Passport 40 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Passport 40 is a quintessential performance cruiser of the Robert Perry school, featuring a modified fin keel and a large, skeg-hung rudder. With a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 270 and a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) ratio hovering around 16.5, the boat is neither a light-air racer nor a sluggish tank. Instead, it utilizes its 22,700-pound displacement to provide a motion that is "kindly and predictable in a seaway," a trait noted in editorial evaluations by Practical Sailor.

The hull is remarkably well-balanced; owners often report that the boat can be steered with a fingertip even when the wind freshens to 20 knots. The skeg-hung rudder provides significant tracking stability, making it an excellent candidate for long-distance vane steering or mechanical autopilots. While it lacks the "pointing" ability of a modern flat-bottomed racer, its ability to maintain high average speeds over 24-hour periods is a hallmark of the design. As Perry himself has noted in various design retrospectives, the 40 was designed with a "slippery" entry and a clean exit, allowing it to move through the water with far less drag than the heavy-displacement cruisers that preceded it.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Inside, the Passport 40 is a masterclass in traditional joinery, typically finished in high-grade Burmese teak. The most common configuration features a Pullman-style berth to port in the forward cabin, which allows for a large, private head in the bow—a luxury rarely seen in 40-footers of the early 1980s. A second, rarer "V-berth" configuration was also produced for those who preferred a more conventional forward layout.

The main salon is centered around a massive U-shaped dinette to port and a straight settee to starboard. The galley is a standout feature for offshore work, designed in a tight "U" shape that provides secure bracing for the cook while under heel. It typically includes deep double sinks, a well-insulated top-and-front loading refrigerator, and significant storage for dry goods. The 40 also features a dedicated, forward-facing navigation station.

The Passport 40 hull eventually evolved into the Passport 41, which utilized the same hull mold but incorporated a transom extension (sugar scoop) and minor deck modifications to modernize the profile and improve water access. Additionally, the Passport 42 and the later 44 share much of the same DNA, though they offer increased volume and different cockpit arrangements.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Passport 40 has earned a dedicated following in the cruising community, frequently appearing in "Best Used Boat" lists by major publications. It was notably featured in Cruising World magazine as a "classic" for its enduring build quality. The model is also a frequent subject of technical praise in Robert Perry’s book, Yacht Design According to Perry, where he discusses the evolution of the performance-cruising concept.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

While the Passport 40 is exceptionally robust, a 40-year-old vessel requires specific scrutiny. Prospective buyers should focus on the following:

• Chainplates: The stainless steel chainplates on older models are often glassed into the hull or hidden behind cabinetry. Over time, moisture can cause crevice corrosion. Many owners opt for a full replacement and relocation to the exterior of the hull for ease of inspection.
• Teak Decks: Many Passport 40s were delivered with thick teak side decks screwed into a balsa-cored fiberglass laminate. If the balsa core has been compromised by leaking screws, repairs can be extensive and costly.
• Fuel Tanks: The original black steel fuel tanks are known to corrode from the bottom up if water sits in the bilge. Inspect the tank's integrity or check for evidence of recent replacement with aluminum or plastic.
• Rudder Moisture: The foam-filled rudders are prone to water ingress. A moisture meter test or "tap test" is essential during the survey to check for delamination or internal saturation.

Community & Resources

The Passport community is one of the most organized and technically proficient owner groups in the sailing world. The Passport Owners Association serves as the primary hub for technical data, refit logs, and social gatherings. The group maintains a detailed repository of original blueprints and parts lists, which is invaluable for owners performing restorations.

The Verdict

The Passport 40 remains one of the most desirable used cruising boats on the market because it refuses to compromise on either build quality or sailing aesthetics. It is a "sailor’s boat" that manages to feel like a "homeowner’s boat" once the anchor is dropped.

Pros:

• Exceptional "Taiwanese" teak interior joinery that is difficult to replicate in modern production boats.
• Balanced sailing performance that excels in heavy weather and long offshore passages.
• Highly functional galley and Pullman berth layout optimized for live-aboard couples.

Cons:

• High maintenance requirements associated with extensive exterior teak and aging systems.
• The balsa-cored deck requires vigilant maintenance to prevent expensive core rot.
• Slightly slower in light air compared to modern, lighter-displacement cruisers.