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Oxford 400
Designer: Robert G. Henry Jr.  ·  Builder: Oxford Boatyard Co. (Usa)  ·  First built: 1946
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About the Oxford 400

Designed by Robert G. Henry Jr. and first launched in 1946, this classic wooden sailboat represents post-war American craftsmanship from the renowned Oxford Boatyard Company. The fractional sloop rig and fin keel configuration deliver responsive handling characteristics that made these boats popular among discerning sailors of the era. With its moderate displacement of 8,400 pounds and substantial ballast ratio, the Oxford 400 offers reassuring stability for coastal cruising and weekend adventures. The wooden construction reflects the traditional boatbuilding standards of the 1940s, requiring dedicated maintenance but rewarding owners with the timeless beauty and character that only wood can provide. The boat's proportions suggest excellent balance between performance and comfort, with a hull speed of 6.36 knots providing respectable pace under sail. The comfort ratio of 31.59 indicates a design optimized for pleasant sailing rather than pure racing, while the capsize screening value of 1.64 suggests good stability characteristics for coastal waters. Modern sailors considering an Oxford 400 should appreciate its historical significance and classic lines, though potential owners must be prepared for the ongoing maintenance requirements typical of vintage wooden vessels. This boat appeals to traditionalists seeking authentic sailing heritage.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 28.83 ft / 8.79 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 22.50 ft / 6.86 m
Beam 8.33 ft / 2.54 m
Max Draft 4.50 ft / 1.37 m
Displacement 8,400.00 lb / 3,810 kg
Ballast 3,800.00 lb / 1,724 kg
Ballast Type Iron
Sail Area (Reported) 442.00 ft² / 41.06 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin Keel
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction Wood
Designer Robert G. Henry Jr.
Builder Oxford Boatyard Co. (USA)
First Built 1946
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Performance Ratios
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
 17.17
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
 45.24
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
 329.22
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
 31.59
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
 1.64
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. 6.36 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
 1.55
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. 669.69 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. 17.18
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 31.95 ft / 9.74 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 10.50 ft / 3.20 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 36.00 ft / 10.97 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 15.25 ft / 4.65 m
SA Fore 167.74 ft² / 15.58 m²
SA Main 274.50 ft² / 25.50 m²
SA Total (100%) 442.24 ft² / 41.09 m²
Est. Forestay Length 33.63 ft / 10.25 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Gray
Engine Type Gas
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