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Burns 40
Designer: Chuck Burns  ·  Builder: Whitewater Yachts (Usa)  ·  First built: 1984
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About the Burns 40

With limited documentation available, the Burns 40 represents one of those intriguing sailboats that sailed somewhat under the radar in the production boat market. This 40-foot sailboat appears to have been designed during an era when builders were experimenting with various approaches to mid-size cruising vessels, though specific details about its origins and designer remain elusive. From what can be gathered, the Burns 40 was likely conceived as a coastal cruiser with some blue water capability, fitting into the popular 40-foot range that many sailors consider the sweet spot for comfortable cruising without excessive maintenance demands. The boat's scarcity in today's market suggests either limited production numbers or a relatively short production run. For potential buyers researching this vessel, the limited available information presents both challenges and opportunities. While comprehensive specifications may be difficult to locate, boats from this era often featured solid construction methods and practical layouts that prioritized livability over racing performance. Prospective owners should conduct thorough surveys and seek out existing owners for insights into the boat's sailing characteristics, build quality, and any common maintenance issues that may have emerged over time.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 39.58 ft / 12.06 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 33.83 ft / 10.31 m
Beam 11.33 ft / 3.45 m
Max Draft 6.00 ft / 1.83 m
Displacement 10,500.00 lb / 4,763 kg
Ballast 5,000.00 lb / 2,268 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Chuck Burns
Builder Whitewater Yachts (USA)
First Built 1984
Related Sailboats ["J39" · "X 402" · "Cc 40 2" · "Hunter 40" · "Islander 40"]
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
86
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
47.62
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
121.07
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 8.21 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 23.40
J (Foretriangle Base) 15.50 ft / 4.72 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 699.00 ft² / 64.94 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) 121.07
How It Compares

vs. Cc 40 2, Hunter 40, X 402

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Burns 40 ★
39.6 ft
Cc 40 2
39.6 ft
Hunter 40
39.6 ft
X 402
39.7 ft
LWL
Burns 40 ★
33.8 ft
Cc 40 2
31.5 ft
Hunter 40
32.5 ft
X 402
33.2 ft
Beam
Burns 40 ★
11.3 ft
Cc 40 2
12.7 ft
Hunter 40
13.4 ft
X 402
12.9 ft
Displacement
Burns 40 ★
10 lbs
Cc 40 2
17 lbs
Hunter 40
17 lbs
X 402
13 lbs
Ballast
Burns 40 ★
5 lbs
Cc 40 2
7 lbs
Hunter 40
7 lbs
X 402
6 lbs
Sail Area
Burns 40 ★
Cc 40 2
743 sq ft
Hunter 40
787 sq ft
X 402
703 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Burns 40 ★
86 s/nm
Cc 40 2
Hunter 40
108 s/nm
X 402
78 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Burns 40 ★
Cc 40 2
18.1
Hunter 40
18.8
X 402
20.2
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Burns 40 ★
47.6 %
Cc 40 2
Hunter 40
X 402
51.7 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Burns 40 ★
Cc 40 2
26.3
Hunter 40
24.5
X 402
19.2
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Burns 40 ★
Cc 40 2
1.97
Hunter 40
2.08
X 402
2.19
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Burns 40 ★
121
Cc 40 2
Hunter 40
X 402
161
Hull Speed
Burns 40 ★
Cc 40 2
7.5 kts
Hunter 40
7.6 kts
X 402
7.7 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Burns 40 ★
Cc 40 2
2.4
Hunter 40
2.6
X 402
3.6
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