Nonsuch 40 Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Nonsuch 40 in 1988 marked an expansion of the successful Nonsuch line, which began with the Nonsuch 30 in 1978, all stemming from designer Mark Ellis's vision. Ellis's design philosophy for the Nonsuch series focused on maximizing interior accommodations, often aiming to achieve living space comparable to conventional yachts several feet longer. The Nonsuch 40 followed this principle, offering a generous interior within its nearly 45-foot length overall.

Only five of these vessels were built, with the fiberglass hulls originating from Sen Koh Shipbuilding in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The final fitting and customization were undertaken by Wiggers Custom Yachts in Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada, 10]. During this era, Wiggers Custom Yachts, under the leadership of Andy Wiggers, had already established a reputation as a "craftsman extraordinaire" and was hailed in newspapers as "the best boat builder in Canada" by 1988, underscoring the high quality of the finish work on these vessels. The Nonsuch 40 was also marketed under variations such as the "Journeyman 40" in the UK and the "Sequioa 40" in Canada. A closely related design, the Nereus 40, also from Mark Ellis, shared many design elements and was notably available with a cat ketch rig.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Nonsuch 40, with a length overall of 44.95 feet and a waterline length of 40.03 feet, boasts a displacement of 26,896 pounds. Its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio, calculated at approximately 187, places it in the medium-light category, suggesting it is a sailboat designed for reasonable speed and efficiency for its size rather than being an overly heavy displacement cruiser.

The vessel is characterized by its fin keel and spade rudder, a combination that typically provides good maneuverability [6,. The Nonsuch 40's ballast, at an estimated 8,160 pounds (based on the closely related Ellis Nereus 40), results in a Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of approximately 0.30 [8,. This ratio suggests the boat may exhibit a more tender initial feel, meaning it might heel more readily in a breeze, though its hull form likely contributes to good ultimate stability. The unstayed cat-rig design, a hallmark of the Nonsuch series, is celebrated for its simplicity and ease of handling, particularly for single-handed or short-handed sailing. Owners often praise the Nonsuch models for their spacious cockpits and easy performance under sail, making them well-suited for comfortable cruising. While a specific reported sail area for the Nonsuch 40 is not readily available, the cat-rig typically offers powerful off-wind performance and a user-friendly sail plan.

Accommodations and Layout

The Nonsuch 40 is renowned for its generous interior volume, a defining characteristic of Mark Ellis's designs. With tall freeboard and a springy sheer, the design effectively maximizes interior space, providing accommodations often compared favorably to conventional yachts several feet longer. While specific headroom figures for the 40 are not precisely detailed, sister ships like the Nonsuch 36 offered an impressive 6 feet 6 inches of standing headroom, suggesting similar or greater comfort on the larger 40-foot model.

Typically, Nonsuch interiors feature a well-appointed layout with ample natural light and ventilation. Owners can expect a spacious salon, often a functional galley, and comfortable sleeping arrangements. The finish quality, particularly on the Wiggers-fitted vessels, would have reflected the builder's reputation for exceptional woodworking and attention to detail, commonly incorporating satin-varnished teak furniture, 12]. Storage is generally considered ample, catering to long-distance cruising needs.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Nonsuch vessels, including the 40, frequently highlight the ease of handling due to the distinctive cat-rig and the impressive interior spaciousness as primary strengths. The straightforward sail plan simplifies operations, making the boat appealing to those who prioritize relaxed cruising over complex racing setups. The sturdy construction, especially given Wiggers Custom Yachts' involvement in the finishing, contributes to a sense of security and durability, often a point of pride for owners.

However, some discussions among Nonsuch owners suggest that while generally robust, older models can present maintenance considerations, such as potential deck core issues, a common concern across many older fiberglass boats. While the specific context of these issues often relates to smaller Nonsuch models, a prudent buyer of any vintage vessel would conduct thorough surveys. The simplicity of the unstayed mast design, while lauded for handling, also occasionally prompts discussions regarding potential points of failure in older boats, though this is not necessarily unique to the Nonsuch 40. Overall, the Nonsuch 40 is generally regarded as a solid and comfortable cruiser, particularly valued by those who appreciate its unique rig and spacious living areas.