Nonsuch 40 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing experience of the Nonsuch 40 is defined by its massive, unstayed carbon fiber mast and a signature wishbone boom. Unlike traditional sloops that rely on a complex web of standing rigging, the Nonsuch 40 utilizes a single, enormous mainsail that can be controlled entirely from the safety of the cockpit. According to technical insights from Mark Ellis Design, the hull features a long waterline and a fin keel with a balanced spade rudder, which provides the vessel with surprising agility for its 25,000-pound displacement.

Despite its stout appearance and beam carried well forward, the boat tracks exceptionally well. The absence of a forestay allows the sail to take on a clean, aerodynamic shape, particularly when reaching. However, the sail area-to-displacement ratio is substantial, meaning the boat requires early reefing—a process made simpler by the wishbone boom and single-line reefing systems. While traditionalists often question the upwind performance of a cat rig, owners frequently report that the 40-foot model holds a tight line in moderate breeze, though it lacks the "pointing" ability of a racing sloop. The primary advantage remains the "tack-and-forget" simplicity; with no headsail to winch across the deck, the boat is a premier choice for short-handed or solo offshore cruising.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Nonsuch 40 is frequently described as "cavernous," a direct result of the design's plumb bow and nearly 13-foot beam. By eliminating the need for chainplates and stays, Mark Ellis opened up a layout that provides two distinct, private staterooms—a rarity in 40-foot monohulls of this era. The master suite, located forward, typically features a large island berth and an en-suite head with a separate stall shower.

Wiggers Custom Yachts' influence is most apparent in the joinery and cabinetry. Using the woodworking expertise Andy Wiggers inherited from his Dutch lineage, the 40-foot models built in the Bowmanville shop often feature superior teak finishes and more robust interior components than the earlier, high-volume production runs of smaller Nonsuch models. The main salon is characterized by an open-concept galley and a massive U-shaped settee. Because the 40-foot hull was designed to accommodate the larger 33 and 36 layouts with room to spare, Wiggers was able to offer various semi-custom configurations, including options for a second head and a dedicated navigation station that rivals those found on dedicated blue-water cruisers.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Nonsuch 40 has earned a dedicated following within the "Great Lakes sailing" lore, often cited as the ultimate expression of the "Ontario-built" cruising legacy. The model’s development was closely tracked by Canadian marine media, with Canadian Yachting magazine providing extensive coverage of the Wiggers-era production. The boat’s cultural footprint is most visible through the "Nonsuch University" technical papers and the extensive cruising logs maintained by the International Nonsuch Association, which document the vessel's capability in everything from the ICW to transatlantic crossings.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Nonsuch 40 should approach the survey with a focus on the unique loads generated by an unstayed rig.

• Carbon Fiber Mast Integrity: While the carbon fiber masts are incredibly durable, they must be inspected for UV degradation or stress fractures at the partners (where the mast meets the deck). Reports from long-term owners suggest checking the mast collar for water intrusion, which can affect the deck core in that high-load area.
• Wishbone Hanger Hardware: The wishbone boom puts significant torque on its attachment points. It is critical to inspect the "choker" line and the heavy-duty blocks that control the boom's tension, as these components are specific to the Nonsuch and can be expensive to replace.
• Balsa Core Moisture: Like many boats of the 1980s and 90s, the deck is typically balsa-cored. High-traffic areas around the windlass and the cockpit coamings should be checked with a moisture meter, as leaks in the deck hardware can lead to core delamination over time.
• Engine Access: While the engine room is generally spacious, buyers should verify the condition of the sail drive or traditional shaft seal (depending on the specific build year and repower history), as the 40-foot model’s weight puts considerable demand on its auxiliary power during docking maneuvers.

Community & Resources

The primary authority for technical support and history is the International Nonsuch Association (INA). This organization maintains an exhaustive archive of build records, technical manuals, and a "Nonsuch Wiki" that covers every system from the Westerbeke engines to the specific reefing geometries of the wishbone boom. For those interested in the builder's specific legacy, Wiggers Custom Yachts remains a point of contact for structural questions regarding the later hulls built in Bowmanville.

The Verdict

The Nonsuch 40 is a "thinking person’s" cruiser, offering the interior volume of a condominium with a sail plan that a single person can manage in a gale. While its unconventional aesthetics may not appeal to the traditional yachting eye, its build quality and ease of use are nearly peerless in the 40-foot cruising category.

Pros:

• Unrivaled interior volume and headroom for its length.
• Exceptional ease of handling via the single-sail cat rig.
• High-quality "Wiggers" construction with superior woodwork.
• Extremely stable and comfortable at anchor.

Cons:

• Upwind performance is inferior to traditional sloops in light air.
• Unconventional "cat boat" look can polarize potential buyers.
• High loads on the wishbone boom require specialized maintenance.
• Limited availability on the brokerage market due to low production numbers.