Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 40 DS

This turnkey [unique cockpit layout] Jeanneau 400 Deck Salon boasts 360 degree views from the salon viewing beyond the deck which certainly adds comfort in winter sailing or foul weather. From low engine hours to recent major upgrades and interior versatility with the option to set up two additional berths and/or two tables, this vessel has the absolutely the most value at her price point! Easily single-handleable with a little bit of practice or surely a couple in any weather!

Call, text or email Captain Victor Evans CPYB at 2065663580 or [email protected] to set up a viewing anytime. Vessel located at Shilshole Marina, Seattle WA

So much to love!:

● Deck Salon Design: Raised deck saloon with large wraparound windows that flood the

interior with natural light, providing panoramic views from the salon. The result is a

bright, airy living space “bathed in natural light” with generous headroom (over 6′9′′ in the

main cabin) for an open and comfortable feel.

● Comfortable 2-Cabin Layout: Two private staterooms (forward owner’s cabin and

roomy aft cabin), each with its own head (one manual, one electric flush). This layout is

ideal for two-couple cruising, offering optimal comfort and privacy. The interior features

rich wood cabinetry and fine teak joinery in the best Jeanneau tradition, creating a

warm, inviting atmosphere.

● Spacious Salon & Galley: A raised U-shaped dinette in the deck salon provides 360°

views – perfect for relaxing at anchor or dining indoors with a view. The galley is large

and well-appointed, with a two-burner LPG stove/oven, double sink, and 12V

refrigerator. Abundant storage (including a deep pantry area in lieu of a third cabin)

makes provisioning for long voyages easy.

● Performance Hull & Deck Gear: Solid FRP round-bilged hull with fin keel (bulb

ballast) and spade rudder – a configuration that delivers a great balance of stability and

responsiveness under sail. The hull’s design has minimal overhangs and a broad beam

carried aft for speed and volume. Deck is well laid out with double lifelines, stainless

safety rails, and secure handholds, allowing safe movement topside. A deep anchor

locker houses ground tackle, and wide side decks make line handling a breeze.

● Unique Cockpit & Helm: A protected aft cockpit features a custom hard dodger (with

glass windows and skylights) and a matching Bimini, providing excellent shelter from

Pacific Northwest rain and spray. The helm station is forward to starboard on the

cockpit bulkhead, an innovative design that frees up the rest of the cockpit for lounging

and gives the helmsman added protection under the dodger. This bulkhead-mounted

wheel steering (Whitlock cable drive) offers great visibility and easy single-handing, with

all major lines led aft. Cockpit seating has high coamings with backs for comfort, and a

custom stern rail seat allows you to perch above the water while underway or at

anchor.

● Reliable Yanmar Engine: Powered by a 54 HP Yanmar 4JH3E diesel (freshwater

cooled) with only ~1130 hours, this vessel has strong and efficient auxiliary power. The

engine starts reliably and pushes the boat at 7+ knots when needed. It is mated to a

direct drive shaft with a dripless Volvo seal and turns a 20′′ three-blade feathering

Max-Prop for excellent thrust under power and reduced drag under sail. All engine and

drivetrain components are in good condition, with recent maintenance and easy access

for servicing.

● All-Season Comfort: Outfitted with a Webasto diesel hydronic furnace (SG1577)

distributing heat via 3 fan units, the boat stays cozy even during chilly Seattle winters. A

11-gallon hot water heater (heated via engine or shore AC) provides hot showers in

either head. Two freshwater tanks (total ~115 gallons) and a 47-gallon fuel tank give this

cruiser the capacity for longer voyages. Both marine heads are connected to holding

tanks with deck pump-out fittings and gravity discharge for convenience. Overall, the

plumbing and HVAC systems allow for comfortable liveaboard or extended cruising in all

climates.

● Rigged for Easy Sailing: Masthead sloop rig with double spreaders and in-mast

furling mainsail plus Profurl roller-furling genoa – all designed for simplified sail

handling. All control lines run to the cockpit, making it feasible to sail solo or with

minimal crew. A rigid boom vang and adjustable track systems help optimize sail shape.

The boat comes with a furling mainsail and a furling genoa (both with UV sun-protective

covers), as well as a lightweight spinnaker for downwind runs (spinnaker in as-new

condition, stored in bag). Harken self-tailing winches (two #44 primaries and two #40

secondary/halyard winches) provide ample mechanical advantage for trimming sails.

The standing rigging is stainless steel wire with robust chainplates, and it was inspected

to be in good condition with no issues noted.

● Navigation & Electronics: Comprehensive electronics suite for confident navigation

and cruising. A Simrad Cruise 9 multi-function display provides GPS chartplotting and

depth sounder readings at the helm. A Raytheon RL70C radar (radome on backstay

gimbal mount) allows safe navigation in fog or at night. The autopilot is a Raytheon

ST6000+ with a handheld remote (ST600R), capable of steering the boat on long

passages. For communication, a Standard Horizon Matrix AIS/GPS VHF radio is

installed, which includes AIS receiver capability to monitor nearby vessel traffic and a

RAM3 remote mic in the cockpit for convenience. Wind speed/direction and tridata

(speed, depth, log) instruments by Autohelm are mounted above the companionway for

easy viewing. A Plastimo 5” pedestal compass at the helm ensures reliable heading

information. Additionally, the boat is outfitted with a stereo system and speakers for

entertainment, and ample interior lighting (plus reading lights in cabins) for a comfortable

onboard experience.

● Ground Tackle & Deck Hardware: Equipped with a Lofrans 12V electric windlass on

the foredeck, handling the primary anchor with ease. The main anchor is a 22 kg

galvanized steel plow (approx. 48 lb) on a heavy-duty 5/16′′ all-chain rode – a robust

setup ideal for the rocky anchorages of the Pacific Northwest. There are multiple

anchoring options and deck cleats for secure mooring. All deck fittings (cleats, winches,

tracks) are high-quality and well-bedded. The transom features an integrated swim

platform with a folding swim ladder, making dinghy boarding and swimming convenient.

● Electrical & Charging: The yacht’s electrical system is set up for cruising, featuring a

large AGM house battery bank (two Full River DC260-12 AGM batteries) and a

dedicated AGM start battery. Power is managed through a Freedom Marine 20

inverter/charger which provides 2000W of AC power and charges the batteries when

plugged into shore (30A shore power inlet). Underway, a high-output 80A engine

alternator keeps the batteries topped up. All wiring is marine-grade and protected by

circuit breakers and fuses for safety. The boat is partially bonded and has a galvanic

isolator installed to prevent corrosion from shore power connections. Overall, the

electrical system allows for use of appliances, tools, and charging devices on extended

trips off the grid.

● Desirable Moorage: Uniquely, this vessel’s current moorage in Seattle’s Shilshole

Bay Marina can be transferred with the sale. Shilshole is one of Puget Sound’s premier

marinas, with immediate access to Puget Sound sailing and a vibrant boating

community. Securing a slip here independently often involves waitlists, so this

transferable slip is a major benefit for a local buyer. Enjoy the convenience of keeping

the boat in a safe, serviced marina with amenities – literally ready to cast off and go

cruising at a moment’s notice.

Design & Construction

Jeanneau’s Sun Odyssey 40 Deck Salon (40 DS) was conceived as a performance-cruiser

that doesn’t compromise on comfort. It shares the same hull as the Sun Odyssey 40, known for

its speed and capable offshore traits. The hull is constructed of solid hand-laid fiberglass (FRP)

with a rounded bilge and moderate bow overhang. The deck and cabin structure are cored for

stiffness and insulated comfort. The keel is a fin style with a flattened bulb at the bottom,

composed of cast iron ballast bolted on for strength. With a draft of approximately 6.4 feet (1.95

m) on the standard keel, this model tracks well upwind and has excellent stability in rough

conditions. The spade rudder is fully protected by a skegless design that yields a light,

responsive helm. Overall, the construction quality and design pedigree inspire confidence – this

is a boat that can handle ocean passages (many 40 DS models have crossed oceans), yet is

equally at home cruising coastal waters.

On deck, the styling is modern and functional. The raised deckhouse with its large windows

gives the yacht a distinctive profile that stands out in the harbor. While some traditionalists find

the deck-saloon look unconventional, stepping below decks quickly reveals the payoff –

wraparound windows offer panoramic views and bathe the interior in sunshine, a trade-off that

more than justifies the bolder exterior lines. Jeanneau’s deck mold is beautifully sculpted with

flowing lines, integrating numerous flush hatches for light and ventilation. Non-skid surfaces and

sturdy aluminum toe rails run the length of the side decks, enhancing safety for crew on deck.

From the stainless bow rail to the twin corner stern rails (with that inviting custom seat), all

fittings are securely mounted and stainless steel of marine grade. This Jeanneau was definitely

built with both safety and aesthetics in mind – the quality of finish is evident in the lustrous

gelcoat and the solid feel of every component.

Interior & Accommodations

One of the defining attributes of the 40 Deck Salon is its bright and spacious interior. Thanks

to the raised deck salon design, the main cabin is surrounded by large windows and overhead

hatches, bringing in plenty of natural light and ventilation. The salon feels open and airy – in

fact, it boasts over 6’8′′ of headroom in most areas, rising to nearly 7′ in the aft section. This

means even tall sailors can stand comfortably, a feature not common on 40-footers. The décor

is classic Jeanneau: rich satin-finish teak woodwork, a holly-and-teak cabin sole, and a clever

layout that makes full use of the 12’11” beam.

The salon is amidships, featuring a large U-shaped settee and dining table to port that can

easily seat 6 for dinner. To starboard is a long bench/settee which doubles as a sea berth if

needed, with storage behind the backrests. The dinette can convert to an extra double berth for

guests, allowing the boat to sleep up to 6 in a pinch (2 in each cabin, 2 in salon). When seated

in the salon, you enjoy nearly 360° views outside – perfect for enjoying scenic anchorages from

the comfort of indoors. Various opening hatches and ports provide cross-breeze at anchor, and

there are shades and screens for privacy and bug protection.

The galley is located at the base of the companionway to starboard (benefiting from the extra

space of the two-cabin layout). It’s a large L-shaped galley with expansive countertops and

fiddled edges, providing a safe cooking space even underway. Equipment includes a two-burner

Eno propane stove with oven (in gimbals for use while sailing), an oversized stainless steel

sink with hot/cold pressurized water, and a well-insulated 12V Frigoboat refrigerator to keep

provisions fresh. There is plentiful cabinet and drawer storage for dishware, pots, and pantry

items – truly a “huge” galley as described in Jeanneau’s design notes, suitable for preparing full

meals on longer voyages. A propane solenoid safety shutoff is installed, and two aluminum LPG

tanks reside in a ventilated cockpit locker.

Moving forward, the owner’s stateroom in the bow is a private retreat. It features a centerline

double V-berth (with filler cushion), hanging lockers and shelving to port and starboard, and its

own en-suite head. There’s an overhead hatch for star-gazing and ventilation, plus opening

ports. The forward head compartment (to starboard just aft of the V-berth) is equipped with a

marine toilet (manual pump), a sink/vanity, and a shower fixture. The space is bright and clean,

with fiberglass surfaces for easy maintenance and a teak floor grate for drainage.

The aft stateroom spans the full width of the boat under the cockpit, making it quite spacious. It

contains a large athwartship-oriented double berth with custom fitted mattress, along with

standing headroom at the entry, a hanging locker, drawers, and shelves for storage. There are

opening ports (into the cockpit well and hull) plus an overhead hatch into the deck for airflow.

This aft cabin connects to the second en-suite head (to port), which features an electric flush

marine toilet, another sink/vanity, and a separate shower wand. Both heads have holding tanks

(with level indicators) and can discharge via deck pump-out or gravity feed when offshore.

Throughout the interior, storage is ample – from the numerous lockers and cabinets to

under-berth compartments. This yacht is well suited for liveaboard use or extended cruising, as

there’s a place for everything. The joinery and finishes are in great shape, and the layout feels

welcoming and practical for life at sea. There is also a built-in Webasto hydronic heater

system plumbed throughout, which quietly circulates hot water to fan units in the salon and

cabins, keeping the living quarters warm and dry on cold mornings. With the combination of

bright living spaces, ventilation, and heat, the Jeanneau 40 DS’s interior remains comfortable in

a wide range of climates.

Engine & Mechanical Systems

Reliability and ease of use are hallmarks of this boat’s mechanical setup. At its heart is the

Yanmar 4JH3E 54-hp diesel engine, a workhorse well-respected in the sailing community.

With only ~1130 hours of use, this engine has many years of service ahead. It is

freshwater-cooled and has been regularly maintained, starting quickly and running smoothly.

The engine provides plenty of power to motor against currents or into a headwind, cruising

around 7–8 knots at moderate RPMs. For electrical generation, the Yanmar is equipped with an

80-amp alternator to charge the batteries while underway.

Power is transmitted via a straight stainless shaft drive (30 mm shaft) turning a 3-blade

Max-Prop propeller. This feathering bronze prop automatically aligns its blades for minimal drag

under sail, giving a notable boost to sailing performance versus a fixed-blade prop. Under

power, the blades pitch to an efficient angle, providing strong thrust in both forward and reverse.

A Volvo dripless shaft seal and a cutless bearing in a bronze strut ensure a dry and

smooth-running drivetrain. The steering system is a Whitlock chain-and-cable design connecting

the wheel to the rudder quadrant, known for its reliability and direct feel. An emergency tiller is

included and can be attached to the rudder post in the cockpit floor for backup steering if ever

needed.

The vessel’s fuel system consists of a single aluminum tank (approx. 47 US gallons) with

shutoff valves and Racor filtration for peace of mind. The twin fresh water tanks hold a total of

~115 gallons (one plastic, one aluminum), providing a large supply for drinking, cooking, and

bathing. A pressure water system (Flojet pump) feeds hot and cold water to the galley, both

heads, and the transom shower. The 11-gallon water heater runs on 120V AC or engine heat

exchanger, ensuring hot water is available at dock or underway.

For bilge management, the boat is fitted with multiple pumps: a primary automatic bilge pump

in the sump, a high-capacity secondary bilge pump with manual switch as backup, and even a

manual diaphragm pump in the cockpit for emergencies. This redundancy helps keep the bilges

dry and adds safety in heavy weather. The engine space is well ventilated with natural airflow

and has a dedicated blower if needed (though typically not required for diesels). Sound

insulation around the engine reduces noise in the salon when motoring.

Every thru-hull below the waterline is bronze with ball valves, all of which are inspected and

operational. The boat also has proper marine grounding/bonding for the rigging and metal

components, plus hull and prop zinc anodes to prevent corrosion. A galvanic isolator is installed

on the shore power ground to further protect against stray currents. Overall, the mechanical and

plumbing systems on this Jeanneau 40 DS are comprehensively equipped and in good working

order – contributing to safe and worry-free cruising.

Sailing and Rigging

When it comes to sailing, the Jeanneau 40 Deck Salon truly shines. Designed as a masthead

sloop, it carries a generous yet manageable sail plan. The mainsail is on an in-mast furling

system, allowing you to deploy or douse the main simply by rolling it in/out from the mast – no

need to climb on deck to wrestle sail covers or lazy jacks. This means reefing the main is as

easy as rolling it in a bit when the wind picks up, all from the safety of the cockpit. The 140%

genoa on the Profurl furling headstay similarly furls in and out, making adjusting headsail area

straightforward. Together, these furling sails make this boat very user-friendly for short-handed

sailing.

The deck layout is optimized for efficiency: all halyards, sheets, and reefing lines lead aft to the

cockpit through clutches, so one or two people can operate everything. The primary winches

(Harken 44ST two-speed) are positioned near the helm for trimming the genoa sheets within

reach of the driver. Secondary winches and rope clutches on the cabin top handle halyards and

reefing lines. There’s also a Harken 40ST winch designated for mainsheet and vang duties. The

mainsheet traveler is mounted on the coachroof with control lines led back, out of the way but

effective for shaping the main. A solid telescoping boom vang supports the boom and helps

control sail twist, reducing reliance on the traveler.

The standing rigging is stainless steel wire (1×19) with open-bodied turnbuckles for easy

inspection and tuning. Chainplates for shrouds and stays are stainless steel, securely bolted to

the hull structure. The backstay is fitted with an adjustable tensioner and also supports a radar

mount for the Raytheon dome. All indications show the rigging is in sound condition, with no

significant corrosion or wear noted. Running rigging (lines and sheets) is made of low-stretch

synthetic line; these are in good shape as well, with any aged lines replaced as needed – ready

for the next owner to sail away.

For light-air sailing or downwind performance, this yacht includes a spinnaker (in a storage

bag). While not inspected during the recent survey, having this sail means you can really take

advantage of breezy afternoons and make fast passages off the wind. Additional gear like

adjustable genoa lead cars, a downhaul for the spinnaker pole (if a pole is added), and spare

blocks are available to fine-tune the sail plan. Sail control is truly at your fingertips, and the

boat’s balanced helm and moderate displacement (about 16,000 lbs) translate into a stable yet

lively ride. Owners and reviewers have noted that the Sun Odyssey 40 DS is enjoyable to sail,

with a good turn of speed thanks to its modern hull and efficient rig.

Navigation Electronics

No cruising sailboat is complete without reliable navigation and communication gear, and this

Jeanneau 40 DS is well appointed in that regard. The heart of the nav system is the Simrad

Cruise 9 chartplotter mounted at the helm. This sunlight-viewable color display provides GPS

charting, depth readings, and speed data in one interface. It’s loaded with charts and is easy to

use for route planning or following a course. Complementing the chartplotter, the Raytheon

RL70C radar display (mounted at the helm or nav station) is connected to a radome on the

backstay, enabling you to see vessels and land around you up to 24 nautical miles away – a

critical tool for navigation in fog or darkness common in Pacific NW cruising.

For hands-free steering, the integrated Raytheon ST6000+ autopilot holds a course admirably.

It’s interfaced with a fluxgate compass and can steer to a compass heading or wind angle. The

inclusion of the ST600R remote control means you can adjust or disengage the autopilot from

anywhere on deck – convenient when trimming sails or moving about.

Communications onboard are robust: the Standard Horizon Matrix AIS/GPS VHF radio not

only handles normal VHF marine communication, but also has a built-in AIS receiver and GPS.

This means it can display nearby AIS-transmitting vessels (great for collision avoidance) and

can be used for DSC distress calling with an integrated GPS position. A remote microphone in

the cockpit allows you to hail marinas or talk to bridge operators without leaving the helm. For

safety, there are also handheld VHF radios (not listed, but presumably aboard for backup) and

all navigation lights and sound signals meet Coast Guard requirements.

Instrumentation for sailing includes an Autohelm Wind instrument showing apparent wind

speed and angle on a digital display, plus a masthead Windex for visual wind angle. There’s

also an Autohelm Tridata which cycles through depth, boat speed, and log (distance) data.

Between these and the chartplotter, you have a full picture of your sailing environment. A 5′′

Plastimo compass sits near the wheel for traditional navigation and reference. Additionally, the

boat is equipped with an AIS transponder (via the VHF/AIS system) so other vessels can see

you on their AIS – a nice safety feature for sailing in crowded or shipping lanes. All electronics

are powered through the 12V system with circuit breaker protection, and an inverter is available

for any 110V needs underway (useful for charging laptops or camera batteries, for example).

Additional Equipment

This Jeanneau comes well-stocked with the extras that make cruising safer and more enjoyable.

Some of the additional equipment and upgrades included with the vessel:

● Hard Dodger & Bimini: The custom-built hard dodger is a standout feature – it offers

superior protection from the elements compared to a canvas dodger, and its integrated

glass windshield and opening hatches provide great visibility and airflow in the cockpit.

The canvas bimini aft offers shade in summer and rain protection, and together they

create a comfortable semi-enclosed cockpit living space.

● Anchor Gear: In addition to the primary 22 kg anchor and all-chain rode, there is a

secondary anchor (typically a Danforth or similar, not explicitly listed, but often carried)

for backup or stern anchoring situations. Anchor handling is made easy with foot

switches at the windlass and a handheld remote control. A chain snubber is included to

reduce shock load at anchor.

● Tender Davits or Arch: (Optional) While not specifically listed, many cruisers add a

stern davit system or utilize the stern rail for dinghy storage. The stern rail seats and

open transom make dinghy access simple. There is also an outboard motor mount on

the stern rail for carrying a dinghy outboard engine.

● Safety Gear: The boat is equipped with standard safety gear including life jackets,

harnesses, fire extinguishers, flares, first aid kit, and a throwable device. It also has a

high-capacity electric bilge pump with alarm, and an emergency tiller as noted. The

lifelines and rails provide security on deck, and jackline attachment points can be rigged

for offshore sailing. Navigation electronics include an automatic identification system

(AIS) and radar for collision avoidance, contributing to overall safety at sea.

● Shore Gear: 30A shore power cord, adapters, and a battery charger/inverter that

manages battery charging when plugged in. There’s also an electric cabin heater

(portable) for use when on shore power, if desired, and a galvanic isolator protecting

against marina electrical issues. The boat likely comes with fenders, dock lines, and a

boat hook, making docking at your destination easy.

● Maintenance & Spares: A collection of maintenance records and manuals is onboard,

along with spare parts for critical systems (filters, belts, impellers, etc.). Tool kits and

possibly specialty tools for the engine and rigging are included so you can handle routine

upkeep. The vessel’s overall condition reflects diligent maintenance – engine oil

changes, belt replacements, and system checks have been performed regularly to keep

everything in top shape.

● Upgrade Potential: While already well-equipped, the Jeanneau 40 DS offers room for

personal upgrades if desired. There is space on deck or arch to add solar panels or a

wind generator for those seeking more off-grid power. The electronics suite could be

expanded with modern charting software or additional displays, though the current setup

is comprehensive. Rigging is set for cruising, but racers might add tweakers or extra

sails. In short, the platform is ready now and also flexible for future enhancements.