CS 40 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The CS 40 is frequently lauded for its balance and stiffness, a result of Tony Castro’s background in designing high-performance racing yachts. With a Displacement-to-Length ratio of approximately 234 and a Sail Area-to-Displacement ratio hovering near 18, the boat is categorized as a moderate-displacement cruiser with enough power to remain competitive in PHRF racing. Unlike many cruisers of its era that struggle in light air, the CS 40’s tall, high-aspect rig allows it to ghost along effectively, while its hull shape provides significant form stability when the wind freshens.

Handling is characterized by a light touch on the helm, particularly in the fin-keel version which draws roughly 7.5 feet, though the more common "shoal" wing keel (drawing approximately 5.25 feet) offers impressive lift for its depth. According to Canadian Yachting, the boat tracks exceptionally well upwind, and the cockpit layout is optimized for short-handed sailing, with primary winches situated within easy reach of the helmsman.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the CS 40 showcases the high-water mark of Canadian fiberglass craftsmanship, featuring extensive use of hand-rubbed teak and a layout that maximizes the 13-foot beam. The most common configuration is a two-cabin layout featuring a massive aft stateroom with a transverse double berth—a luxury rarely seen in 40-footers of the late 80s. The main salon is bright and ventilated by an array of Lewmar hatches and opening ports.

A standout feature is the "wrap-around" galley located to the starboard side of the companionway, which provides a secure brace point for the cook even when the boat is heeled. The CS 40 was built alongside its larger sibling, the CS 44, and many of the luxury appointments found in the 44—such as the cedar-lined hanging lockers and high-grade Corian-style countertops—were integrated into the 40’s production. While no true "4-cabin" variant exists for this hull, some semi-custom interior modifications were made during the final production years to accommodate different nav station configurations.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their inspections on several technical areas specific to the CS 40’s construction era:

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many yachts of this period, the CS 40 uses a balsa-cored deck. While CS was known for meticulous fiberglass work, moisture ingress around the stanchion bases and the windlass foot switches is a documented issue that can lead to localized core delamination.
• Rudder Bearings: The large spade rudder provides excellent maneuverability but puts significant stress on the upper and lower bearings. Owners often report a "thumping" sensation or play in the wheel if the original plastic bushings have not been replaced with modern composite materials.
• The "CS Smile": While more prevalent on the earlier Raymond Wall designs like the CS 36, the CS 40 should still be inspected at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint. Hairline cracks here often indicate the need for re-torquing the keel bolts or refreshing the sealant.
• Engine Access: While the Westerbeke or Volvo Penta diesel engines typically installed are reliable, access to the rear of the engine block and the stuffing box can be tight, requiring a flexible inspector to verify the condition of the shaft seal.

Community & Resources

The CS 40 benefits from one of the most active owner communities in North America. The CS Owners Association serves as a vital repository for technical manuals, wiring diagrams, and specific maintenance workarounds for the Tony Castro designs. Because the boats were primarily manufactured in Ontario, a significant concentration of expertise and spare parts remains available in the Great Lakes and Pacific Northwest regions.

The Verdict

The CS 40 is a "sailor’s cruiser" that successfully bridges the gap between the heavy, slow tanks of the 1970s and the lighter, more fragile production boats of the late 1990s. It offers a sense of security and build quality that is increasingly rare in modern manufacturing.

Pros:

• Excellent windward performance and overall speed.
• High-quality teak joinery and superior interior fit-and-finish.
• Ergonomic cockpit and deck layout suitable for solo or couple's sailing.
• Strong resale value due to the brand's enduring reputation.

Cons:

• The 7.5-foot deep draft keel limits cruising in shallow areas like the Bahamas.
• Original Westerbeke parts can be expensive and increasingly difficult to source.
• Balsa-cored decks require vigilant maintenance of all through-deck fittings.