Valiant Yachts, the American Cruisers That Redefined Bluewater Sailing

The boat that started the performance cruiser movement

Valiant Yachts put its first Valiant 40 in the water in 1973, a design from a young Robert Perry with hulls laid up under contract at Uniflite's plant in Bellingham, Washington. At a time when serious offshore cruisers usually meant heavy full-keel boats, Perry gave the Valiant 40 a canoe stern, a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder. It sailed faster and pointed higher than its rivals while remaining seakindly, and it helped define the idea of the performance cruiser.

The design earned its reputation at sea. In the 1976 singlehanded transatlantic OSTAR, Francis Stokes brought the Valiant 40 Mooneshine home as the top American monohull, and he did it again in 1980; Mark Schrader followed with a solo lap of the planet in a Valiant 40 in 1983. Years later the boat earned a place in the American Sailboat Hall of Fame.

Blisters, Texas and the Valiant 42

The Valiant story has a well-known blemish. From 1976 a fire-retardant resin was used in the hulls, and boats from roughly hull 120 to 249 became notorious for severe blistering. Many have since been repaired, sometimes extensively, but buyers still need to ask.

In 1984 Rich Worstell bought Valiant and moved production to Texas near Lake Texoma, using isophthalic resin. The Valiant 40, which we cover in depth, stayed in production until 1992 at hull 300, when the Valiant 42 took over. The 42, along with the 32, 37, 39, 47 and 50, continued the formula until production ceased in early 2011.

Texas-built Valiants are generally considered well constructed, with good joinery and solid systems for long-distance cruising.

Buying a used Valiant

Valiants remain highly sought after by bluewater sailors, and good examples sell quickly. Price depends on hull number, blister history and refits. With the builder closed, owners rely on independent yards and an active owner community for parts, drawings and advice.

• Confirm the hull number and whether the boat falls into the blister-prone range.
• Ask for documentation of any blister repair and the epoxy barrier coat.
• Inspect chainplates and deck core around fittings.
• Check fuel and water tanks, engine and rigging age.