Wauquiez Centurion 40 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Centurion 40 are defined by its deep-chested Dubois hull and a high ballast ratio, which provides exceptional stiffness. With a displacement of approximately 19,000 lbs and nearly 8,000 lbs of that concentrated in the keel, the boat carries its sail area with remarkable poise. On the water, this translates to a yacht that "tracks on rails," a sentiment frequently echoed in historical reviews by Yachting World.

The rig is a traditional silver-anodized aluminum masthead sloop with double spreaders. Unlike modern wide-beam cruisers that rely on initial form stability, the Centurion 40 relies on its weight and deep draft (offered in both a standard 7'6" deep keel and a 5'11" shallow version) to power through a chop. The steering is typically geared through a large-diameter destroyer wheel, providing high-fidelity feedback that allows the helmsman to feel the boat's "groove" upwind. In light air, the moderate displacement requires a generous genoa to stay competitive, but as the breeze freshens past 15 knots, the Centurion 40 truly shines, maintaining a high average speed with a remarkably dry deck. Dubois Naval Architects designed this hull to be balanced; even when pressed, the rudder retains a firm grip, avoiding the tendency to round up that plagued many of its contemporaries.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Inside, the Centurion 40 is a masterclass in traditional cabinetmaking, utilizing rich Burmese teak and high-gloss varnishes that are rarely found in contemporary production boats. The layout was offered in two primary configurations: a two-cabin "Owner" version and a three-cabin "Club" version. The Owner variant is highly prized on the secondary market for its expansive aft cabin and a dedicated navigation station that serves as a functional offshore office.

The salon features the signature Wauquiez curved settee to starboard, surrounding a large folding table, with a straight settee to port. Headroom is generous, exceeding 6'3" in the main cabin. The galley is U-shaped and positioned to port of the companionway, designed for security while cooking at sea, featuring deep stainless steel sinks and ample refrigeration. In the three-cabin variant, the aft section is split into two symmetrical double berths, which necessitated a slightly smaller galley and head arrangement. Regardless of the layout, the use of solid teak trim and hand-fitted joints reflects the shipyard’s "non-industrial" approach to boat building during this era.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners of a Centurion 40 should focus their survey on three specific areas common to Wauquiez yachts of this vintage:

1. Teak Deck Longevity: Most Centurion 40s were delivered with thick teak side decks. These were traditionally screwed and glued. By this stage in their lifespan, the bungs may be thin and the caulking failing. A moisture meter test of the balsa core beneath the teak is mandatory, as re-coring a deck is a significant capital expense.
2. Mast Step & Grid: While the internal fiberglass grid is robust, owners on CruisersForum have noted that the mast step area should be inspected for any signs of compression or galvanic corrosion where the aluminum mast meets the steel or fiberglass base.
3. Rudder Bearings: Given the yacht's age and its performance-oriented steering system, the lower rudder bearings often show play. Replacing these requires dropping the rudder, a standard but necessary maintenance task to restore the "fine-tuned" feel of the Dubois design.
4. Osmotic Blistering: While Wauquiez used high-quality resins, any hull from the late 80s should be checked for osmosis, particularly if the boat has spent its life in warm, tropical waters.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support is the Wauquiez Owners Info exchange, a technical archive that preserves original manuals and wiring diagrams. Additionally, Wauquiez Forever, an association founded by members of the Wauquiez family, maintains the historical records of the shipyard and organizes rendezvous for Centurion and Pretorien owners across Europe and North America.

The Verdict

The Wauquiez Centurion 40 is a "sailor's sailboat," built at a time when quality of construction took precedence over the volume-driven demands of the charter industry. It is an ideal vessel for a couple or small family intending to cruise offshore in a boat that provides both security and a sense of pride in ownership.

Pros:

• Exceptional "bulletproof" build quality and Lloyd's certified construction.
• Timeless Dubois-designed lines that still look modern in any marina.
• Superb upwind performance and heavy-weather stability.
• Interior joinery that far exceeds the standards of modern mass-production boats.

Cons:

• The maintenance of extensive teak decks can be costly and labor-intensive.
• The cockpit is smaller and more "protected" than the expansive open transoms of modern designs.
• Replacement parts for the original Goiot or Lewmar deck hardware can sometimes be difficult to source.