LeComte Alc 40 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The ALC 40 is a product of the early IOR era, which is reflected in its underwater profile and sail plan. According to the Sparkman & Stephens design archives, the boat was engineered to be a competitive racer-cruiser, featuring a fin keel and a skeg-mounted rudder. This configuration provides a significant leap in maneuverability compared to the full-keel designs of the previous decade, while still maintaining enough lateral plane to track reliably in a seaway.

In terms of handling, the ALC 40 is known for its exceptional upwind ability. The Sparkman & Stephens influence is felt in its balance; the boat is "pinchable" and holds a tight lane in light-to-moderate air. However, because it carries the IOR-influenced pinched ends and a relatively narrow stern, sailors often report that the boat requires active helming when running downwind in a following sea to prevent rhythmic rolling. With a displacement of approximately 15,500 lbs and a moderate ballast ratio, the ALC 40 offers a motion that is significantly softer than modern, flat-bottomed performance boats, making it a comfortable platform for extended coastal passages or even blue-water crossings.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the ALC 40 is widely considered its crowning achievement, showcasing the "Dutch-finish" that made LeComte famous. The joinery is typically executed in hand-rubbed African teak or mahogany, with high-gloss varnished accents that are rarely seen in modern production yachts. The standard layout features a classic offshore arrangement: a forward V-berth, a head with a shower to port, and a hanging locker to starboard. The main salon utilizes a pilot berth and settee arrangement, which provides excellent sea berths for offshore passages.

LeComte offered several variations within the 40-foot hull. While the ALC 40 was the core model, its design lineage shares DNA with the smaller ALC 35 and the larger ALC 46 (which was a redesign of the Luders-designed Fastnet 45). On the ALC 40 itself, owners could often choose between a sloop or a yawl rig, though the sloop was more common for those prioritizing racing performance. The galley is typically located aft near the companionway for optimal ventilation and accessibility to the cockpit, featuring a deep sink and ample storage for long-term provisioning. Headroom is generous for a boat of this vintage, generally exceeding 6'2" in the main salon.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Purchasing an ALC 40 requires a discerning eye for 1970s-era fiberglass construction techniques. While the hulls are solid GRP and exceptionally robust, the following areas require specific inspection:

• Deck Core Integrity: LeComte utilized Airex foam coring for the decks. While Airex is superior to balsa in terms of rot resistance, 50 years of service can lead to delamination if hardware has not been properly re-bedded. High-moisture readings around stanchion bases and the mast step are common points of failure.
• Teak Deck Maintenance: Many ALC 40s were delivered with teak-over-fiberglass decks. If the teak is original, it is likely reaching the end of its lifespan. Look for "bung" failure and thinning wood, which can lead to water ingress into the core.
• Chainplate Attachments: Inspect the points where the chainplates meet the bulkheads. In some older LeComte models, water weeping down the stays can lead to "hidden" rot in the structural bulkheads that support the rig.
• Original Plumbing and Wiring: Unless a previous owner has performed a refit, the original Dutch wiring and gate valves (seacocks) should be replaced to meet modern ABYC standards.

Community & Resources

Owners of these vessels are served by a small but dedicated community. The LeComte Owners Association remains the primary repository for technical drawings and historical data. Information regarding original Sparkman & Stephens blueprints can also be sourced through the S&S archives, which provide specific sail plans and displacement data for Design No. 2035.

The Verdict

The LeComte ALC 40 is an "aristocrat" of the used boat market, offering a level of craftsmanship and pedigree that is increasingly difficult to find. It is an ideal choice for the traditionalist who prioritizes aesthetic beauty and heavy-weather capability over interior volume and modern "sugar scoop" transoms.

Pros:

• Exquisite Craftsmanship: The interior joinery is among the best of its era.
• Design Pedigree: A genuine Sparkman & Stephens hull with proven offshore credentials.
• Sea-Kindliness: The heavy displacement and narrow entry provide a smooth ride in choppy conditions.

Cons:

• High Maintenance: The extensive use of exterior teak and high-gloss interior varnish requires a committed owner.
• Dated Handling Downwind: IOR design traits can make the boat squirrelly in a heavy following sea.
• Refit Costs: Systems from the early 1970s often require complete modernization to be reliable for cruising.