Designed by John Reynolds, who currently resides in Greenhithe, Auckland.

A solid glass bull (pleasingly thick), the hull was layed up in the early 80's by John Reynolds himself. Back in about 81 to 85 he layed up in excess of 9 hulls (3 were finished proffessionally) but the rest were sold to backyard builders (as was a regular practice back then). The deck and cabin sides are GRP. This particular yacht has been built as a centre cockpit, which makes quite good use of internal space. In talking with John, there is apparently 1 other Centre Cockpit in Auckland (Royal Durban).

We know of 3 other Ocean 40's. Merlin in Thames. Wild Sweet (previously built and owned by John Reynolds until about 6 Years ago) recently for sale in Auckland and Moon Glow owned by Vince Reidy from Gulf Harbour. All these 3 are the same hull but are built as aft cockpits.

They have a 3/4 integral lead keel (3-1/2 tonnes of lead shot) and skeg hung rudder. The rudder on ours has been lengthened, which appears to be an improvement on the original design. Although, as an improvement, John Reynold's has suggested this should be lengthened further.

Her fuel and water storage tanks looked to be originally constructed and glassed into the hull. These have since been removed by the previous owner and a new 325 litre 3mm alloy fuel tank has been constructed to Lloyds standards to be fitted underfloor and 3 new stainless steel water tanks totalling 700 litres to be fitted underfloor.

He Diesel Engine is a Perkins M90 which is 81HP and is about 1978. It has come out of another vessel and is in situ but has never been completely set-up. There are some parts that are missing and some parts that will need replacing. There is a new Hurth Gearbox and propellor shaft fitted. We will need to assess fairly soon whether to keep the motor or replace with a recondition one.

The cabin sides are constructed in 3 layers of ply with a thin layer of glass over. The windows have not been fitted correctly and with her being in the weather the cabin sides have begun to rot. Most of the cabin sides will need replacing and new portlights fitted. The majority of the deck appears to be very sound with just one or two soft places down the port side to be replaced.

The hard dodger, although there is nothing wrong in it's construction, it has been built too low to sit under confortably and this will need to be replaced with something about 150mm higher.

She comes with a brand new alloy mast and boom and some rigging.

The internal layout will be of conventional design. There is a large storage area in the bow with access from the deck. Just aft of this is a large double cabin (with large opening hatch). Aft of this on the port side will be a rounded seatee with table and on the starboard side will be a rounded seatee. Just below and forward of the cockpit steps will be the nav station on the port side and an L shaped galley on the starboard side. The shower/head will be under the cockpit seats on the port side (access from the Nav area). Under the cockpit seats on the starboard side is the walk through pilot berth to the double aft cabin.

To see some photos of the interior please check out the photo link. Please excuse the mess!