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Carter 2 Ton
Designer: Richard Carter  ·  First built: 1980
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About the Carter 2 Ton

Designed by renowned naval architect Richard Carter in 1980, this 41-foot masthead sloop represents a relatively rare find in today's used boat market, with only twelve examples ever constructed. The Carter 2 Ton showcases the designer's expertise in creating performance-oriented cruising sailboats that balance speed with seaworthiness. With its fin keel and skeg-hung rudder configuration, the boat offers predictable handling characteristics while maintaining good directional stability. The substantial 8,600-pound ballast provides excellent stability, contributing to a low comfort ratio of 27.87 that indicates a relatively stiff, seakindly motion in challenging conditions. The capsize screening formula of 1.85 suggests good stability for offshore passages, making this vessel well-suited for serious coastal cruising and limited ocean voyaging. The fiberglass construction and thoughtful proportions reflect Carter's philosophy of building boats that can handle demanding conditions while remaining manageable for small crews. Given its rarity and Carter's reputation for designing capable offshore sailboats, the 2 Ton appeals to experienced sailors seeking a distinctive vessel with proven seaworthiness. The boat's hull speed of nearly eight knots promises respectable performance under sail, whether coastal cruising or tackling longer passages.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 40.92 ft / 12.47 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 34.92 ft / 10.64 m
Beam 12.25 ft / 3.73 m
Max Draft 6.92 ft / 2.11 m
Displacement 18,630.00 lb / 8,450 kg
Ballast 8,600.00 lb / 3,901 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Richard Carter
First Built 1980
Number Built 12
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Performance Ratios
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
46.16
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
195.32
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
27.87
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
1.85
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. 7.92 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. 1,528.47 pounds/inch
How It Compares

vs. Contest 41, Sigma 41, Sweden Yachts 41

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Carter 2 Ton ★
40.9 ft
Contest 41
41.0 ft
Sigma 41
41.0 ft
Sweden Yachts 41
41.0 ft
LWL
Carter 2 Ton ★
34.9 ft
Contest 41
32.5 ft
Sigma 41
33.3 ft
Sweden Yachts 41
32.7 ft
Beam
Carter 2 Ton ★
12.3 ft
Contest 41
12.7 ft
Sigma 41
12.2 ft
Sweden Yachts 41
12.8 ft
Displacement
Carter 2 Ton ★
18 lbs
Contest 41
27 lbs
Sigma 41
19 lbs
Sweden Yachts 41
18 lbs
Ballast
Carter 2 Ton ★
8 lbs
Contest 41
9 lbs
Sigma 41
Sweden Yachts 41
8 lbs
Performance
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Carter 2 Ton ★
46.2 %
Contest 41
33.5 %
Sigma 41
Sweden Yachts 41
43.5 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Carter 2 Ton ★
27.9
Contest 41
40.8
Sigma 41
29.6
Sweden Yachts 41
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Carter 2 Ton ★
1.85
Contest 41
1.69
Sigma 41
1.83
Sweden Yachts 41
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Carter 2 Ton ★
195
Contest 41
354
Sigma 41
Sweden Yachts 41
239
Hull Speed
Carter 2 Ton ★
7.9 kts
Contest 41
7.6 kts
Sigma 41
7.7 kts
Sweden Yachts 41
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