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Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 40 review
Sailing yacht · 41 ft (12 m) · Rogoznica
expert score
Key specs
- Builder
- Wauquiez
- Model
- Pilot Saloon 40
- Length
- 41 ft (12 m)
- Guests
- 4
- Cabins
- 2
Verdict
The Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 40 is a sturdy cruising yacht with a strong deck-saloon layout, good interior volume, and sensible offshore credentials. It suits owners who value comfort and visibility under way over high-performance sailing, with the main trade-off being modest pace and a layout that varies by individual bo
Pros
- +Raised saloon gives excellent natural light and all-round visibility
- +Solid offshore cruising proportions with moderate draft and stable displacement
- +Two-cabin, two-head layouts offer good privacy for a 40-footer
- +56 hp diesel is adequate for docking and passagemaking
Cons
- −Not a lightweight or especially fast design
- −Interior and berth arrangements can vary by build year and refit
- −Fuel and water capacities are practical, not expansive, for long-range liveaboard use
The Pilot Saloon 40 is a 12.70 m deck-saloon cruiser designed by Berret/Racoupeau with a broad beam, moderate draft, and a displacement around 10 tonnes. That combination supports a reassuring seaway and a spacious feel below, but it is still a cruising yacht rather than a performance-oriented racer.
On the water, the boat’s 56 hp diesel and balanced hull form point to dependable everyday handling, especially for short-handed coastal cruising and passage-making. It should be easy to manage with autopilot and GPS, but buyers should not expect the lively acceleration or upwind pace of lighter modern designs.
Comfort is a major strength: the raised saloon improves visibility and daylight, while the 2-cabin, 2-head arrangement makes the boat attractive for couples or two pairs sharing. The layout can vary between individual boats, so berth count and interior finish should be checked carefully on each example.
In value terms, the Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 40 holds appeal as a well-built, comfortable used cruiser with proven offshore credentials. It is best suited to buyers prioritizing liveability, safety, and a distinctive saloon concept over maximum speed or the cheapest operating package.
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