Sunbeam 40

Made in Austria.....it's a Sunbeam after all. Sailing a Sunbeam has always been a dream of mine. After the smaller Sunbeam 27, I acquired this Sunbeam 40 (1989) a few years ago. Of course, after 37 years of sailing, there are some flaws and damage, but there's nothing to criticize about the structure, the design, or the build quality. Compared to modern yachts, only the somewhat narrow lines are noticeable, which results in less usable space below deck. The center-cockpit design is unbeatable for me (a single-handed sailor), and the interior layout is otherwise well-thought-out and very high-quality! A spacious aft cabin, a large forward cabin, a separate head, and a separate toilet compartment... the boat offers ample space for four people. The saloon and galley are well-arranged, and there's plenty of storage space throughout. The headroom in the main area is just over 195 cm, but it decreases towards the bow and stern. As a rather sturdy sailor, my only complaint is the rather narrow doors, which are only comfortable for slender sailors to pass through. However, capsizing in wind and waves is impossible, and you never have to strap yourself in while in the galley. Every cloud has a silver lining. Thanks to the solid laminate and all-wood construction, the boat is quite heavy, which doesn't make it a racer. Instead, it's a stress-free, safe, and stable sailboat that starts moving even in light winds, yet offers safe, dry, and stable sailing in strong winds. The only fake is the teak deck, which at first glance suggests a solid wood plank, but is actually teak glued onto plywood. Despite this, it has held up well for almost 40 years and can last for a few more. Unfortunately, it can no longer be sanded, as the seams have disappeared in some places, revealing the screws. Sunbeams are often compared to HR yachts, and that's perfectly reasonable! Some Sunbeam models have even surpassed HR, but this one particularly impressed me with its superior interior finish compared to HR yachts of that era. I would buy this boat again in a heartbeat, even though the purchase price seems relatively high. Compared to modern Tupperware containers, however, it's worth every penny. Thanks to Manfred and Gerhard Schöchl for this fantastic little yacht!

A super solid, fast tank The center cockpit provides a very safe sailing experience in virtually all weather conditions and sea areas worldwide. The Selden boom could be a bit longer so that the Sunbeam can be sailed with the cockpit tent or bimini top open – the mainsheet and tackle are always in the way. The cabin layout is excellent, although a freestanding double berth in the aft cabin would be the icing on the cake – but as we all know, there's always something, and this compromise is perfectly acceptable. Like any other boat, the window material eventually succumbs to UV damage. However, with some DIY skills, you can easily remedy this inexpensively. The same applies to the Lewmar portlights and Lewmar deck hatches. Unfortunately, there were no spare parts available for the hinges of the Ocean series, so I had to design my own and achieved great results with a good 3D printer. If anyone is concerned about this, I'd be happy to help before you have to spend a fortune on new hatches and frames – not to mention the labor involved. All in all, a fantastic boat that I would buy again in a heartbeat – perhaps the deck saloon version rather than the 42DS. The Yanmar engine is an excellent choice by the shipyard, and with a little maintenance, you won't have any problems. Well, and if the diesel engine ever goes bad (diesel bug), well, everyone has their share of trouble – I've had my share of experience with that, too. The electrical system, naturally showing its age, required a comprehensive overhaul – but that's to be expected after more than 30 years. Electronics are, of course, antiquated and had to make way for modern technology. The batteries, naturally, lead out, LiFePO4 in. I also re-stitched the cushions – now I have light in the saloon again. The teak deck was completely worn out and had to be replaced with flexible teak. But I don't want to dwell on that. I feel completely at home on the boat and look forward to every season and every trip – no matter how short.