S&S 40 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The S&S 40 is a quintessential "heavyweight" by modern standards, typically displacing upwards of 20,000 pounds. This mass, combined with a traditional long keel and a cutaway forefoot, provides the vessel with exceptional directional stability. Owners frequently report that the boat "steers itself" once the sails are trimmed, a trait highly valued by long-distance cruisers. The CCA-influenced hull features relatively narrow beams and long overhangs, which contribute to a graceful motion in a seaway. Unlike modern flat-bottomed yachts that "pound" into head seas, the S&S 40 slices through waves, maintaining momentum with its high displacement.

Under sail, the boat is remarkably stiff. Its Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio typically sits in the "heavy cruiser" category, meaning it requires a decent breeze to truly come alive. However, once the wind exceeds 12 knots, the S&S 40 settles onto its lines and displays the "S&S groove"—a point of sail where the helm remains light and the boat feels perfectly balanced. It is not a modern "surfing" hull; rather, it is a powerful upwind performer that tracks with surgical precision.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the S&S 40 is a showcase of the high-level joinery that defined Japanese boatbuilding in the 1960s. Far East Yachts utilized seasoned hardwoods, primarily mahogany and teak, to create a cabin that feels more like a traditional library than a modern plastic yacht. The layout is typically a classic offshore arrangement: a forward V-berth, a head and hanging locker separating the sleeping quarters from the main salon, and a galley located near the companionway for optimal ventilation and communication with the cockpit.

Variations exist depending on the specific hull number and the transition period of the shipyard. While the hull transitioned to fiberglass, the decks on many S&S 40s remained a composite of marine plywood or solid wood timber, often glassed over or topped with thick teak planking. The "Offshore 40" variant, which is sometimes used interchangeably with the S&S 40 built at Far East, often featured a slightly different cockpit configuration or cabin trunk height to accommodate taller owners, as headroom in these classic designs can be a concern for those over six feet.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Purchasing a vessel of this vintage requires a discerning eye for structural longevity. The S&S 40, while built to "bulletproof" standards, faces several age-related challenges common to Far East Yachts’ production:

• Deck Core and Teak: Many S&S 40s were built with plywood-cored decks or teak-over-plywood. Over decades, water can penetrate the thousands of screws holding the teak down, leading to widespread delamination or rot in the core. A "bouncy" feel or brown stains on the interior headliner are red flags.
• Mast Step and Support: The S&S 40 often utilizes a keel-stepped mast. Buyers should inspect the mast step for corrosion and the structural "I-beam" or wooden floor timbers that distribute the rig's downward force. Compression in this area can lead to poor rig tension and door misalignment in the cabin.
• Chainplates: Given the age of these vessels, the stainless steel chainplates—where the rigging attaches to the hull—should be pulled and inspected for crevice corrosion, especially where they pass through the deck.
• Engine Replacement: Many original models were equipped with Westerbeke or Perkins diesels that may be reaching the end of their service life. Buyers should verify if a repower has occurred, as the engine rooms on these designs can be tight for modern replacements.

Community & Resources

Owners of the S&S 40 benefit from a robust network of classic yacht enthusiasts. The Mariner Owners Association, while primarily focused on the Garden-designed ketches, often serves as a technical repository for all boats built at the Far East Yachts yard in Yokosuka, providing insight into the specific construction techniques used by Clair Oberly’s team. Additionally, because this is an S&S design, technical drawings and original specifications can often be sourced through the Sparkman & Stephens archives for restoration projects.

The Verdict

The S&S 40 is a "sailor's sailboat," appealing to those who value aesthetic beauty and ocean-going reliability over interior volume and modern gadgets. It is a vessel designed to cross oceans in comfort, provided the owner is willing to maintain its classic systems.

Pros:

• Exceptional Tracking: Remarkable directional stability and balance under sail.
• Aesthetic Appeal: One of the most beautiful profiles of the CCA era, with classic lines and elegant overhangs.
• Build Quality: High-quality Japanese joinery and "over-built" fiberglass scantlings.

Cons:

• Maintenance Intensive: High amounts of exterior brightwork and potential deck core issues require constant attention.
• Heavy Air Requirement: Requires significant wind to reach hull speed compared to lighter, modern designs.
• Tight Quarters: The narrow beam results in less interior volume and storage than modern 40-footers.