Archambault A40 vs Archambault Grand Surprise
How do the Archambault A40 and Archambault Grand Surprise compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Archambault A40 
Archambault Grand Surprise | Archambault A40 | Archambault Grand Surprise | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 39.3 ft11.99 m | 31.3 ft9.54 m |
| Waterline length | 36.9 ft11.25 m | 29.3 ft8.93 m |
| Beam | 12.3 ft3.76 m | 9.8 ft2.98 m |
| Draft | 7.9 ft2.41 m | 6.7 ft2.05 m |
| Displacement | 13,669 lb6,200 kg | 58 lb26 kg |
| Ballast | 5,512 lb2,500 kg | 2,315 lb1,050 kg |
| Sail area | 838 ft²77.9 m² | 602 ft²55.9 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 23.45 | 642.83 |
| Displacement / Length | 121 | 1 |
| Comfort ratio | 19.8 | 0.1 |
| Capsize screening | 2.06 | 10.11 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 8.1 | 7.3 |
Archambault A40 vs Archambault Grand Surprise: the short version
- The Archambault A40 is the larger boat at 39.3 ft11.99 m LOA versus 31.3 ft9.54 m for the Archambault Grand Surprise.
- The Archambault A40 is heavier, displacing about 23467% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Archambault Grand Surprise carries the more powerful rig (642.8 vs 23.5), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Archambault A40 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Archambault A40 rates better for offshore work (2.06 vs 10.11).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.