Valiant 40-2 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Valiant 40-2 is celebrated for its exceptional sea-kindliness and ability to maintain high average speeds over long distances. Unlike many modern "flat-bottom" cruisers that pound in a head sea, the 40-2 features a deep-V entry that allows it to slice through chop with minimal loss of momentum. The boat’s performance is defined by its balanced helm; even in heavy air, the skeg-hung rudder provides significant control without the "skittish" feel often associated with spade rudders.

With a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio typically hovering around 250 and a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) ratio near 17, the 40-2 strikes a balance between heavy-weather stability and light-air capability. According to editorial retrospectives in Cruising World, the design's greatest strength is its tracking ability. The canoe stern, once thought to reduce storage, is technically designed to prevent following seas from pushing the stern around, making the boat exceptionally easy to steer under autopilot or wind-vane in a gale. While it does not point as high as a dedicated racing sloop, its ability to carry sail late into a building breeze makes it a formidable passage-maker.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the 40-2 is optimized for living at sea rather than "condo-style" dockside entertaining. The layout is dominated by a massive, sea-safe U-shaped galley and a dedicated navigation station that faces outboard. The Texas-built 40-2 models frequently featured the "Classic" layout, which includes a Pullman-style double berth offset to port in the forward cabin. This configuration is preferred by offshore sailors as it allows for a large head in the forepeak and prevents the occupant from being "tossed" in a V-berth while underway.

The joinery in the 40-2 is notably superior to the earlier 1970s hulls, utilizing solid teak and high-grade laminates that can withstand the rigors of a salt-air environment. Variations on the 40-2 are rare, as the hull was standardized, but some owners opted for customized cabinetry or alternate refrigeration setups. The headroom is generous, often exceeding 6'4" in the main salon, which contributes to a sense of airiness despite the relatively narrow beam inherent to a double-ended design. Because the 40-2 shares its hull with the Valiant 42, many 40-2 owners have retrofitted the bowsprit and upgraded rigging to essentially match the 42's sail plan.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Valiant 40 series, including the 40-2, occupies a prestigious place in sailing lore. It was the first "performance cruiser" to be inducted into the Cruising World Hall of Fame. The model’s reputation was solidified by sailors like Mark Schrader, who completed a solo circumnavigation via the Southern Ocean in a Valiant 40, proving the design's structural integrity in the most punishing conditions on Earth. The 40-2 specifically is often cited in technical cruising guides as the "gold standard" for a couple’s offshore boat, frequently appearing in the works of voyaging authors who prioritize safety and heavy-weather survival.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When inspecting a Valiant 40-2, the focus shifts away from the hull-blistering "fire retardant resin" scandals of the 1970s (which do not apply to the Texas-built 40-2) and toward standard wear for a world cruiser:

• Chainplates: The stainless steel chainplates are known to leak if not re-bedded regularly. In older 40-2 units, these should be pulled and inspected for crevice corrosion, particularly where they pass through the deck.
• Aluminum Fuel Tanks: Some owners have reported pitting in the aluminum fuel tanks if water was allowed to sit in the bilge. Buyers should check for the smell of diesel or evidence of tank replacements.
• Deck Core: While Valiant used high-quality balsa coring, any aftermarket hardware installations (solar arches, davits) that were not properly sealed can lead to localized delamination.
• Rudder Bearing: Due to the skeg-hung design, the lower rudder bearing is a wear item that can develop "slop" over decades of use.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Valiant 40-2 are supported by a dedicated community. The Valiant Owners Association (VOA) remains the primary repository for technical drawings, rigging specs, and modification advice. Because the designer, Bob Perry, remains an active figure in the sailing community, his personal archives and occasional design consultations provide a level of technical support rarely found for out-of-production yachts.

The Verdict

The Valiant 40-2 is a premier choice for serious offshore sailors who value structural integrity and predictable handling over modern interior volume.

Pros:

• Exceptional Tracking: The canoe stern and skeg-hung rudder make it one of the easiest boats to handle in a following sea.
• Build Quality: Post-1992 Texas construction avoids the historical resin issues of earlier models.
• Sea-Safe Layout: Interior ergonomics are specifically designed for use while the boat is heeled.
• Resale Value: Maintains a high market price due to its legendary status and blue-water pedigree.

Cons:

• Reduced Interior Volume: The double-ended design offers less storage and cockpit space than modern "sugar scoop" sterns.
• Limited Light: Smaller portlights compared to contemporary cruisers can make the interior feel dark in gloomy weather.
• Price Premium: Expect to pay a significant "Valiant tax" compared to other 40-foot cruisers of the same vintage.