Salmo Salar Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Salar 40 is a "proper" motorsailer, meaning its hull form was derived from sailing lines rather than a converted motorboat. With a displacement-to-length ratio that places it firmly in the heavy-cruiser category, the boat exhibits a remarkably stable and sea-kindly motion. Its long keel and deep forefoot provide exceptional directional stability, allowing the boat to track straight even in confused following seas.

According to technical retrospectives by Yachting Monthly, the Salar 40 performs best on a reach, where the split ketch rig allows for easy balancing of the helm. While it lacks the pointing ability of a modern fin-keel yacht, it maintains a respectable 6 to 7 knots under sail in a stiff breeze. Under power, the original Perkins or Ford Sabre engines were typically sized to allow the vessel to maintain hull speed against significant wind and chop, a necessity for its intended role as a long-range voyager. The primary handling challenge is windage; the high-profile pilothouse and significant freeboard can make the boat catch the wind during low-speed port maneuvers, often necessitating a bow thruster in retrofitted models.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Salar 40 is a testament to the craftsmanship of the A.H. Moody & Son yard, characterized by extensive use of solid teak and mahogany joinery. The layout is centered around a protected midships cockpit, which separates the main living areas. A defining feature of many Salar 40s is the "Great Cabin" aft—an expansive owner’s stateroom with its own companionway, providing a level of privacy rarely found in 40-foot yachts of that era.

The main saloon is typically raised to allow for large windows, providing the helmsman and crew with excellent visibility even when seated below. Forward of the saloon, the layout usually includes a galley and a V-berth or twin-cabin arrangement for guests. Throughout the production run, several variations emerged: the "Salar Buccaneer" version featured a slightly different deck configuration with an emphasis on a more open cockpit, while other custom builds by different yards (such as Essex Yacht Builders) might show variations in the cabinetry and engine room insulation. Regardless of the variant, the boat is known for its "ship-like" feel, with deep bilges and substantial storage capacity for long-term liveaboard use.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners of a Salar 40 should prioritize a professional survey focusing on the specific aging characteristics of early heavy GRP builds.

• Deck Integrity: Many Salars were fitted with teak decks over GRP. Over decades, the thousands of screws securing the teak can allow water to ingress into the core. Evidence of "sponginess" or interior water staining near the deck-to-hull joint is a significant red flag.
• Osmosis: While Moody hulls were famously thick and robust, vessels from this era are susceptible to osmotic blistering. While rarely structural on a boat this heavily built, it is a common point for price negotiation.
• Fuel Tank Corrosion: The original mild-steel fuel tanks are often located deep in the bilges or under the cabin soles. After 50 years, these are prone to internal corrosion and leaking; replacing them is a major "engine-out" operation.
• Rigging and Chainplates: Given the ketch rig’s complexity, the standing rigging and the internal chainplate attachments—which are often glassed into the hull—require ultrasonic testing or visual inspection for crevice corrosion.

Community & Resources

The Salar 40 enjoys a dedicated following within the Moody Owners Association, which serves as the primary technical archive for the model. This association provides access to original line drawings, sail plans, and a repository of owner-led modifications that have kept these vintage vessels modern and seaworthy.

The Verdict

The Salmo Salar 40 remains one of the few motorsailers that can be described as truly elegant. It is a vessel for the traditionalist who values safety, comfort, and the ability to keep moving regardless of the weather.

Pros:

• Exceptional build quality and heavy-weather capability.
• Genuine "Great Cabin" layout offers superb privacy for a 40-foot boat.
• Excellent visibility from the raised saloon and protected helm.

Cons:

• High maintenance requirements due to extensive exterior and interior woodwork.
• Significant windage can make docking stressful in crosswinds.
• Limited upwind sailing performance compared to modern cruisers.