Newport 41s

[gmjosey]

The Newport 41s seems like an ideal boat for passage making with an MC# of 31.5,a PHRF of 102,and those classic good looks. But,aren't those large portlights rather vulnerable ? Do owners,who take them to sea,fit covers over them in bad weather ?

[Faster]

Larger portlights are generally more vulnerable than smaller ones, certainly, and many people do at least provide provision for storm covers - many also do not.

Earlier models of this boat actually had more "C&C-ish" portlights before they went to the trademark "Newport" pattern.

She is indeed a pretty boat with those timeless good looks. Slightly narrow and less spacious than newer designs, of course.

[KeelHaulin]

I own a Newport 41; great boat! One of her PO's installed weather shields by simply making tracks out of Teak thru-bolted through the cabin on either side and between the windows. Thick sheets of Lexan fit in for protection.

We took my N41 out on Sunday and did a little sailing in the Golden Gate. The remnants of the recent storm sent sea swells in that were between 8-12 feet; it was a blast! Earlier in the week they were 20' plus with heavy wind; not a good time for daysailing. The boat handled the deep swells great, and we did not even come close to getting wet.

[Newport41]

I have an '83 Newport 41 MkII that I am taking offshore next year. There were a few people that wrote them off as cheap racers but I've talked to a lot of people in the industry and they all say that the N41 is very under rated. The fact of the matter is that they are very strong. Some older modles have some resin pockets but those seem to dissappear before 1980. The relativly high ballast ratio, low freeboard, and 11'3'' beam make them very stable, unlike many more modern cruisers with their J Lo butts. As for the ports. The two hatches on ours are Lewmar ocean series. Although large they are quite strong. As for windows and portholes along the house. The opening portholes forward will have to be upgraged. The windows themselves aren't really that big when you look at some of the modern designs but a simple track system with a few peices of lexan, as discribed above, will protect them. I would highly recomend a Newport 41. We are surprised every time we go up wind against another boat. There isn;t a flat spot anywhere on the hull. When the wind and the seas pick up they don't get pushed around. No pounding to windward and no loosing control down wind. What you will have to do is this: most likely replace the mast step, replace forward ports, better cockpit drainage. I would also recommend haveing some way of securing the bottom washboard in the companionway as the companionway is level with the cockpit sole. We're half way though outfitting ours so if you have any questions we might be able to help.