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Caliber 40
Designer: Michael Mccreary  ·  Builder: Caliber Yachts (Usa)  ·  First built: 1992
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About the Caliber 40

Designed by Michael McCreary and built by Caliber Yachts starting in 1992, this 41-foot cutter represents a thoughtful approach to bluewater cruising. The fiberglass construction combines traditional aesthetics with modern engineering, featuring a fin keel with rudder on skeg configuration that balances directional stability with reasonable maneuverability. With a displacement of 21,600 pounds and substantial ballast of 9,500 pounds, this design prioritizes seaworthiness over speed. The moderate beam of 12.67 feet and five-foot draft make her suitable for most harbors while providing adequate interior volume for extended cruising. Her cutter rig offers excellent versatility in varying wind conditions, allowing sailors to reduce sail area progressively as conditions deteriorate. The comfort ratio of 32.39 indicates a motion that favors long-distance cruising over spirited daysailing, while the capsize screening formula of 1.82 suggests good stability characteristics for offshore work. Hull speed calculations point to relaxed passage-making rather than competitive performance. Caliber built a reputation for solid construction and practical layouts during the 1990s, and this model exemplifies their focus on capable coastal and offshore cruising boats. The design appeals to sailors seeking a traditional feel with reliable ocean-crossing capabilities.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 40.92 ft / 12.47 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 32.50 ft / 9.91 m
Beam 12.67 ft / 3.86 m
Max Draft 5.00 ft / 1.52 m
Displacement 21,600.00 lb / 9,798 kg
Ballast 9,500.00 lb / 4,309 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction FG
Designer Michael McCreary
Builder Caliber Yachts (USA)
First Built 1992
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
120
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
43.98
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
280.9
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
32.39
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
1.82
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 7.64 kn
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. 1,471.32 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Yanmar
Engine Model LIJH3E
Engine Type Diesel
Fuel Capacity 55 gals / 208 L
Water Capacity 156 gals / 591 L
How It Compares

vs. Contest 41, Morris 40, Sweden Yachts 41

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Caliber 40 ★
40.9 ft
Contest 41
41.0 ft
Morris 40
40.9 ft
Sweden Yachts 41
41.0 ft
LWL
Caliber 40 ★
32.5 ft
Contest 41
32.5 ft
Morris 40
32.0 ft
Sweden Yachts 41
32.7 ft
Beam
Caliber 40 ★
12.7 ft
Contest 41
12.7 ft
Morris 40
12.6 ft
Sweden Yachts 41
12.8 ft
Displacement
Caliber 40 ★
21 lbs
Contest 41
27 lbs
Morris 40
19 lbs
Sweden Yachts 41
18 lbs
Ballast
Caliber 40 ★
9 lbs
Contest 41
9 lbs
Morris 40
Sweden Yachts 41
8 lbs
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Caliber 40 ★
120 s/nm
Contest 41
Morris 40
132 s/nm
Sweden Yachts 41
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Caliber 40 ★
44.0 %
Contest 41
33.5 %
Morris 40
Sweden Yachts 41
43.5 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Caliber 40 ★
32.4
Contest 41
40.8
Morris 40
29.7
Sweden Yachts 41
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Caliber 40 ★
1.82
Contest 41
1.69
Morris 40
1.88
Sweden Yachts 41
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Caliber 40 ★
280
Contest 41
354
Morris 40
264
Sweden Yachts 41
239
Hull Speed
Caliber 40 ★
7.6 kts
Contest 41
7.6 kts
Morris 40
7.6 kts
Sweden Yachts 41
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