Excel 400 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Excel 400 was born from the drawing board of Södergren Yacht Design, a firm synonymous with "Skerry Cruiser" elegance and modern performance. Consequently, the hull profile is characterized by a relatively narrow beam compared to contemporary Mediterranean cruisers and a deep, high-aspect lead keel. This design philosophy prioritizes upwind efficiency and a balanced helm in heavy air, a necessity for the short, steep chop of the Baltic Sea.

While specific technical ratios like Sail Area/Displacement are scarce due to the boat's rarity, the Södergren pedigree suggests a stiff, performance-oriented ride. Owners of Södergren designs from this era frequently report a "on rails" tracking sensation. The boat utilizes a fractional rig with swept-back spreaders, allowing for significant mainsail control and a smaller, more manageable headsail. In lighter winds, the Excel 400 relies on its low wetted surface area to maintain speed, while its robust fiberglass construction ensures it remains quiet and vibration-free when powered up.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Excel 400 is a testament to the Swedish tradition of maritime woodworking. Unlike the mass-produced interiors of larger European builders, the Excel 400 features hand-finished mahogany or teak joinery with a focus on structural integrity. The layout typically follows a classic three-cabin arrangement, though given the bespoke nature of the yard, slight variations in the navigation station and galley size may exist between the few units built.

The main salon is designed with a traditional U-shaped settee to port and a straight settee to starboard, providing ample seating around a high-quality folding table. Headroom is generous, maintaining approximately 1.95 meters (6'4") throughout the primary living spaces. The galley is typically positioned in an L-shape near the companionway, optimized for use at sea with deep sinks and secure bracing points. Its sibling models, the Excel 319 and Excel 32, offer a similar aesthetic but in a much more compact, two-cabin footprint suitable for coastal cruising rather than the blue-water aspirations of the 400.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Because the Excel 400 was produced in such limited numbers, prospective buyers must approach the vessel with a "one-off" mindset. While the build quality is high, the following areas require specific scrutiny:

• Vacuum Bagging & Core Integrity: Excel Yachts utilized sandwich construction (likely Balsa or Divinycell core) in their decks and hulls to save weight. Buyers should commission a moisture meter test and percussion sounding around all chainplates and deck hardware to ensure no water ingress has compromised the core.
• Saildrive Diaphragm: Most Excel 400s were fitted with Volvo Penta diesel engines. The saildrive rubber diaphragm has a recommended replacement interval of seven years; if service records are missing, this is a mandatory replacement item.
• Keel-to-Hull Joint: Given the deep draft and high-leverage lead keel typical of Södergren designs, the internal grid structure and keel bolts should be inspected for signs of "hard grounding" stress, such as cracking in the gelcoat around the trailing edge of the keel stub.
• Bespoke Spare Parts: As the builder is no longer in active production and the model is rare, custom components—specifically the stainless steel pulpit, pushpit, and specialized window frames—cannot be ordered from a catalog and would require custom fabrication if damaged.

Community & Resources

Due to the rarity of the Excel 400, there is no dedicated international owner's association. However, technical support and historical data are often found through the Södergren Yacht Design archives, as Håkan Södergren remains a revered figure in the Swedish sailing community. Enthusiasts of the brand often congregate in broader Swedish sailing forums such as Maringuiden, where long-term owners of the Excel 319 and 400 share maintenance tips regarding the specific resins and wood treatments used by the Stockholm yard.

The Verdict

The Excel 400 is a connoisseur’s yacht, offering a level of exclusivity and build quality that is difficult to find in the modern second-hand market. It is best suited for a sailor who values Scandinavian craftsmanship and the refined handling characteristics of a Håkan Södergren hull.

Pros:

• Exceptional build quality with high-end Swedish interior joinery.
• Superb upwind performance and heavy-weather handling.
• Rarity and aesthetic appeal that stands out in any marina.
• Södergren design pedigree ensures long-term value among performance enthusiasts.

Cons:

• Extremely limited availability; finding one for sale is a multi-year endeavor.
• Lack of manufacturer support or a dedicated owner’s network.
• Bespoke parts can make repairs more expensive and time-consuming.
• Narrower beam results in less interior volume than modern 40-foot cruisers.