Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 40 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Despite its high-volume appearance and the increased windage inherent in a deck saloon design, the Pilot Saloon 40 is frequently praised for its stiff and capable sailing characteristics. The hull features a powerful midsection and a fine entry, which helps it slice through chop without the pounding often associated with flatter-bottomed coastal cruisers. According to an editorial review by Cruising World, the boat was designed with a relatively high ballast ratio, allowing it to carry its sail area well into the upper teens of true wind speed before requiring a reef.

The yacht was typically offered with two keel configurations: a deep-draft bulb keel (approx. 6'7") and a shallow-draft version. The deep-keel variant provides excellent tracking and lift, making the PS 40 a legitimate contender for windward legs that would frustrate other deck saloon models. The steering is generally described as balanced, though the high coachroof can create a "sail effect" when maneuvering in tight marinas under heavy crosswinds. This characteristic necessitates a confident hand at the helm or, as found on many used examples, the assistance of a bow thruster.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The defining feature of the Pilot Saloon 40 is its raised salon floor, which allows seated guests to enjoy 360-degree views of the horizon. This design choice is not merely aesthetic; it significantly improves the safety and comfort of the watch-stander during foul weather, as the interior navigation station provides excellent visibility. The interior is characterized by the use of high-quality Burmese teak and impeccable joinery, a hallmark of the Neuville-en-Ferrain yard.

The model was primarily produced in two layouts:

1. The Owner’s Version: Features two large cabins, each with an en-suite head. The aft master cabin is particularly noted for its island queen-sized berth and abundant headroom, a rarity in a 40-foot yacht.
2. The Three-Cabin Version: Reconfigures the aft section to accommodate two double cabins, sharing a head with the salon, making it more suitable for families or chartering.

A sibling model, the Pilot Saloon 41, was later introduced as an evolution of the 40. While built on a nearly identical hull, the 41 featured a modified transom with a more integrated swim platform and minor tweaks to the cockpit ergonomics. Owners looking for even more volume often look toward the larger siblings, the Pilot Saloon 47 and 48, which utilize the same Berret-Racoupeau design language but offer more dedicated machinery spaces.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 40 gained significant international recognition shortly after its debut, earning a nomination for Cruising World’s Boat of the Year. It has since become a staple in "best used boat" features for long-term cruisers. While it hasn't been the centerpiece of major cinema, its presence in the circumnavigation community is well-documented through various cruising blogs and technical reviews in publications like Yachting Monthly, where it is cited as a benchmark for used pilot-house yachts.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their inspections on several high-signal areas specific to the Wauquiez build process and the age of the Pilot Saloon 40:

• Teak Deck Integrity: Wauquiez utilized high-quality teak, but many of these yachts are now reaching an age where the vacuum-bonded or screwed decks may face thinning or caulking failure. Replacing a full teak deck on a PS 40 is a significant capital expense.
• Rudder Bearings: There have been anecdotal reports in owner circles regarding premature wear in the rudder bearings, leading to "play" in the steering system. This should be checked while the boat is in the slings.
• Chainplate Inspection: While the PS 40 is robustly built, the tie-rods and chainplate attachments should be inspected for any signs of water ingress from the deck, which can lead to concealed corrosion in the stainless steel components.
• Engine Access and Seals: The engine is located under the salon floor. While this centralizes weight, it requires checking the seals of the floorboards to ensure engine noise and odors do not permeate the living space. Additionally, if equipped with a Volvo Penta sail drive, the rubber diaphragm seal must be verified for its replacement date (typically every 7 years).

Community & Resources

Owners of the Pilot Saloon 40 are supported by a dedicated international community. The most prominent organization is Wauquiez Forever, a non-profit association founded by members of the Wauquiez family to preserve the brand's heritage and provide a technical exchange for owners. Additionally, the Wauquiez Owners Info site serves as a technical repository for manuals, wiring diagrams, and historical brochures specifically for the Pilot Saloon and Centurion ranges.

The Verdict

The Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 40 is a "sailor’s deck saloon," avoiding the sluggish performance often found in yachts that prioritize interior volume above all else. It is an ideal vessel for a couple seeking a high-quality, offshore-capable yacht that offers the comforts of a much larger boat without the associated handling difficulties of a 50-plus footer.

Pros:

• Exceptional 360-degree visibility from the interior salon and nav station.
• High-grade interior joinery and material quality compared to mass-market competitors.
• True bluewater hull design that tracks well and handles heavy weather with composure.
• The two-cabin layout offers an "owner’s suite" experience usually reserved for 45-foot yachts.

Cons:

• Increased windage can make docking challenging in high winds.
• High-quality components (teak, specialized windows) lead to higher long-term maintenance costs.
• Engine access under the salon floor can be more cumbersome for major repairs than a traditional engine room.