The Pearson 40 is and respectable in club racing.
Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
7.5 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 31.3′, the Pearson 40 tops out around 7.5 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √31.3′ LWL = 7.5 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
PHRF Rating
117s/nm
Cruiser/racer — competitive in club racing, comfortable cruising.
Ballast / Displacement
53.5%
Race-oriented ballast ratio — very stiff and powerful.
Displacement / Length
334
Moderate-heavy — carries provisions well, deliberate in light air.
Hull Speed
7.5kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
8lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Pearson 40 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Pearson 40
Cruiser/racer — competitive in club racing, comfortable cruising.
Intrepid 40
Endeavour 40
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Pearson 40.
| Pearson 40 | Endeavour 40 | Gulfstar 40 Sailmaster | Intrepid 40 | Tartan 40 Offshore | Valiant 40 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 39.9 | 40.0 | 39.9 | 40.0 | 40.0 | 39.9 |
| LWL | 31.3 | 32.0 | 32.5 | 32.8 | 36.0 | 34.0 |
| Beam | 12.5 | 13.0 | 12.1 | 12.6 | 13.3 | 12.3 |
| Displacement | 22 | 25 | 20 | 20 | 26 | 22 |
| Ballast | 12 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 10 | 7 |
| Sail Area | — | 788 | 705 | 749 | 788 | 772 |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | 117 | 147 | — | 125 | — | — |
| SA/Disp | — | 14.8 | 15.4 | 16.3 | 14.4 | 15.6 |
| Bal/Disp | 53.5 | 36.0 | 42.5 | — | — | 34.2 |
| Comfort | — | 36.9 | 32.2 | 30.5 | 34.3 | 34.3 |
| Capsize | — | 1.78 | 1.78 | 1.86 | 1.80 | 1.75 |
| Hull Speed | — | 7.6 | 7.6 | 7.7 | 8.0 | 7.8 |