Searunner 40 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Searunner 40 is defined by its cutter rig and pivoting centerboard, a combination that grants it a level of versatility rarely seen in modern fixed-keel multihulls. With a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio typically hovering around 86, the boat is exceptionally light for its 40-foot length, allowing it to accelerate quickly in light air and maintain high average speeds on a reach. The use of a centerboard allows the draft to be reduced to approximately 3 feet, enabling the vessel to enter shallow anchorages or be "beached" for maintenance, while extending the board to 7 feet provides the lateral plane necessary for effective upwind tracking.

Handling is characterized by extreme stability and a "flat" sailing experience, though the wide 24-foot beam requires a different tactical approach to tacking than a monohull; speed must be maintained through the turn to avoid getting "caught in irons." According to Jim Brown’s design notes found at OutRigMedia, the asymmetric floats (amas) provide reserve buoyancy that helps the boat resist burying the bow in a sea. However, because these boats lack the heavy lead keel of a monohull, they rely on "active" seamanship—reefing early is essential, as the boat will not "heel" to shed wind pressure, but will instead increase hull loading.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The Searunner 40 utilizes a center-cockpit layout that functionally divides the interior into two distinct living zones: the "active" main saloon forward and the "passive" aft cabin. This separation is a hallmark of the Searunner series, providing privacy for the crew and a dedicated "captain's cabin" or navigation station in the stern. The main vaka (hull) is relatively narrow to maintain performance, which results in a galley and dinette area that feels more "snug" than a modern wide-body catamaran but provides excellent handholds for safety at sea.

Headroom is generous in the center of the main hull, often exceeding 6'3", though it tapers significantly toward the bows. Storage is abundant, utilizing the "wing decks" that bridge the vaka to the amas. Sibling models like the Searunner 37 offer a similar layout but with noticeably tighter quarters in the head and galley; the Searunner 40 is frequently cited as the first model in the range that truly feels like a "home" for a family of four rather than a performance-oriented cruiser for a couple.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Searunner series enjoys a cult-like status in the multihull community, largely due to Jim Brown’s prolific writing and advocacy. His seminal work, The Case for the Cruising Trimaran, solidified the Searunner 40’s reputation as a legitimate ocean-crosser. In the digital era, the model has seen a resurgence in popularity through voyages documented on YouTube, such as those by the channel Sailing with the Litzenbergers, who extensively refitted and cruised a Searunner trimaran, showcasing the design's durability in modern conditions.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

As almost all Searunner 40s were owner-built from plans, the primary "issue" is the quality of the original construction. Prospective buyers must prioritize a specialized multihull survey focusing on the following areas:

• Plywood Rot: The "cancer" of older Searunners. Inspect the stem head fitting, the chainplates, and the wing deck hatches where water ingress often begins.
• The Centerboard Trunk: This is a high-stress area that is difficult to inspect. Check for rot in the internal trunk walls and ensure the pivot pin and lifting tackle are sound.
• Crossbeam Integrity: The A-frame crossbeams (akas) are the structural heart of the boat. Any signs of delamination or "softness" in the beam-to-hull joints are critical red flags.
• Ventilation Path: Jim Brown famously advocated for "poking holes" in the boat to ensure airflow. If a boat has been sealed up in the tropics without proper inspection ports in the amas and vaka, the risk of internal dry rot is significantly higher.

Community & Resources

The Searunner community is exceptionally well-supported by technical archives and surviving experts. OutRigMedia serves as the primary repository for Jim Brown's legacy, offering digital downloads of the original manuals and design catalogs. For structural updates and "Constant Camber" modernizations, designer John Marples, who collaborated closely with Brown, remains the leading technical authority for Searunner owners.

The Verdict

The Searunner 40 is an uncompromising blue-water tool for the sailor who values speed, shallow draft, and the "living in the boat" feel of a trimaran over the "condo-on-the-water" luxury of modern catamarans.

Pros:

• Ocean-Proven: Thousands of ocean miles across the fleet prove the design's survival capabilities.
• Shallow Draft: The ability to pull into 3 feet of water opens up cruising grounds like the Bahamas.
• Affordability: Offers more performance and space per dollar than almost any other 40-foot multihull on the used market.

Cons:

• Maintenance Intensive: Plywood/epoxy requires vigilant attention to paint and sealant to prevent rot.
• Split Cabin Layout: Moving between the aft cabin and the galley requires crossing the open cockpit, which can be inconvenient in foul weather.
• Marina Fees: The 24-foot beam makes finding a slip difficult and expensive in many traditional marinas.