HUGHES 40
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 40 ft |
| LWL | 31 ft |
| Beam | 13.25 ft |
| Draft | 4.67 ft |
| Displacement | 28,000 lb |
| Ballast | 9,200.8 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.5 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 49.25 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 14 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 43.25 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 14 ft |
| PYmizzen luff | 28.25 ft |
| EYmizzen foot | 9.75 ft |
| FLforestay | 14 ft |
| Mainsail | 671.7 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 344.8 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 586.1 sq ft |
About the HUGHES 40
S&S design #2134. An earlier version was called the NORTH STAR 80/20. Another built to his design was the SWIFT 40, built in KOREA.
The Hughes 40 is a robust, heavy-displacement ketch designed by Sparkman & Stephens and built by Hughes/North Star/Aura Yachts Inc. in Canada, with production records indicating a single build year of 1975. With a displacement of 28000.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 41.12, this vessel is engineered for stability and seakeeping, though the exact total hulls built remains unspecified in the source data.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for serious bluewater cruisers and offshore passages who prioritize safety, stability, and comfort over speed, making it an ideal choice for couples or families seeking a secure, long-range cruising platform.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.75, a displacement of 28000.0 lb, and a masthead ketch rig, the Hughes 40 demonstrates strong offshore suitability, offering excellent stability and reduced heeling for safe passage in heavy weather.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include the Cal 40 and the O'Day 42, as they share similar heavy-displacement characteristics, Sparkman & Stephens or equivalent conservative design philosophies, and a focus on coastal to offshore cruising capabilities from the mid-1970s era.
Performance
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
8 listings · boat years 1978–2012 · median $218,131
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 40ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
16 reported issues across 9 systems for the HUGHES 40, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a HUGHES 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 16 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
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Used sails that fit the HUGHES 40
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