Design and Construction
Santa Cruz-based designer and builder George Olson was a pioneer of the local ultralight displacement boat (ULDB) movement, and the Olson 40 reflects that lineage in its emphasis on lightweight construction.
The solid-fiberglass hull displaces 10,350 pounds and carries 5,500 pounds of lead ballast. That gives the boat a ballast-to-displacement ratio near 53 percent, suggesting a stiff, purposeful platform rather than a featherweight toy. A fin keel and spade rudder complete the underwater profile. With a 36-foot waterline on an overall length of 40 feet 3 inches, the hull has a long, lean run for its rating.
Rig, Performance, and Handling
The Olson 40 carries a masthead sloop rig. The sail plan wasn’t fixed throughout the production run: on some boats, the mast position was adjusted to tune the balance.
Working sail area is 720 square feet, and the sail-area-to-displacement ratio is around 24. The boat is renowned for excellent performance, with fast, responsive handling in moderate winds. It points well upwind and has strong downwind surfing potential. Those qualities helped it earn credibility for seaworthiness, particularly for a light-displacement hull, in events such as the Transpac.
Owners praise the Olson 40’s balance, stiffness, and sheer fun to sail. Many describe it as a “big pussycat,” rewarding whether sailed singlehanded or with a crew.
Accommodations
Below, the Olson 40 follows a practical racer-cruiser brief. The layout includes a forward V-berth, settee seating, a working galley, a head, and stowage suited to coastal or offshore use.
Function takes priority over interior volume, as you’d expect from a design whose first loyalty is speed rather than salon square footage.
Known Issues
The principal drawback is a wet ride in heavy conditions. Low freeboard and an open transom-like feel allow water aboard more readily than on a higher-sided cruiser.
The Verdict
The Olson 40 is a focused expression of Santa Cruz ULDB thinking in a 40-foot package. It’s rare, quick, and genuinely enjoyable to handle, but unapologetically wet when the weather turns. For sailors who value responsiveness and a proven offshore record more than interior volume, it remains a compelling used-market prospect.
Pros
- Fast and responsive in moderate winds, with good upwind pointing
- Strong downwind surfing potential and Transpac-proven seaworthiness for its type
- Owner-praised balance, stiffness, and singlehanded-friendly character
Cons
- Can be wet in heavy conditions because of its low freeboard and open transom-like feel
- Only 30 were built, so finding one requires patience
