Block Island 40 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Block Island 40 is a centerboard yawl (though some sloop versions exist), a configuration designed specifically to master the shallow waters of the U.S. East Coast while maintaining offshore stability. With a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio typically hovering in the 300+ range, she is a heavy-displacement vessel that prioritizes a sea-kindly motion over raw speed in light air. However, the Tripp-designed hull is deceptively fast; the narrow waterlines and generous beam provide a powerful righting moment once the boat reaches its optimal heel.

The centerboard is the heart of the boat’s versatility. With the board up, the draft is a mere 3' 11", allowing access to thin-water anchorages in the Bahamas or the Chesapeake. When lowered to nearly 9 feet, the boat develops the lateral resistance necessary for respectable upwind performance. According to archival insights from Cruising World, the Block Island 40 is noted for its exceptional tracking ability, particularly when the mizzen sail is used to balance the helm, allowing the boat to "self-steer" for long periods even without a modern autopilot.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Block Island 40 reflects the traditional sensibilities of its era, characterized by extensive use of teak, mahogany, and white bulkheads. The layout is a classic "offshore" arrangement: a V-berth forward, followed by a head and hanging lockers, a main salon with a folding table, and a galley and navigation station flanking the companionway. Because Metalmast Marine and later Migrator Yachts built these boats often to semi-custom orders, interior finishes vary significantly from boat to boat.

In the Metalmast-built variants, the use of more modern laminates and improved insulation helped mitigate the "sweating" issues found in earlier fiberglass hulls. The cabin provides roughly 6' 4" of headroom, which was generous for its time. The Mark II version by Metalmast often featured an updated galley layout to accommodate larger iceboxes and more efficient stove placements. A sibling model of note is the Bermuda 40, designed by Tripp for Hinckley; while the two share a striking resemblance and a common designer, the Block Island 40 is often cited as having slightly more interior volume and a more "blue-collar" (though still premium) construction philosophy compared to the Hinckley's more ornate woodwork.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Block Island 40’s reputation was cemented in 1958 when Vitesse won the Newport Bermuda Race, an achievement that proved fiberglass was a viable material for serious offshore racing. The model has been featured extensively in classic yachting literature as one of the "40 best boats" for circumnavigation. While it lacks a modern YouTube "vlog" presence compared to newer production boats, it remains a staple in Practical Sailor’s historical reviews, where it is frequently lauded for its longevity and structural integrity.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Metalmast-built Block Island 40 should focus their inspection on the following technical areas:

• Centerboard Trunk and Pennant: The centerboard mechanism is a common point of maintenance. The pennant (the cable used to raise the board) can chafe, and the trunk itself should be inspected for delamination or growth that could jam the board.
• Deck Core: Like many boats of this era, the decks are balsa-cored. Moisture intrusion around stanchion bases and the oversized hatches common to the Mark II version can lead to soft spots.
• Mast Step: Metalmast Marine was a spar specialist, and while their masts are excellent, the step—where the mast meets the keel or deck—should be checked for corrosion or compression, particularly in boats that have spent decades in saltwater environments.
• Chainplates: The original stainless steel chainplates are buried behind cabinetry in the main salon. Owners on technical forums often recommend a "destructively non-destructive" inspection, where a professional uses ultrasound or removes a section of the cabinetry to check for crevice corrosion.

Community & Resources

The Block Island 40 community is deeply intertwined with the broader Tripp Design enthusiasts. While there is no longer a standalone manufacturer website, technical support for the spars and rigging is robustly handled by Rig-Rite, which holds the original Metalmast Marine dies. Owners often congregate through the "Classic Yacht" segments of regional yacht clubs on the U.S. East Coast, where the BI40 remains a frequent participant in heritage regattas.

The Verdict

The Block Island 40 is a "sailor's sailboat," offering a level of seaworthiness and aesthetic grace that modern high-volume cruisers cannot match. While it requires more maintenance than a contemporary flat-bottomed boat, its ability to handle heavy weather with grace makes it a premier choice for traditionalists.

Pros:

• Draft Versatility: The centerboard design allows for deep-sea stability and shoal-draft exploring.
• Structural Integrity: Metalmast-built hulls are known for robust fiberglass layups.
• Aesthetic Longevity: A classic design that remains welcome in any harbor in the world.

Cons:

• Maintenance Intensity: Older systems and extensive wood trim require a dedicated owner.
• Light Air Performance: The heavy displacement hull can be sluggish in winds under 8 knots without a large genoa or spinnaker.
• Interior Volume: Narrower beam compared to modern 40-footers means less "living room" space below decks.