BOWMAN 40 (LAURENT GILES)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 40 ft |
| LWL | 30.42 ft |
| Beam | 11.08 ft |
| Draft | 5.25 ft |
| Displacement | 21,000 lb |
| Ballast | 10,000.2 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.4 kn |
About the BOWMAN 40 (LAURENT GILES)
The Bowman 40 is a Laurent Giles-designed ketch built by Emsworth Marine in the UK, with production limited to the year 1974. This heavy-displacement vessel, weighing 21000.0 lb with a 10000.2 lb ballast ratio, represents the final chapter of Giles' classic cruising designs, offering a robust, full-keel layout that prioritizes seakeeping over speed.
- Best for:
- This boat is ideally suited for experienced coastal cruisers and conservative bluewater adventurers who value stability, comfort, and traditional sailing characteristics over high performance. Its heavy displacement and ketch rig make it particularly well-regarded for single-handers or couples seeking a safe, predictable passage-making platform.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a D/L ratio of 333.04 and a capsize ratio of 1.61, the Bowman 40 exhibits exceptional offshore stability and resistance to capsizing, making it highly capable for extended bluewater passages despite its age.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include the Hallberg-Rassy 42 and the Hallberg-Rassy 43, as they share similar heavy-displacement, full-keel characteristics and European build quality from the same era. The Bristol 40.9 is also a relevant comparison for its ketch configuration and emphasis on offshore safety, though it offers a more modern interior layout.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the BOWMAN 40 (LAURENT GILES) yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 40ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
20 reported issues across 8 systems for the BOWMAN 40 (LAURENT GILES), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a BOWMAN 40 (LAURENT GILES)? 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 20 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 BOWMAN 40 (LAURENT GILES)?
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Used sails that fit the BOWMAN 40 (LAURENT GILES)
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