Island Spirit 40 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Island Spirit 40 is frequently described as a "sailor’s catamaran," distinguishing itself from the more voluminous, wind-prone designs common in the modern charter industry. With a relatively low profile and narrower hulls than its French counterparts, the boat exhibits impressive windward performance for a cruising multihull. The Phil Southwell design incorporates a significant bridge deck clearance, which minimizes the "slamming" effect in choppy head seas—a common complaint among catamarans with lower clearances.

Under sail, the boat is known for its balanced helm and ability to maintain momentum in light air, thanks to a generous sail area-to-displacement ratio. According to owner reports and historical sea trials, the vessel tracks exceptionally well due to its fixed fins, which provide lateral resistance without the complexity of daggerboards. While it may not reach the ultimate speeds of a performance-oriented carbon cat, it comfortably maintains 8 to 10 knots in a stiff breeze, providing a stable, level platform that reduces fatigue on long passages.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Island Spirit 40 is characterized by a "galley-up" configuration, which integrates the chef into the social atmosphere of the saloon. The bridge deck serves as the primary living area, featuring a large U-shaped settee and panoramic windows that offer excellent visibility. Most hulls were delivered in a three-cabin "Owner’s Version" or a four-cabin layout for charter use. In the Owner’s Version, the entire starboard hull is dedicated to a master suite, including a large berth aft, a dedicated workspace or storage amidships, and an expansive head forward.

Materials used in the cabinetry are typically South African hardwoods or high-quality veneers, which provide a warmer, more traditional nautical feel than the molded plastic interiors of high-volume production boats. Headroom is generous throughout the hulls and the saloon, typically exceeding 6'4". Variations include the Island Spirit 401, which introduced updated styling and a redesigned "walk-through" transom that makes boarding from a dinghy or swimming significantly easier than on the original 40 model.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Island Spirit 40’s primary claim to fame remains its 2001 Boat of the Year award, which solidified its reputation in the North American market. It has also been a staple for independent circumnavigators; several well-documented voyages on YouTube and sailing blogs have featured the IS40 as a reliable platform for high-latitude cruising and tropical exploration alike. Its status as a "South African build" carries a certain weight in the cruising community, often being compared favorably to the early Leopard catamarans built by Robertson and Caine in terms of ruggedness.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of an Island Spirit 40 should focus their surveys on several specific areas common to Fortuna-built vessels of this vintage:

• Bulkhead Bonding: Inspect the secondary bonding of the main bulkheads to the hulls. Like many catamarans that have seen heavy offshore use, some units have shown signs of movement or tabbing separation in the forward lockers.
• Window Seals: The large acrylic saloon windows are prone to leaking if the original sealant has degraded. Check for water staining on the interior woodwork beneath the windows.
• Escape Hatches: The safety escape hatches located in the hulls (near the waterline) should be inspected for frame integrity and seal age. Many owners choose to glass these over or upgrade to more modern, reinforced units.
• Rudder Bearings: Check for excessive play in the rudder stocks. The South African builds often used nylon or Delrin bushings that can swell or wear over two decades of use, leading to stiff or sloppy steering.
• Balsa Core Integrity: While the hulls are generally solid GRP below the waterline, the decks are balsa-cored. Ensure a moisture meter test is performed around all stanchion bases and deck hardware to check for core saturation.

Community & Resources

Owners of these vessels are supported by a niche but dedicated community. The Island Spirit Owners group (found on platforms like Facebook and via independent owner-run forums) is the primary repository for technical manuals, wiring diagrams, and modification advice. Because Fortuna Catamarans is no longer producing these specific models, this peer-to-peer network is essential for sourcing specific replacement parts or advice on structural upgrades.

The Verdict

The Island Spirit 40 remains a highly sought-after catamaran for cruisers who prioritize sailing sensation and build strength over maximum interior volume.

Pros

• Superior Bridge Deck Clearance: Significantly reduces slamming and increases comfort in offshore conditions.
• Proven Blue-Water Pedigree: Strong construction standards suited for ocean crossings.
• Award-Winning Design: Recognized by industry experts for its balance of performance and utility.
• Owner-Centric Layouts: Excellent privacy and space in the three-cabin configurations.

Cons

• Limited Interior Volume: Narrower hulls mean less storage and "floor space" compared to modern Lagoon or Leopard models.
• Dated Transom Design: The original 40 model (non-401) can be more difficult to board from the water.
• Manufacturer Support: The lack of an active factory for older models requires owners to be more self-reliant for technical support.