Designed by Bob Perry, The Valiant 40 became legendary for its ability for fast passage making performance and easy handling. As such they are well regarded as serious blue water cruising yachts.

Sha-Lan is a rare example of the Pilothouse version of the V40 and one of only 10 built.

Her pilothouse interior is roomy, light and well ventilated and has berths for 5 adults.
The additional steering station below decks allows her crew to get out of the weather and yet still safely navigate.
She is well fitted out with top of the line equipment and, with the exception of the blistering problem mentioned below,  is in good condition for her age.

For detailed specifications and inventory please see the Specs and Inventory page.


Folks familiar with the V40 are usually also aware of the the dreaded Uniflite Blister problem.
In brief and as I understand. The builders, Uniflite Inc. used a fire retardant resin during the lay up process and had good results until the oil crisis of the mid 70s. A huge increase in the cost of liquid bromine (the fire retardant element) led them to use solid bromine as a substitute. This was used in boats built from about 1974 to 1981 and unfortunately, Sha-Lan was one of these.( Perhaps even the last one).
It was later discovered that the new resin caused a chemical re-action resulting in blistering of the gelcoat and, in some instances within the laminates. These blisters resemble those caused by osmosis and may occur both above as well as below the waterline.

Sha-Lan suffers from numerous blisters on her topsides and to a lesser extent on the deck and pilothouse sides..
A survey conducted in 1989 made note of several small blisters but, on examination, were not deemed structural. Her last survey made in 1997 found more blisters but no de-lamination was found below gelcoat level.
She was hauled in 1999 and the underwater hull was sandblasted to the level of the first laminate. No de-lamination was found and she was treated with an epoxy barrier coat system.
In 2010 the largest blisters were to be seen in the blue cove line on the port side ( The sunny side as she lay). This was possibly due to the heat built up on the dark surface by the intense Florida sun.
These blisters were "scabbed off" to reveal a shiny surface on the first laminate with no evidence of de-lamination. The areas were lightly ground to provide a key, faired off with a high quality paste filler then re-finished with 2 part latex urethane paint. See photos below.

To bring this boat back to "Bristol" condition would be a very expensive proposition and, according to my research, even a complete peel and re-glassing job may not guarantee a permanent solution.
The appearance could be well improved by grinding, filling and re-painting the topsides. Still expensive if done by a yard but within the capability of a handyman owner.



The same cove line after repair.


Port topside blisters




























From the companionway looking into the salon


The galley to port


Ahead of the galley is the L shaped dinette which makes into a double berth


From the dinette looking aft to the galley


The nav area and electrical panel are starboard aft


The settee starboard midships pulls out into a single berth


The lower helm station. Starboard fwd.


Looking aft from the passageway


The passageway to the vee berth looking forward from the salon


The heads compartment on the port side. The shower is to the left of the head.



The vee berth forward


The engine space under the cockpit accessed from under the companion steps


Westerbeke 5kw diesel generator


The Yanmar engine