-displacement ratio of 0.342, with 7,700 pounds of lead ballast, points to a moderate level of stiffness and stability, offering a comfortable motion in a seaway without being overly tender.

The displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 255.47 categorizes the Valiant 40 PH as a moderate-to-heavy displacement cruiser. This translates to a boat that offers a robust and comfortable ride, capable of handling challenging offshore conditions with confidence, a characteristic for which the Valiant 40 hull is widely praised. Owners and reviewers often describe the Valiant 40 as fast, comfortable, and safe, with terrific performance compared to more traditional designs of its era. The modified keel, a feature pioneered by Robert Perry on the Valiant 40, further enhances its performance and handling.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific details on the Valiant 40 PH's interior layout are less common due to its limited production, it is understood to share the fundamental interior arrangements of the original Valiant 40, with modifications for the pilot house. The Valiant 40 typically features a functional and robust interior, often finished with appealing teak joinery. The pilot house configuration would likely offer enhanced protection from the elements, providing a more sheltered steering station and potentially a brighter, more panoramic living space below.

General Valiant 40 interiors often include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that can convert to berths, a galley, and a head. The double-ended design of the hull naturally leads to a more compact cockpit. Given Uniflite's reputation for strong construction, the interior is typically well-built, designed for offshore durability rather than opulent luxury. Owners can expect practical storage solutions and good ventilation, though specific details would vary based on individual vessel outfitting and the unique pilot house design.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Valiant 40s, including the PH variant, consistently praise their solid construction and seaworthiness, making them highly regarded for offshore and long-distance cruising. The design's ability to combine performance with comfort is a recurring theme in owner feedback.

However, a significant and frequently noted issue for Valiant 40s built by Uniflite, particularly those manufactured between 1975 and 1984, is hull blistering due to changes in resin mixtures. While these issues were addressed in later production years, potential buyers of older Uniflite-built Valiant 40 PH models should be aware of this historical problem. Despite this, many owners have undertaken the necessary repairs and continue to laud the boat's overall performance and capabilities, highlighting its enduring appeal as a classic performance cruiser. The robust fiberglass deck also contributes to lower maintenance for owners.