Nicholson 40 DS Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The hull of the Nicholson 40 DS is characterized by a long-fin keel and a substantial skeg-hung rudder, a configuration that emphasizes directional stability and protection of the steering gear over outright racing speed. With a displacement-to-length ratio that firmly categorizes it as a heavy cruiser, the 40 DS is not a light-air performer; it requires a decent breeze to overcome its inertia. However, once moving, it possesses an exceptional "sea-kindly" motion. According to historical technical archives from the Nicholson Yachts Owners Association, the boat was designed to maintain momentum in a head sea where lighter contemporary designs would often stall.

The majority of 40 DS hulls were rigged as ketches, which provides a versatile sail plan for short-handed couples. This "two-masted" approach allows owners to balance the boat easily by dropping the mainsail and sailing under jib and mizzen in heavy weather, a setup that keeps the center of effort low and manageable. While the boat exhibits a degree of weather helm if over-canvassed, its tracking ability is legendary, allowing it to hold a course for hours with minimal intervention from an autopilot or wind-vane steering system.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the 40 DS was a revelation for its time, successfully merging the robustness of a traditional yacht with the airy feel of a much larger vessel. By utilizing a raised saloon floor, Raymond Wall allowed for a panoramic view of the horizon while seated at the dining table, a design choice that significantly reduces the "cave-like" sensation typical of mid-century offshore yachts. The craftsmanship is consistent with the Camper & Nicholsons reputation, featuring extensive use of solid teak and high-quality joinery that has stood the test of decades.

The layout typically features a large owner’s cabin aft, often accessed through a walk-through galley or a dedicated corridor, providing a level of privacy rare in 40-foot boats. This model is a direct "sibling" to the Nicholson 39; while they share a similar hull form and underwater profile, the 40 DS offers significantly more internal volume and headroom due to the raised deckhouse. Some variations exist in the forward guest cabin—ranging from traditional V-berths to offset doubles—depending on the original owner’s specifications, but the core focus remained on providing a comfortable, dry environment for four to six adults during extended passages.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Nicholson 40 DS should prioritize a few specific technical areas that are common to yachts of this vintage and build style:

• Teak Deck Condition: Most 40 DS models were delivered with thick teak decks bedded in mastic and screwed into the GRP sub-deck. Over forty years, these screws can allow moisture to penetrate the core. Buyers should check for "springy" sections or signs of water ingress on the interior headliners.
• Osmosis: While Camper & Nicholsons used high-quality resins, hulls from the late 70s are susceptible to osmotic blistering if they have not been treated with an epoxy barrier coat. A moisture meter test during a haul-out is essential.
• Chainplate Inspection: Given the ketch rig, there are a high number of chainplates and shroud terminals. Because these are often hidden behind fine teak cabinetry, they can suffer from crevice corrosion unnoticed. A thorough rig survey is required to ensure the masts are securely stayed.
• Engine Access and Tanks: The engine is centrally located under the saloon floor, which provides good weight distribution but can make major repairs cumbersome. Additionally, the original mild steel fuel tanks should be inspected for internal corrosion, as replacement often requires significant dismantling of the furniture.

Community & Resources

Owners of the 40 DS benefit from a robust support network centered around the Nicholson Yachts Owners Association. This organization maintains an extensive database of original drawings, sail plans, and technical manuals that are invaluable for restoration projects. The association also hosts rallies and technical forums where owners share specific solutions for upgrading older systems like the original Perkins engines or the complex electrical panels found on these hulls.

The Verdict

The Nicholson 40 DS is a "thinking person’s" bluewater cruiser, trading contemporary "med-style" cockpit space for the safety, stability, and interior comfort required for genuine ocean crossing. While its aesthetic is distinctly of the 1970s, its build quality remains superior to many modern production boats.

Pros:

• Superior Sea-keeping: Exceptional stability and comfort in heavy weather.
• Panoramic Saloon: Rare 360-degree visibility for a boat of this era.
• Build Pedigree: Constructed to Lloyd’s 100A1 standards by a world-class yard.
• Ketch Rig Versatility: Easy to sail short-handed in varying wind conditions.

Cons:

• Maintenance Intensive: Aged teak decks and complex systems require diligent upkeep.
• Heavy Air Dependency: Sluggish in light winds (under 10 knots).
• Deep Draft: The keel depth may limit access to some shallow-water cruising grounds.