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6data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this HUNTER 40-1 buyer’s report
HUNTER 40-1

HUNTER 40-1

Hunter Marine🇺🇸· Design: Cortland Steck
$68,380 avg$24,900 – $89,000 (5 listings)1984–1990
$2.5K – $6.6K est. annual maintenance
Racer/CruisermonoB&RFin

Specifications

Hull

LOA39.58 ft
LWL32.5 ft
Beam13.42 ft
Draft6.5 ft
Shoal Draft5.0 ft
Displacement17,400 lb
Ballast7,899.6 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL7.6 kn

Rig & Sails

Pmainsail luff22.93 ft
Emainsail foot13.75 ft

About the HUNTER 40-1

Also referred to as the Hunter 40 Legend. Disp.: 17900 lbs. Bal.: 8400 lbs.

Sailpages Buyer's Take

Designed by Cortland Steck and built by Hunter Marine (USA) from 1984–1990, the Hunter 40-1 is a popular cruising sailboat with a build count of ?. It combines a 39.58 ft LOA with a 13.42 ft beam, offering a spacious interior favored by coastal cruisers.

Best for:
This boat suits coastal cruisers and families seeking a comfortable, spacious interior with a 24.45 comfort ratio, rather than high-performance racing.
Bluewater capability:
With a displacement of 17400.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.08, the boat is moderately capable offshore, though its fin keel and relatively light displacement suggest it is best suited for protected waters.
Comparables:
Comparable boats include the Hunter 40 and other late-80s American cruising yachts with similar beam and displacement, as they share the same design philosophy of interior volume over speed.

Performance

Comfort24.4
Capsize2.08
SA/Disp18.8
Disp/Len226
Bal/Disp45.4

Estimated Value

Low Confidence
Based on 4 listings
Low
$48,691
Estimated Value
$51,652
High
$55,107
Boats sell for ~0% below asking price (based on 1 actual sale) · Inflation-adjusted to 2026 USD

Asking price by model year

5 listings · boat years 19881997 · median $75,000

$0$50k$100kmedian $75,000199019951997 Hunter 40.5 · $89,000 · Connecticut, US1994 Hunter 40.5 · $75,000 · Maryland, US1996 Hunter 40.5 · $71,000 · Florida, US1995 Hunter 40.5 · $82,000 · Maryland, US1988 Hunter hunter 40 · $24,900 · CAAsking price (USD)Boat model year

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 39.58ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$2.5K – $6.6K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Articles & Reviews

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

11 reported issues across 6 systems for the HUNTER 40-1, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

4 critical4 major3 minor
Keel3Engine3Structural2Deck1Rudder1Hull1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a HUNTER 40-1? 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 11 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 HUNTER 40-1?

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 — is it one of these?

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Used sails that fit the HUNTER 40-1

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