Robinhood 40 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Robinhood 40 is a heavy-displacement cruiser that prioritizes comfort and tracking over raw sprinting speed. Built with a full keel and a cutaway forefoot, the hull is designed to "heave-to" easily and maintain a steady course in a seaway, a characteristic often missing in modern fin-keel production boats. The displacement-to-length ratio is high, suggesting a boat that does not get bullied by chop; instead, it punches through with a dampened, predictable motion that reduces crew fatigue.

While technical ratios for the Robinhood 40 place it firmly in the "Blue Water Cruiser" category, it remains surprisingly nimble in a breeze. Owners frequently report that the boat finds its "groove" at about 15 knots of wind, where the heavy hull loads up and provides a stable platform. Because it was often rigged as a cutter or a sloop with a removable inner forestay, the sail plan is highly adaptable, allowing the skipper to depower the main and fly a staysail when the weather turns foul. However, in light air (under 8 knots), the high wetted surface area of the full keel does become a factor, and sailors should expect to rely on the auxiliary engine or a large cruising spinnaker to maintain progress.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Inside, the Robinhood 40 showcases the high-level joinery that defined the Georgetown yard during the Vavolotis years. Unlike mass-produced yachts that utilize fiberglass liners, the Robinhood 40 features extensive use of hand-fitted hardwoods—typically teak or cherry—creating a warm, traditional "shippy" atmosphere. The layout usually centers on a classic offshore configuration: a secure U-shaped galley to one side of the companionway, a dedicated navigation station to the other, and a main salon with deep settees that double as excellent sea berths.

Because these were built as semi-custom yachts, variations exist in the forward cabin and storage arrangements. Some models feature a traditional V-berth, while others were customized with a pullman-style berth to allow for a larger head and separate shower stall. The cabin sole is typically solid teak and holly, and the overhead is often finished with individual slats (ceiling strips) rather than a single plastic mold, which aids in insulation and aesthetics. The sibling of this model, the Robinhood 36, offers a very similar aesthetic but feels noticeably more "compact" in the salon and storage areas compared to the 40’s generous beam and waterline extension.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many yachts of this era built with balsa-cored decks, the Robinhood 40 requires a thorough moisture inspection, particularly around stanchion bases, chainplates, and the windlass. Any hardware that was not properly "potted" in epoxy by previous owners can lead to localized core saturation.
• Chainplate Inspection: Given the boat’s age and its intended use as an offshore cruiser, the stainless steel chainplates should be inspected for crevice corrosion. These are often buried behind cabinetry, making visual inspection difficult but necessary for long-distance voyaging.
• Engine Access and Maintenance: While the engine rooms are generally well-insulated, access can be tight depending on the specific interior cabinetry chosen by the original owner. Buyers should check the age of the exhaust riser and the condition of the motor mounts.
• Osmotic Blistering: While Robinhood had a reputation for high-quality layup and the use of vinylester resins in later years, any boat of this vintage should be hauled for a hull inspection. Blistering is rare in this model compared to contemporary production boats, but it is not impossible.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Robinhood 40 are often welcomed into the Cape Dory Owners Association, as the Robinhood yard was the spiritual and physical successor to the Cape Dory brand. This association serves as the primary technical clearinghouse for information regarding the Alberg-inspired designs and the specific construction techniques used at the Georgetown facility. Furthermore, the Derecktor Robinhood yard remains a vital resource, holding much of the institutional knowledge regarding the original builds and offering specialized refit services for owners looking to restore these classic cruisers.

The Verdict

The Robinhood 40 is a "sailor’s sailboat," designed for those who value craftsmanship and sea-keeping over modern "condo-maran" volume.

Pros:

• Exceptional Build Quality: Hand-crafted Maine joinery that outlasts modern production standards.
• Seakindly Motion: A heavy hull and full keel that provide security in heavy weather.
• Timeless Aesthetics: Classic lines that command respect in any harbor.

Cons:

• Light Air Performance: Struggles to maintain speed in under 8-10 knots of wind without significant sail area.
• Maintenance Requirements: Extensive exterior teak (on many hulls) requires regular varnishing or oiling.
• Rarity: Very few were built compared to the 36, making them difficult to find on the brokerage market.