Wauquiez Centurion 40S Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Centurion 40S is widely regarded for its stiff, "big boat" feel, a trait largely attributed to its deep lead keel and a high ballast-to-displacement ratio of roughly 34%. According to technical insights from the designers at Berret-Racoupeau, the hull features a powerful stern section and a fine entry, allowing it to track exceptionally well when pressed upwind. In editorial testing by Yachting World, reviewers noted that the 40S exhibits remarkable poise in heavy air, remaining balanced and responsive at the helm even as the apparent wind speeds climb into the mid-20s.

The sail plan is tall and fractionally rigged, typically featuring a large mainsail and a non-overlapping or slightly overlapping headsail, which makes the boat easy to handle for a shorthanded crew. While the Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio places it firmly in the "performance cruiser" category, the 40S does not suffer from the sluggishness often found in its more voluminous contemporaries. It is a boat that rewards active trimming; owner anecdotes frequently mention that the large-diameter steering wheel provides excellent feedback, allowing the helmsman to feel the "groove" easily. Under power, the standard Yanmar sail-drive provides ample thrust, though the deep draft—available in both a standard 2.30m and a shallower 1.85m version—requires attention in coastal cruising grounds.

Interior Comfort & Variations

True to the Wauquiez reputation, the interior of the Centurion 40S is characterized by high-quality joinery, typically finished in Burmese teak or light oak. The layout is optimized for offshore security, featuring a deep L-shaped galley to port and a proper forward-facing navigation station to starboard. The most common configuration is the two-cabin layout, which offers an expansive owner’s cabin forward and a large double cabin aft, separated by a spacious head with a dedicated wet locker.

Wauquiez also produced a three-cabin variant, which splits the aft section into two double berths. While this increases the sleeping capacity to eight (including the salon), it slightly compromises the stowage space in the cockpit lockers. The salon is notable for its excellent headroom and the use of deck-saloon-style windows that flood the space with natural light, a design choice praised by Sail Magazine for making the 13-foot beam feel even larger. Ventilation is a priority, with numerous opening ports and deck hatches strategically placed for cross-flow during tropical transits.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their survey on a few model-specific areas identified through long-term owner feedback and technical bulletins:

• Keel-to-Hull Joint: Given the high righting moment and the deep lead keel, the keel bolts and the surrounding fiberglass grid should be inspected for any signs of "smile" cracks or compression, especially if the vessel has a history of racing or groundings.
• Sail-Drive Diaphragm: As these boats age, the rubber seal on the Yanmar sail-drive (which has a recommended 7-year replacement interval) often nears its end of life. Verify the replacement date in the maintenance logs.
• Teak Deck Condition: Many 40S models were delivered with vacuum-bonded teak side decks. While superior to screwed-down decks, the thickness of the teak should be measured to ensure there is enough material left for future sanding.
• Rudder Bearings: The self-aligning JEFA rudder bearings used in this era are excellent for feel but can develop play over time. Check for "knocking" at the helm while the boat is in the water or lateral movement when hauled out.
• Rigging Fatigue: The 40S is a powerful boat that puts significant load on its standing rigging. If the rod rigging or wire is original, a professional dye-penetrant test or full replacement is highly recommended before offshore use.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Centurion 40S benefit from a dedicated international community. The Wauquiez Owners Association serves as the primary technical hub, providing access to original manuals and parts cross-references. Additionally, the Cercle Wauquiez in France organizes annual rallies and maintains a deep archive of builder data, which is invaluable for owners looking to restore or maintain the vessel to factory specifications.

The Verdict

The Wauquiez Centurion 40S is a "sailor’s boat" that refuses to sacrifice luxury for speed. It remains a top-tier choice for those who find modern production cruisers too flimsy or "caravan-like" in their handling.

Pros:

• Exceptional build quality with a focus on offshore structural integrity.
• Excellent windward performance and heavy-weather stability.
• Beautifully finished interior with genuine wood joinery and intelligent ergonomics.
• High resale value due to the brand's premium positioning.

Cons:

• Deep draft can limit access to some popular cruising lagoons and shallow-water marinas.
• The cockpit, while ergonomic for sailing, is narrower than modern "Mediterranean-style" cruisers.
• Maintenance costs for high-spec components (lead keel, rod rigging) can be higher than average.