The Olson 40 stands as a definitive benchmark of the Ultra-Light Displacement Boat (ULDB) movement that revolutionized West Coast sailing in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Designed by George Olson and manufactured by Pacific Boat Works in Santa Cruz, California, the Olson 40 was envisioned as a larger, more offshore-capable evolution of the iconic Olson 30. While the 30 was a "pocket rocket" primarily suited for coastal sprints, the 40-foot variant introduced a level of stability and waterline length that allowed it to dominate prestigious long-distance races like the Transpac. The design philosophy centers on a narrow beam, a deep fin keel, and a remarkably light hull—typically displacing approximately 11,000 to 12,000 pounds—which allows the vessel to plane in conditions that would leave traditional cruiser-racers displacement-locked.
Olson 40 Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview
- Make
- Olson
- Model
- 40
- Builder
- Pacific Boats Inc.
- Designer
- George Olson
- Number Built
- 30
- Production Year(s)
- 1982 - 1986
Below are the most recent Olson 40 sailboat listings (up to 10).
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| Source | Year | Make | Model | Price | Cabins | Heads | City | Country | Listing Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DISCLAIMER: We are not affiliated with any external listing websites in any way. We simply aggregate publicly available listings to make it easier for buyers to find sailboats for sale. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the listings, so please verify all information with the seller before making any decisions.
Market Overview
Price & Volume Trends
Monthly breakdown
| Month | Listings | Median Asking Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 2025 | 1 | $30,000 |
| Model | LOA | Median Price (USD) | Listings | Recent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| O'Day 40 | 39.58' | $43,250 | 22 | 16 |
| Elan 40 | 39.04' | $94,163 | 19 | 5 |
| Pogo 40 | 39.96' | $92,840 | 10 | 7 |
| X-Yachts X-40 | 40' | $184,958 | 10 | 6 |
| Santa Cruz 50 | 50' | $210,000 | 9 | 0 |
| Salona 40 | 39.34' | $114,862 | 8 | 4 |
| Ohlson 38 | 37.06' | $41,612 | 6 | 2 |
| CAL 40 | 39.33' | $68,000 | 4 | 2 |
| C&C 40-2 | 39.58' | $36,198 | 4 | 0 |
| Farr 40 OD | 40.72' | $78,026 | 3 | 1 |
| Olson 40 | $30,000 | 1 | 0 |
| Country | Median Price (USD) | Listings (past 12 months) | Recent (90d) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | $30,000 | 1 | 0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a used Olson 40 cost?
- The median asking price for a used Olson 40 over the past 12 months is $30,000. Prices vary by condition, year, equipment, and location.
- How many Olson 40 sailboats are for sale?
- We have tracked 1 Olson 40 listings over the past 12 months, with 0 listed within the last 90 days.
- What are similar sailboats to the Olson 40?
- Comparable models include the O'Day 40, Elan 40, Pogo 40. See the comparison table above for pricing and availability.