MELGES 40
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 39.35 ft |
| LWL | 36.42 ft |
| Beam | 11.58 ft |
| Draft | 10.5 ft |
| Displacement | 7,165 lb |
| Ballast | 2,425.1 lb |
| Material | 40’12.2 m |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 8.1 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Mainsail | 775 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 527.43 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 2,152.78 sq ft |
Accommodation
| Berths | 6 |
| Water | 26.4 L |
| Fuel | 10.6 L |
| CE category | N/A€ |
About the MELGES 40
Keel Fin Weight 100 kg Bulb Weight 1100 kg Canting Keel Angle 45 degrees STRUCTURE ISO STRUCTURAL Category B SAIL PLAN Mainsail 72.00 m2 Jib 49.00 m2 Gennaker 200.0 m2
Designed by Botin Partners and built by Premier/Melges Performance Sailboats starting in 2017, the Melges 40 is a high-performance fractional sloop with a displacement of 7165.0 lb and a max draft of 10.5 ft. While specific hull production numbers are not definitively recorded in the source data, the model is characterized by its lightweight construction and racing pedigree.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for competitive coastal racers and performance-oriented cruisers who prioritize speed and handling over heavy bluewater comfort, given its low D/L ratio of 66.21 and high SA/D ratio of 56.23.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.41 and a comfort ratio of 11.37, the Melges 40 is primarily a coastal racer-cruiser rather than a heavy bluewater passage-maker, requiring careful attention to its lightweight hull integrity for offshore use.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other modern performance cruisers like the J/120 or Beneteau Figaro 3, the Melges 40 shares a similar emphasis on fractional rigging and lightweight hulls, though it distinguishes itself with a fixed fin keel and specific Botin design lines.
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° | 5.6 | 7.3 | 8.3 | 8.8 | 9.1 | 9.4 | 9.7 | 10.0 | 10.0 |
| 60° | 5.9 | 7.6 | 8.6 | 9.2 | 9.6 | 9.9 | 10.2 | 10.6 | 10.7 |
| 75° | 6.2 | 7.9 | 8.9 | 9.7 | 10.2 | 10.6 | 11.0 | 11.5 | 11.8 |
| 90° | 6.1 | 7.8 | 8.8 | 9.8 | 10.8 | 11.4 | 11.9 | 12.8 | 13.4 |
| 110° | 5.9 | 7.7 | 8.9 | 10.1 | 11.0 | 11.7 | 12.6 | 14.4 | 15.8 |
| 120° | 5.5 | 7.4 | 8.8 | 10.0 | 11.2 | 12.3 | 13.1 | 14.6 | 17.0 |
| 135° | 4.8 | 6.7 | 8.2 | 9.4 | 11.0 | 12.5 | 13.8 | 16.5 | 18.7 |
| 150° | 4.0 | 5.7 | 7.1 | 8.1 | 9.2 | 10.6 | 12.1 | 16.0 | 19.7 |
| Beat VMG | 3.5 | 4.8 | 5.8 | 6.2 | 6.4 | 6.6 | 6.7 | 6.9 | 6.8 |
| Run VMG | 3.4 | 4.9 | 6.1 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 9.2 | 10.5 | 13.9 | 17.1 |
Estimated Value
Limited DataEstimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 39.35ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
8 reported issues across 7 systems for the MELGES 40, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a MELGES 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 8 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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