The Passport 40 Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The first Passport 40 was launched in 1980 and 148 of them were built until 1991, when the design changed to the Passport 41 with a reverse transom and swim platform that added a foot to the length. Later, the Passport 43 came out with a longer stern and a taller rig with two spreaders. The total number of boats in this series was 163, including both the Passport 41 and Passport 43.

The Passport 40 has a sensible interior layout with a spacious V-berth forward, followed by a head with separate shower stall to port and a hanging locker to starboard. The main saloon has a U-shaped settee to port that converts to a double berth, and a straight settee to starboard. There is a large drop-leaf table on the centerline that can seat six comfortably. The galley is aft to port, with ample counter space, a double sink, a three-burner stove with oven, and a large top-loading refrigerator/freezer. Opposite the galley is a forward-facing navigation station with a large chart table and an electrical panel. Aft of the nav station is a quarter berth that can sleep two. The interior is finished in teak with solid teak trim and cabinetry, giving it a warm and classic feel.

There are some variations in the interior layout of the Passport 40, depending on the year of production and the owner's preferences. Some boats have a Pullman berth instead of a V-berth forward, or an aft cabin instead of a quarter berth. Some boats have more or less storage space, or different arrangements of cabinets and lockers. Some boats have a second head aft, or a larger galley or nav station.

The Passport 40 has a masthead sloop rig with a single spreader aluminium mast and boom. The sail area is 70.8 m², divided between a mainsail with two or three reef points and a roller-furling genoa. Some boats have a cutter rig with an inner forestay and staysail, or a ketch rig with a mizzen mast and sail. 

The Passport 40 is a well-regarded boat for long-distance sailing and bluewater cruising. It has a harmonious design, a swift speed, and a gentle motion that does not tire the crew. They perform quite well in light winds but really come to life when the weather picks up, especially on the beam. They are easy to handle by one or two people, with all lines led aft to the cockpit and self-tailing winches. They track well and have good directional stability, thanks to their long waterline and skeg-hung rudder.

The average cost of a secondhand Passport 40 varies depending on the year, condition, equipment, and location of the boat. According to YachtWorld.com, as of July 2023, there are 10 Passport 40s for sale in different parts of the world, ranging from $79,253 USD to $174,995 USD.

Yes, Passport Yachts is still in business as of July 2023. The company was founded in 1978 by Wendell Renken in Taiwan, and later moved its headquarters to Annapolis, Maryland in 1984. The company specializes in building semi-custom and custom cruising sailboats, ranging from 40 to 62 feet in length. The current models include the Passport Vista series, the Passport 545, and the Passport 615.

The designer of the Passport 40 is Robert Perry, a renowned naval architect who has created many successful and influential sailboats in his career. Some of his other designs include the Valiant 40, the Baba 40, the Tayana 37, the Nordic 40, the Islander Freeport 36, the Norseman 447, the Saga 43, and the Hylas 54.