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Olson 40
Designer: George Olson  ·  Builder: Pacific Boats Inc. (Usa)  ·  First built: 1982
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About the Olson 40

Designed by George Olson and built by Pacific Boats Inc. from 1982 to 1986, this 40-footer represents a compelling blend of performance-oriented design and practical cruising capability. With only 30 hulls produced during its four-year production run, the Olson 40 has earned a reputation as a sought-after yacht among sailors who appreciate both speed and seaworthiness. The boat's moderate displacement of 10,350 pounds combined with a substantial sail area of 720 square feet creates an impressive sail area-to-displacement ratio of 24.34, indicating strong light-air performance and racing potential. The fin keel with spade rudder configuration provides responsive handling and efficient upwind performance, while the generous ballast ratio contributes to excellent stability. At 40.33 feet overall with a 36-foot waterline, this masthead sloop offers comfortable accommodations without sacrificing sailing performance. The low comfort ratio of 16.91 reflects its performance heritage, suggesting a boat designed more for active sailing than heavy cruising loads. The capsize screening formula of 2.08 indicates good offshore capability, making it suitable for coastal cruising and longer passages. With a theoretical hull speed of 8.04 knots, the Olson 40 delivers the kind of sailing experience that keeps enthusiasts engaged and excited about their time on the water.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 40.33 ft / 12.29 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 36.00 ft / 10.97 m
Beam 11.33 ft / 3.45 m
Max Draft 6.50 ft / 1.98 m
Displacement 10,350.00 lb / 4,695 kg
Ballast 5,500.00 lb / 2,495 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 720.00 ft² / 66.89 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer George Olson
Builder Pacific Boats Inc. (USA)
First Built 1982
Last Built 1986
Number Built 30
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
 51
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
 24.34
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
 53.14
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
 99.03
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
 16.91
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
 2.08
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. 8.04 kn
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
 5.41
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. 1,457.40 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 24.33
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 51.25 ft / 15.62 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 15.75 ft / 4.80 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 44.21 ft / 13.48 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 14.30 ft / 4.36 m
SA Fore 403.59 ft² / 37.49 m²
SA Main 316.10 ft² / 29.37 m²
SA Total (100%) 719.69 ft² / 66.86 m²
Est. Forestay Length 53.62 ft / 16.34 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Yanmar
Engine Model 3HMF
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 30
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