Archambault A40 vs Surprise
How do the Archambault A40 and Surprise compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Archambault A40 
Surprise | Archambault A40 | Surprise | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 39.3 ft11.99 m | 25.1 ft7.65 m |
| Waterline length | 36.9 ft11.25 m | 21.6 ft6.60 m |
| Beam | 12.3 ft3.76 m | 8.1 ft2.48 m |
| Draft | 7.9 ft2.41 m | 5.3 ft1.60 m |
| Displacement | 13,669 lb6,200 kg | 2,756 lb1,250 kg |
| Ballast | 5,512 lb2,500 kg | 1,102 lb500 kg |
| Sail area | 838 ft²77.9 m² | 286 ft²26.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 23.45 | 23.28 |
| Displacement / Length | 121 | 121 |
| Comfort ratio | 19.8 | 11.5 |
| Capsize screening | 2.06 | 2.32 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 8.1 | 6.2 |
Archambault A40 vs Surprise: the short version
- The Archambault A40 is the larger boat at 39.3 ft11.99 m LOA versus 25.1 ft7.65 m for the Surprise.
- The Archambault A40 is heavier, displacing about 396% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Archambault A40 carries the more powerful rig (23.5 vs 23.3), 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 2.32).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.