BURNS 40
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 39.58 ft |
| LWL | 33.83 ft |
| Beam | 11.33 ft |
| Draft | 6 ft |
| Displacement | 10,500 lb |
| Ballast | 5,000.1 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.8 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 50 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 15.5 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 44.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 14 ft |
| FLforestay | 15.5 ft |
| Mainsail | 723.9 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 387.5 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 658.8 sq ft |
About the BURNS 40
The Burns 40 is a Chuck Burns-designed cruising sloop built by Whitewater Yachts in the USA, with production records indicating a build year of 1984. As a single-year production model with an unknown total hull count, it represents a specific snapshot of 1980s American yacht building.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize a comfortable, stable platform with a 18.0 comfort ratio over high-performance racing. Its 10500.0 lb displacement and 6.0 ft max draft make it well-suited for protected waters and moderate offshore passages.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low capsize ratio of 2.07 and a displacement of 10500.0 lb, the Burns 40 demonstrates inherent stability suitable for offshore cruising, though its single-year production limits the breadth of long-term bluewater fleet data.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats from this era include the Cal 40 and O'Day 38, which share similar displacement ranges and cruising-oriented hull forms. These vessels offer similar interior volumes and masthead sloop rigs, appealing to owners seeking reliable, traditional cruising platforms.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the BURNS 40 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 39.58ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
6 reported issues across 4 systems for the BURNS 40, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a BURNS 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 6 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 BURNS 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, Perkins — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the BURNS 40
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…