ISLANDER 40
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 39.54 ft |
| LWL | 30.83 ft |
| Beam | 11.83 ft |
| Draft | 7.17 ft |
| Displacement | 17,000 lb |
| Ballast | 7,699.3 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.4 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 53 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 16.5 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 47.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 12.5 ft |
| FLforestay | 16.5 ft |
| Mainsail | 757.9 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 437.3 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 743.3 sq ft |
About the ISLANDER 40
Shoal draft 'Sheel' keel version also available, usually with a shorter rig (SA = 705 sqft). Draft: 5.08'/1.55m.
The Islander 40 is a classic American cruising sloop designed by Doug Peterson and built by Islander Yachts (USA) in 1979. With a displacement of 17000.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 29.25, this vessel represents a substantial, heavy-displacement platform from the late 1970s, though the exact total hulls built is unknown.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for experienced coastal cruisers and those seeking a spacious, stable platform for extended weekend trips or moderate offshore passages, given its heavy displacement and traditional layout.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low capsize ratio of 1.84 and a high displacement-to-length ratio of 258.99, the Islander 40 is inherently stable and well-suited for offshore cruising, provided critical structural components like the rudder and deck core are sound.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include the Cal 40 and O'Day 40, which share similar production eras, heavy displacement characteristics, and family-cruising roles, though the Islander 40 distinguishes itself with a wider beam of 11.83 ft.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(3 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 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 4.2 | 5.6 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.2 | 7.3 | 7.4 | 7.4 | 7.4 |
| 60° | 4.4 | 5.8 | 6.7 | 7.1 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 7.6 | 7.7 |
| 75° | 4.6 | 6.0 | 6.8 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 7.7 | 7.8 | 7.9 | 8.0 |
| 90° | 4.4 | 5.8 | 6.7 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 7.7 | 7.9 | 8.2 | 8.4 |
| 110° | 4.1 | 5.7 | 6.8 | 7.4 | 7.7 | 8.0 | 8.3 | 8.7 | 9.0 |
| 120° | 4.0 | 5.5 | 6.6 | 7.3 | 7.7 | 8.0 | 8.3 | 9.0 | 9.5 |
| 135° | 3.5 | 5.0 | 6.1 | 6.9 | 7.4 | 7.8 | 8.2 | 8.9 | 9.8 |
| 150° | 2.9 | 4.2 | 5.3 | 6.3 | 7.0 | 7.5 | 7.8 | 8.5 | 9.3 |
| Beat VMG | 2.7 | 3.7 | 4.5 | 4.9 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.4 | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| Run VMG | 2.5 | 3.6 | 4.6 | 5.5 | 6.2 | 6.8 | 7.2 | 7.9 | 8.5 |
Estimated Value
Limited DataAsking price by model year
7 listings · boat years 1973–1985 · median $24,999
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 39.54ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
20 reported issues across 9 systems for the ISLANDER 40, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a ISLANDER 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 20 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 ISLANDER 40?
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Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Perkins — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the ISLANDER 40
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…