Cartwright 40 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Cartwright 40 is an ultra-heavy displacement vessel with a Displacement-to-Length (D/L) ratio typically exceeding 360, placing it firmly in the category of dedicated ocean-crossing hulls. Under sail, this mass translates into a high degree of "sea-kindliness," with a Motion Comfort Ratio of approximately 41.6—a value significantly higher than modern production boats, indicating a slow, predictable roll in heavy seas. The design features a cutaway full keel or a very long fin with a skeg-hung rudder, which provides exceptional directional stability. This allows the boat to track effortlessly on long passages, often requiring minimal input from a windvane or autopilot once the sails are balanced.

The rig is almost exclusively a cutter configuration, which allows the sail plan to be broken down into smaller, manageable units—a necessity for short-handed crews. While its Sail Area-to-Displacement (SA/D) ratio of roughly 15.4 suggests it may be sluggish in light air (under 10 knots), the hull truly awakens in 15-25 knots of breeze. In these conditions, the Cartwright 40 maintains a steady heel and carries its momentum through chop that would stop lighter vessels. Owners frequently cite the boat's "tank-like" feel, noting that it rarely slams into head seas, instead using its weight to part the water.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The Cartwright 40 typically utilizes a flush-deck design with a distinctive "bubble" doghouse or a small, low-profile pilothouse. This configuration maximizes interior volume and provides a robust, watertight superstructure. Onboard, the 11.25-foot beam is carried well aft, allowing for a spacious saloon and a dedicated navigation station that reflects the designer’s single-handed racing background.

Sibling models built on similar design principles include the Cartwright 36 and the Cartwright 44. The 36 is often found in a flush-deck, bubble-house configuration, while the Cartwright 44 was frequently produced on a semi-custom basis in steel or aluminum, offering a more extensive "workshop" walk-through and larger aft-cabin options. In the 40-foot model, the interior layout often features a secure U-shaped galley designed for use at sea, high-quality teak or mahogany joinery, and significant tankage (often 100+ gallons of fuel and 120 gallons of water) hidden deep in the bilges to lower the center of gravity.

Popular Mentions & Media

Jerry Cartwright’s legacy is inextricably linked to the history of solo racing. His experience in the Single-handed Trans-Atlantic Race (OSTAR) and his role in establishing the Bermuda 1-2 is detailed in Wikipedia's history of the OSTAR. These events served as the proving ground for the Cartwright 40’s design DNA. The model is also mentioned in various circumnavigation logs, such as those archived by the Bluewater Cruising Association, which identifies the Cartwright series as a "refined design with many offshore successes."

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Cartwright 40 as a classic vessel that requires thorough structural scrutiny due to its age and the variety of build origins.

• Construction Material Variations: While many were built in fiberglass, a significant number were amateur-finished or custom-built in steel. For steel hulls, a full ultrasonic hull thickness survey is mandatory to check for internal "pitting" corrosion, particularly in the bilges and chain locker.
• Deck Core Integrity: On fiberglass models, the flush-deck design relies on a balsa or foam core for stiffness. Check for delamination or soft spots around high-load areas like chainplates and stanchion bases, where water ingress is common over decades.
• Rudder Bearings and Skeg: Given the age, the bronze or composite bushings in the skeg-hung rudder should be inspected for play. A "wobble" here can lead to vibration under power and increased stress on the steering quadrant.
• Tankage Accessibility: The heavy displacement allows for massive tanks, but they are often fiberglassed into the hull or placed under the cabin sole. If the original metal tanks (aluminum or stainless) are still present, they should be pressure-tested, as replacement can involve significant "surgery" to the interior joinery.

Community & Resources

The Cartwright community is relatively small but highly technical, often found within broader voyaging groups.

• Bluewater Cruising Association (BCA): A primary resource for Cartwright owners, particularly those on the West Coast, where many of these boats were built or commissioned.
• Bermuda 1-2 Association: While focused on the race, this organization maintains historical records of Jerry Cartwright's design influence and remains a touchpoint for the model's performance pedigree.

The Verdict

The Cartwright 40 is a "sailor’s sailboat," designed for those who plan to cross oceans rather than hop between coastal marinas. It is a slow, heavy, and immensely strong vessel that rewards its owner with security in the worst of conditions.

Pros:

• Extreme sea-kindliness and heavy-weather stability.
• High Motion Comfort Ratio makes it ideal for long-distance cruising.
• Robust cutter rig is easy to manage for a couple or solo sailor.
• Large tankage and storage capacity for self-sufficiency.

Cons:

• Heavy displacement results in poor performance in light air.
• Limited maneuvering agility in tight marinas due to the long keel.
• Rarity of the model makes finding parts or specific sister-ship advice difficult.
• Potential for high maintenance costs on older, custom-finished hulls.