CARTER 40
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 39.53 ft |
| LWL | 30.35 ft |
| Beam | 11.25 ft |
| Draft | 6.46 ft |
| Displacement | 16,535 lb |
| Ballast | 5,952.6 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.4 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 44.5 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 15.2 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 39.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 11.6 ft |
| FLforestay | 15.2 ft |
| Mainsail | 585.6 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 338.2 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 574.9 sq ft |
About the CARTER 40
Also called the Sea Eagle 40 and the Havsörnen 40.
Designed by Dick Carter and built by Storebro Bruks AB (SWE) between 1970 and 1974, the Carter 40 is a rare vessel with only 20 hulls produced. This limited production run creates a specialized market where condition varies significantly, requiring buyers to rely heavily on owner-reported maintenance histories rather than broad fleet trends.
- Best for:
- This boat suits experienced coastal cruisers and short-range offshore sailors who prioritize a comfortable, heavy-displacement ride and are willing to invest in significant structural repairs. It is less ideal for novice owners due to the critical nature of common age-related failures.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 16535.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.77, the Carter 40 is inherently stable and well-suited for offshore passages, provided the critical structural integrity of the deck core and keel attachment is verified.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other heavy-displacement Scandinavian designs from the early 1970s, such as the Hallberg-Rassy 38 or Nautor's Swan 36, due to similar build quality and cruising-oriented performance. It also shares characteristics with American heavy cruisers of the era, like the Tartan 38, in terms of interior volume and motion comfort.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(2 certificates)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 5.2 | 6.1 | 6.7 | 6.9 | 7.0 | 7.1 | 7.1 |
| 60° | 5.5 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.1 | 7.2 | 7.3 | 7.3 |
| 75° | 5.8 | 6.7 | 7.1 | 7.4 | 7.5 | 7.6 | 7.7 |
| 90° | 5.8 | 6.8 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 7.7 | 7.9 | 8.1 |
| 110° | 5.5 | 6.6 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 7.7 | 7.9 | 8.1 |
| 120° | 5.4 | 6.5 | 7.1 | 7.5 | 7.9 | 8.1 | 8.4 |
| 135° | 4.9 | 6.0 | 6.8 | 7.3 | 7.6 | 8.0 | 8.7 |
| 150° | 4.2 | 5.2 | 6.2 | 6.9 | 7.3 | 7.6 | 8.3 |
| Beat VMG | 3.4 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 5.0 |
| Run VMG | 3.6 | 4.5 | 5.3 | 6.0 | 6.7 | 7.1 | 7.8 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the CARTER 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 39.53ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
13 reported issues across 7 systems for the CARTER 40, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CARTER 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 13 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
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Which engine powers your CARTER 40?
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Used sails that fit the CARTER 40
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