Wauquiez 40 Pilot Saloon information/owner feedback

[SV_Lutalica]

Hello all!

I'm considering two Wauquiez 40 Pilot Saloons available on the eastern seaboard. I've never been aboard any of their boats except the much different and older Pretorien 35, manufactured well before the they were owned (for a period) by Beneteau. I'd really like to get some feedback from those that have owned them, or who have at least been aboard/crewed before I commit to a trip up and over from my home here in New Orleans. (perhaps someone might know who has if not themselves)

* I'm already aware of the compromises with the pilot saloon design, to include the usable cabin space allocation and the potential liability of large windows in heavy weather, but I feel this might be a good niche-design for me as a single live-aboard. I'd love to do some extensive water sailing">blue water sailing but feel this may be a better investment in terms of liveability and the reality of the kind of coastal sailing I expect to primarily do with it.

Much appreciated!

- Hunt

[De.windhoos]

I used to crew on a W Centurion 40. Beautiful boat, well build, good finish inside and, the version I sailed on with a tall rig, blistering fast. We regularly outsailed X-yachts.

We did struggle sailing the boat in stronger winds, but that might have been the combination of the tall rig and our inexperience with modern design boats. the boat before that was a Waarschip 1010, which is a totally different boat.

[wingssail]

Originally Posted by SV_Lutalica

Hello all!

I'm considering two Wauquiez 40 Pilot Saloons available on the eastern seaboard. I've never been aboard any of their boats except the much different and older Pretorien 35, manufactured well before the they were owned (for a period) by Beneteau. I'd really like to get some feedback from those that have owned them, or who have at least been aboard/crewed before I commit to a trip up and over from my home here in New Orleans. (perhaps someone might know who has if not themselves)

* I'm already aware of the compromises with the pilot saloon design, to include the usable cabin space allocation and the potential liability of large windows in heavy weather, but I feel this might be a good niche-design for me as a single live-aboard. I'd love to do some extensive blue water sailing but feel this may be a better investment in terms of liveability and the reality of the kind of coastal sailing I expect to primarily do with it.

Much appreciated!

- Hunt

This is a wonderful design. It is a good performing boat from a reputable builder and a well known French design team but not overpowered with too much sail area or extreme features. The windows are not too big for ocean sailing, many modern boats have this type of salon windows. I think it is perfect for coastal or blue water sailing. For gulf of Mexico you might avoid the deep draft version, but 6.5 feet is not too much anyhow.