BABA 40
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 39.83 ft |
| LWL | 34.5 ft |
| Beam | 12.83 ft |
| Draft | 6 ft |
| Displacement | 29,000 lb |
| Ballast | 12,000.2 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.9 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 50 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 21 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 46 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 14.75 ft |
| FLforestay | 21 ft |
| Mainsail | 891.4 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 525 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 892.5 sq ft |
About the BABA 40
Same design as the PANDA 40, and TASHIBA 40. A pilot house version was also available, as was a ketch rig. For the complete history of this design see Bob Perry's blog: perryboat.sail2live.com (In part, from original sales brochure.)
Designed by Robert Perry and built by Ta Shing Shipyards in TAIWAN from 1980–1982, the BABA 40 is a robust cutter-rigged cruiser with 115 hulls produced. Its heavy displacement of 29000.0 lb and full keel design prioritize stability and seakeeping over speed, resulting in a comfortable but moderate performance profile.
- Best for:
- This boat suits experienced coastal cruisers and those seeking a sturdy, traditional bluewater passage maker who prioritize safety and comfort over high-speed performance. It is well-suited for couples or small families who value a spacious interior and proven offshore capabilities.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.67 and a comfort ratio of 41.5, the BABA 40 is highly capable offshore, offering excellent stability and motion comfort in heavy seas. Its full keel and heavy ballast of 12000.2 lb provide reliable tracking and safety, making it a trusted choice for long-distance passages.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Cal 40 and O'Day 40, which share similar heavy-displacement characteristics and full-keel designs from the same era. These vessels are comparable due to their focus on stability, ease of handling, and suitability for conservative offshore cruising.
Direct variant of the BABA 40
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 39.83ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
27 reported issues across 9 systems for the BABA 40, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a BABA 40? 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 27 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 BABA 40?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Universal, Perkins, Beta Marine — is it one of these?
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the BABA 40
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…