40 Cabo Rico 1999 Boat for Sale

40' Cabo Rico 1999

The Cabo Rico Northeast 400 is a unique and elegantly designed pilothouse motorsailer that blends traditional yacht craftsmanship with modern comfort and versatility. Designed by Mark Ellis—best known for his work on the Niagara and Legacy lines—this yacht was intended to offer the best of both sailing and motoring worlds. It’s a true hybrid: not just a sailboat with a big engine, nor a motorboat with a mast, but a thoughtfully engineered vessel that performs well under both sail and power.

Built by Cabo Rico Yachts, the Northeast 400 carries the hallmarks of quality construction for which the yard is known. The hull is fiberglass with a vinylester resin outer layer to resist osmotic blistering. The deck is similarly well-built, using solid glass in high-load areas, and is securely bonded and through-bolted to the hull, resulting in a robust and long-lasting structure.

Measuring just under 42 feet in length overall, with a beam of nearly 14 feet and a moderate draft of around 4'10", the Northeast 400 offers a roomy and stable ride. Displacing about 21,900 pounds, it carries over 6,800 pounds of ballast, giving it a solid, capable feel under sail. Its fin keel and skeg-hung rudder ensure tracking and maneuverability, while a 100-horsepower Yanmar diesel engine allows for consistent and efficient motoring—even in challenging conditions. Under power, the boat can cruise comfortably at 8 to 10 knots, and under sail, speeds of 7 to 9 knots are common in moderate winds.

One of the most distinguishing features of the Northeast 400 is its pilothouse layout. Unlike many sailboats that feel dark and cave-like below deck, this yacht’s raised saloon is bright and spacious, with large windows that offer excellent visibility and allow natural light to flood the interior. This space doubles as a second helm station, meaning the boat can be comfortably piloted from inside during inclement weather—making it ideal for extended cruising in varied climates.

The accommodations are particularly well-suited for liveaboard cruising. Most models feature a forward master stateroom with a centerline queen berth, often with a hydraulic lift to access storage underneath. A second cabin, typically midship, can serve as a guest stateroom, home office, or additional storage area. The galley is well-appointed and secure for cooking underway, while the spacious saloon offers comfortable seating, ample storage, and a warm, inviting atmosphere thanks to extensive teak joinery finished in a rich satin varnish.

Systems aboard the Northeast 400 are designed for autonomy and extended cruising. The fuel tank capacity is around 150 gallons, while freshwater tanks hold over 220 gallons—more than enough for long trips away from the dock. Electrical systems and tank monitoring are typically well-integrated, with some later models boasting comprehensive instrumentation and energy-efficient lighting upgrades.

Only around a couple of dozen Northeast 400s were ever built, making them a rare find on the brokerage market. This limited production adds to their appeal, especially among knowledgeable sailors who value a boat that is both distinctive and capable. Owners often note that the boat holds its value well and continues to deliver a high level of comfort, performance, and safety—even decades after launch.

In summary, the Cabo Rico Northeast 400 is a refined, well-executed motorsailer designed for serious cruising. It offers the charm and build quality of a traditional bluewater sailboat, with the comfort and flexibility of a pilothouse motor yacht. Whether you’re exploring tropical islands, or wintering in the ICW, it’s a vessel that makes few compromises and rewards thoughtful ownership.

Denison Yachting - San Francisco is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. This boat is centrally listed by Yacht Access.

Denison Yacht Sales offers the details of this yacht in good faith but can’t guarantee the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of this boat for sale. This yacht for sale is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal from that yacht market without notice. She is offered as a convenience by this yacht broker to its clients and is not intended to convey direct representation of a specific yacht for sale.