Laurent Giles Salar 40 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Salar 40 is a heavy-displacement vessel (approximately 11 tons) that relies on momentum and a powerful ketch rig to handle varied sea states. While modern cruisers might find its light-air performance lacking due to a relatively low sail area-to-displacement ratio, the boat comes alive when the breeze exceeds 15 knots. Its long keel and substantial skeg-hung rudder provide exceptional directional stability, making it an easy boat to trim for long passages.

Reviewers from Yachting Monthly have noted that the boat’s motion is remarkably sea-kindly, avoiding the "hobby-horsing" common in lighter, flatter-bottomed boats. Under power, the Salar 40 was typically fitted with a Perkins 4.236 engine, which provides enough torque to maintain cruising speeds against a headwind—a core requirement of its motor-sailer designation. The ketch rig allows for a wide variety of sail combinations, enabling the skipper to keep the boat balanced and upright even as conditions deteriorate.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The Salar 40’s layout was revolutionary for its time, utilizing a center-cockpit configuration that provides an excellent "command center" while separating the living quarters. The standard "Standard" and "Buccaneer" variants offer different deckhouse configurations, with the Buccaneer featuring a more enclosed, sheltered helm station. The interior is characterized by high-quality joinery, usually in teak or mahogany, reflecting the craftsmanship of the Essex yards.

The primary cabin is located aft, offering a degree of privacy rarely found in 40-footers of this vintage. It is usually accessed via a dedicated companionway from the cockpit, though some semi-custom versions include a walk-through passage from the main saloon. The main saloon features a generous galley and a convertible dinette, while the forward V-berth provides additional accommodation for guests or crew. Headroom is ample throughout, typically exceeding six feet, which reinforces the boat's suitability as a full-time liveaboard or long-range cruiser.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Salar 40 has maintained a steady presence in the cruising community, often cited in technical literature by the Laurent Giles Archive as one of the most commercially successful designs from the office during the 1970s. Its reputation as a "bulletproof" cruiser has led to several documented circumnavigations. The boat’s design was influential enough that it served as the template for several later models, including the Salar 39 and the slightly modified versions built in Spain, which sought to replicate the Giles formula for a balanced motor sailer.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Purchasing a Salar 40 requires a meticulous survey, as many of these vessels are now over 50 years old and have been subjected to rigorous offshore use.

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many GRP boats of this era, the Salar 40 uses a balsa or foam-cored deck in certain areas. Buyers should check for soft spots or "crunching" sounds, particularly around the mast step and chainplates, which can indicate water ingress and delamination.
• Osmotic Blistering: Early GRP hulls from the 1970s are prone to osmosis. While the Salar’s hull is exceptionally thick, a moisture meter test and visual hull inspection are essential to determine if a preventative epoxy coating or more extensive peeling is required.
• Engine Serviceability: The Perkins 4.236 is a reliable "workhorse" engine, but engine mounts, cooling systems, and exhaust elbows should be inspected. Replacement parts remain available, but the heavy engine is often difficult to remove from the engine room if a complete overhaul is needed.
• Ketch Rigging: The complexity of two masts means double the standing rigging. Check the age of the stays and the condition of the mast steps, as many original masts were gold-anodized aluminum which can suffer from pitting and corrosion at the bases.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Salar 40 often find support through the Laurent Giles Archive, which maintains original drawings and technical data for the model. While there is no single "Salar 40 Association," owners frequently interact within the broader Laurent Giles Owners' community, sharing refit logs and technical advice regarding the specific quirks of the Essex Yacht Builders' construction techniques.

The Verdict

The Salar 40 remains a premier choice for traditionalists who value seaworthiness over modern "dock appeal." It is a stout, reliable vessel that provides a level of security in heavy weather that few contemporary production boats can match.

• Pros:
  • Exceptional heavy-weather stability and sea-kindliness.
  • True "motor sailer" capability with a powerful engine and efficient hull.
  • Private aft cabin layout ideal for couples or families.
  • Robust GRP construction from the "over-built" era of yacht design.
• Cons:
  • Sluggish performance in light winds (under 10 knots).
  • High maintenance costs associated with a ketch rig and aging teak.
  • The center cockpit can be "wet" in certain sea conditions without a full sprayhood.
  • Limited maneuverability in tight marinas due to the long keel.