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7data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this EMPIRE 40 buyer’s report
EMPIRE 40

EMPIRE 40

Cheoy Lee Shipyard Ltd.πŸ‡­πŸ‡°Β· Design: Philip Rhodes
1964–1976
$3.0K – $7.9K est. annual maintenance
Bluewater CruisermonoMasthead SloopFull/Long
Cheoy Lee Association Web Site β†—

Specifications

Hull

LOA40.75 ft
LWL28 ft
Beam12.5 ft
Draft5.75 ft
Displacement21,000 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL7.1 kn

Rig & Sails

Iforetriangle height47 ft
Jforetriangle base15.4 ft
Pmainsail luff44.3 ft
Emainsail foot16.3 ft
FLforestay15.4 ft
Mainsail751.8 sq ft
Jib (100%)361.9 sq ft
Spinnaker615.2 sq ft

About the EMPIRE 40

The OFFSHORE/EMPIRE 40 was created as a replacement for the RHODES RELIANT in an effort to reduce costs of contruction and design royalties. Although from the same basic molds, the Offshore 40 has iron instead of lead ballast, as well some differences in other construction details. Sold as a sloop or yawl.

Sailpages Buyer's Take

Designed by Philip Rhodes and built by Cheoy Lee Shipyard Ltd.(HK) from 1964–1976, the Empire 40 is a classic full-keel sloop with a displacement of 21000.0 lb. While the exact hulls built count is unknown, this vessel is characterized by its heavy displacement and traditional construction.

Best for:
This boat suits coastal cruisers and those seeking a comfortable, stable passage maker, given its high comfort ratio of 35.29 and low capsize ratio of 1.82.
Bluewater capability:
With a D/L ratio of 427.07 and a full/long keel, the Empire 40 is well-suited for offshore cruising, offering excellent stability and seakeeping in heavy weather.
Comparables:
Comparable to other Philip Rhodes designs and Cheoy Lee-built vessels from the 1960s and 1970s, such as the Cal 40 or O'Day 36, due to similar full-keel layouts and heavy displacement characteristics.

Performance

Comfort35.3
Capsize1.82
SA/Disp15.3
Disp/Len427

Pricing

We don't have market pricing data for the EMPIRE 40 yet. If you own one, help other buyers β€” what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.

Estimated Cost of Ownership

Based on 40.75ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$3.0K – $7.9K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Annual Insurance
N/A
No price data available

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

4 reported issues across 4 systems for the EMPIRE 40, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

2 critical2 minor
Hull1Rigging1Keel1Structural1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a EMPIRE 40? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for β€” so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.

  • βœ“ All 4 specific issues β€” severity, symptoms & fixes
  • βœ“ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
  • βœ“ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor β€” yours to keep

One-time $2.99 Β· secure checkout by Stripe Β· instant access Β· 30 days online, PDF yours to keep

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Which engine powers your EMPIRE 40?

We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us β€” as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.

Already know your engine? Search all engines β†’ to find its exact parts.

Used sails that fit the EMPIRE 40

Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…