Crowther Spindrift 40 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Spindrift 40 is defined by its slender hulls and high power-to-weight ratio, allowing it to "slice" through the water rather than pushing over it. Unlike many modern cruising cats that struggle to point higher than 50 degrees to the wind, the Spindrift series—often equipped with deep daggerboards—demonstrates remarkable upwind capability. Owners report that in a 12-to-14-knot breeze, the boat comfortably reaches speeds of 10 knots, and it is capable of surfing downwind at nearly 20 knots in the right conditions.

Handling is noted for being exceptionally light and responsive. The boat's narrow hulls minimize the "pounding" often associated with wider-hulled multihulls, while the high bridgedeck clearance—a hallmark of Crowther’s design philosophy—greatly reduces slamming in short, steep seas. In an editorialized owner's review on Katamarans, the helm is described as providing fantastic visibility and maneuverability, allowing the boat to spin in its own footprint thanks to the wide spacing of the twin engines.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Living space on the Spindrift 40 is categorized by "functional minimalism." While the bridgedeck saloon provides a social hub with panoramic views, the headroom and hull width are constrained compared to contemporary production boats. Headroom typically fluctuates between 5'10" and 6' in the hulls, which usually house two to four cabins and the galley. The "skinny" hull design that makes the boat fast also means that berths are often tucked into the ends of the boat, and moving between the saloon and the hulls can require a bit of physical agility.

The model is part of a broader lineage of Spindrift designs, including the Spindrift 37 and the larger Spindrift 45. The 45-foot variant, often viewed as the ultimate expression of the series, provides significantly more carrying capacity and was a favorite for long-range oceanic voyaging, as noted in technical reviews by Sailing Magazine. Because the Spindrift 40 was often built from plans, interior layouts vary wildly; some feature a "galley up" configuration in the saloon, while others place the galley deep in the starboard hull to maximize social space on the bridgedeck.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Spindrift 40 gained a new generation of fans through the YouTube channel "Tula’s Endless Summer." Their refit and subsequent Caribbean voyage on a 1988 model named Adrenaline showcased the boat's ability to handle blue-water cruising on a budget while maintaining high speeds. This specific vessel became a case study for the "performance cruising" lifestyle, highlighting how older Crowther designs can be modernized with lithium battery banks and synthetic rigging to compete with far more expensive modern designs.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Spindrift 40 with a focus on structural integrity and weight management.

• Amateur Build Variance: Since many Spindrifts were owner-built from plans, the quality of the glass work, wiring, and plumbing can vary from professional-grade to substandard. A specialized multihull surveyor is essential.
• Core Saturation: Many models used balsa or foam coring. Older boats may suffer from deck soft spots or moisture ingress around through-hulls and stanchion bases, which can be costly to repair in a composite structure.
• Hobbyhorsing: Some early Spindrift hulls are prone to "hobbyhorsing" (excessive pitching) in a chop. Some owners have mitigated this by adding "bulbous bows"—a modification Lock Crowther himself later championed—to increase buoyancy forward and dampen the pitching motion.
• Weight Sensitivity: These boats lose their performance edge quickly when overloaded. Buyers should check if a previous owner has added heavy gear (davits, oversized generators, massive water tanks) that might compromise the bridgedeck clearance and sailing speed.

Community & Resources

The legacy of Lock Crowther is maintained by a dedicated community of multihull enthusiasts, particularly in Australia and the United States. While the original Crowther design office closed in 2004, technical support and historical data are often shared through the Amateur Yacht Research Society and specialized multihull forums where former Crowther draftsmen occasionally contribute expertise.

The Verdict

The Crowther Spindrift 40 is an "honest" sailor’s catamaran, rewarding those who prioritize the joy of fast passage-making over the interior volume of a luxury apartment.

Pros:

• Exceptional Speed: Capable of double-digit speeds in light winds and safe surfing in heavy weather.
• Seaworthy Design: High bridgedeck clearance and slender hulls minimize slamming and stress on the platform.
• Value: Offers performance levels that typically cost significantly more in the modern used market.

Cons:

• Limited Volume: Narrow hulls and lower headroom can feel cramped for large families.
• Weight Sensitive: Requires a disciplined approach to cruising gear to maintain its performance pedigree.
• Variable Build Quality: The "kit boat" history requires extensive due diligence during the survey process.