ACHILLES 840
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 27.75 ft |
| LWL | 24.25 ft |
| Beam | 9 ft |
| Draft | 5 ft |
| Displacement | 5,500 lb |
| Ballast | 2,505.2 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.6 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 35.33 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 11.46 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 31 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 9.75 ft |
| FLforestay | 11.5 ft |
| Mainsail | 365.7 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 202.4 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 344.1 sq ft |
About the ACHILLES 840
Available bilge/twin or triple keels.
Designed by Chris Butler and built by Butler Achilles Ltd (UK) in 1979, the Achilles 840 is a compact 27.75 ft masthead sloop. With a displacement of 5500.0 lb and a beam of 9.0 ft, it offers a stable platform for its size, though the exact number of hulls built remains unverified in available records.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize ease of handling and storage, given its manageable 27.75 ft LOA and moderate 18.0 comfort ratio. It is well-suited for single-handers or couples looking for a robust, fin-keel sloop that balances performance with practicality.
- Bluewater capability:
- While the low 2.04 capsize ratio and 172.18 D/L ratio suggest inherent stability, the Achilles 840 is primarily a coastal cruiser rather than a dedicated bluewater yacht, with its 5.0 ft max draft limiting access to shallow offshore anchorages.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the O'Day 27 and the Catalina 27, which share similar dimensions and the same era of production. These vessels are comparable due to their similar beam widths, displacement ranges, and role as popular, affordable entry-level cruising sloops from the late 1970s.
Performance
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 27.75ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
7 reported issues across 5 systems for the ACHILLES 840, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a ACHILLES 840? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 7 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your ACHILLES 840?
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Used sails that fit the ACHILLES 840
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