Swift 40 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The influence of C. Raymond Hunt Associates is immediately apparent in the Swift 40’s underwater profile. Known for their work on stable, sea-kindly hulls, the designers provided the Swift 40 with a moderate-displacement hull that tracks exceptionally well in offshore conditions. According to design records from Ray Hunt Design, the firm’s philosophy often emphasized a balance between speed and predictable handling, a trait that translates well to the Swift 40's sail-to-displacement ratio.

In practice, the boat is described by owners as a "rhythm sailor." It does not possess the "twitchy" acceleration of a modern light-displacement racer but instead utilizes its momentum to power through heavy chop. The fin keel and skeg-hung rudder configuration offer a high degree of protection for the steering gear while maintaining enough maneuverability for tight docking maneuvers. In breeze exceeding 15 knots, the Swift 40 finds its groove, showing its pedigree as a boat designed for the North Atlantic, rather than just coastal hopping. Its tracking is straight and true, reducing the workload on the helm and autopilot during long passages.

Interior Comfort & Variations

True to the era of its construction, the interior of the Swift 40 is a masterclass in traditional joinery, dominated by high-quality teak that has become increasingly rare in modern yacht building. The layout typically features a classic offshore arrangement: a dedicated offshore galley to starboard, a proper navigation station to port, and a spacious main saloon with a U-shaped settee.

The build quality from the Kang Nam Shipbuilders yard is evident in the cabinetry and the fit-and-finish of the bulkheads. Ventilation is a highlight, with multiple opening ports and deck hatches that were standard for the model, catering to the global cruising market. While the standard layout prioritized a large V-berth forward and a pilot berth or quarter berth aft, some variations exist depending on whether the boat was ordered for the North American or Asian markets. A smaller sibling, the Swift 33, was also produced on a similar design ethos, though it lacked the expansive beam and standing headroom found in the 40-foot version. In the 40, the headroom is generous, often exceeding 6'4" in the main cabin, making it a viable long-term liveaboard for taller sailors.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Swift 40 should approach the purchase with the understanding that these vessels are now entering their fifth decade. While the hull is a solid GRP laminate, specific "Korean-built" traits from this era should be scrutinized.

1. Gelcoat Osmosis: Like many boats built in the late 70s and early 80s before the widespread use of vinylester resins, the Swift 40 is prone to osmotic blistering. A thorough moisture meter test of the hull below the waterline is essential.
2. Deck Core Integrity: The decks are typically balsa-cored. Hardware that has not been re-bedded over the decades may have allowed water into the core, particularly around the stanchion bases and the windlass. Soft spots in the non-skid areas are a common find on neglected examples.
3. Fuel Tank Material: Many Swift 40s were originally fitted with black iron fuel tanks. Over forty years, these are highly susceptible to internal corrosion and "pin-holing" from the bottom up. Replacement often requires significant cabinetry removal.
4. Chainplates: The stainless steel used in some Asian-built yachts of this period can vary in quality. Inspect the chainplates for crevice corrosion where they pass through the deck, as this is a known failure point for older offshore cruisers.
5. Mast Step: Check the base of the deck-stepped mast (if applicable) or the compression post for signs of settling or corrosion, which can occur if water has sat in the bilge for extended periods.

Community & Resources

While there is no longer an active manufacturer support network, the Swift 40 is frequently discussed within the broader community of "Taiwanese and Korean Yacht" enthusiasts. Owners often look toward the C. Raymond Hunt Associates archives for original sail plans and technical drawings. Because many components were sourced from global suppliers (such as Lewmar winches and Westerbeke or Yanmar engines), mechanical parts remain relatively easy to source despite the builder’s transition out of the recreational market.

The Verdict

The Swift 40 is an overlooked gem for the sailor who values traditional aesthetics and offshore stability over modern "condo-maran" volume. While it requires a diligent owner to maintain its aging systems, its foundational design by Ray Hunt makes it a superior sea-boat to many of its contemporaries.

Pros:

• Excellent offshore tracking and sea-kindliness.
• High-quality teak joinery and interior craftsmanship.
• Designed by a legendary naval architecture firm (C. Raymond Hunt).
• Heavy-duty GRP layup suitable for blue-water voyaging.

Cons:

• Prone to typical 1980s-era "blister" and deck core issues.
• Aging iron fuel tanks may require expensive replacement.
• Relatively obscure brand makes resale slower than mainstream manufacturers.