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Newporter
Designer: Ackerman  ·  Builder: Ackerman Boat Works/Dorchester Shipbuilding  ·  First built: 1955
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About the Newporter

Crafted for comfortable coastal and offshore cruising, the Newporter is a classic American sailboat that earned a loyal following among liveaboards and long-distance sailors throughout the latter half of the twentieth century. Built by Newporter Marine in Costa Mesa, California, these boats developed a reputation for being sturdy, full-keel cruisers with an emphasis on seaworthiness and interior livability over racing performance. The Newporter's traditional design reflects an era when blue-water capability and honest sailing manners were prized above speed. With a full keel offering directional stability and protection for the rudder, the boat tracks well in open water and handles rough conditions with a reassuring steadiness. The interior accommodations tend to be generous for the hull size, making the Newporter a practical choice for extended passages or weekend getaways. While performance-oriented sailors may find her sailing style conservative, those seeking a dependable and character-filled cruiser will appreciate the Newporter's solid construction and timeless aesthetic. She remains a respected option on the used market for buyers prioritizing comfort and reliability.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 40.00 ft / 12.19 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 30.42 ft / 9.27 m
Beam 13.00 ft / 3.96 m
Max Draft 5.67 ft / 1.73 m
Displacement 24,000.00 lb / 10,886 kg
Ballast 4,000.00 lb / 1,814 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 683.00 ft² / 63.45 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Ketch
Construction Wood
Designer Ackerman
Builder Ackerman Boat Works/Dorchester Shipbuilding
First Built 1955
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
 209
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 13.19
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
 36.59
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
 1.81
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. 7.39
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 1.0
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. 1.0
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 44.2
J (Foretriangle Base) 16.9
P (Mainsail Luff) 36.8
E (Mainsail Foot) 16.8
SA Fore 373.49
SA Main 309.12
Find a Newporter For Sale
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