1996 Manta 40 for Sale – 40 ft – Punta Gorda, FL, United States

40 ft 1996 Manta 40 Catamaran – Scout

The 1996 Manta 40 Catamaran Scout is a proven bluewater cruising catamaran designed for comfort, safety, and ease of handling. Built from durable composite materials, this 40-foot sailing cat offers a strong, stable platform ideal for long-range cruising and extended time at anchor. Known for their thoughtful design and solid construction, Manta catamarans were purpose-built for private owners—not charter fleets—making them an excellent choice for a cruising couple with occasional guests.

Powered by twin Volvo MD2040 inboard diesel engines (40 hp each), Scout cruises efficiently at approximately 7 knots with a top speed near 8 knots, offering an impressive 900-mile range under power. Under sail, she is exceptionally easy to manage thanks to the Camberspar jib and all control lines led to the cockpit, allowing safe and simple operation without leaving the helm.

The interior layout is ideal for comfortable cruising, featuring a private master suite in the port hull and two guest cabins in the starboard hull with a shared head and shower. Both the interior and exterior spaces are designed to maximize comfort, making Scout equally suited for offshore passages or peaceful anchoring in secluded coves. A full cockpit enclosure with screens further enhances comfort in a variety of climates.

One of the standout features of the Manta 40 is its massive, heavily built hardtop. This structure provides excellent sun protection, ample space for solar panels, convenient sail storage, and a secure, seaway-ready solution for dinghy storage—a highly valued feature for serious cruisers.

Key Features & Highlights

• Durable composite construction for strength and longevity

• Twin Volvo MD2040 diesel engines (40 hp each)

• Approx. 7-knot cruising speed with 900-mile range under power

• Exceptionally easy to sail with Camberspar jib

• All sail controls led to the cockpit for safe, simplified handling

• Spacious master suite in port hull

• Two guest cabins in starboard hull with shared head/shower

• Comfortable interior and cockpit ideal for long stays at anchor

• Full cockpit enclosure with screens

• Large, robust hardtop with space for solar panels and sail storage

• Secure dinghy storage on hardtop, even in rough conditions

• Ideal for world cruising, liveaboard life, and extended passages

Entry into the salon is through a true "sea hatch" slightly to starboard of the centerline. To starboard forward is a large L-shaped settee with a beautiful varnisned adjustable table. To port forward is the refrigerator/freezer area, which may be the best in the business. The amount of insulation creates a large refer section and very accomodating freezer. Along the port side salon is the chart table with storage below. Aft to port in the U-shaped galley with double sinks, propane stove with oven and a microwave oven. A large hanging locker is along the starboard aft bulkhead with a 32' flat screen tv mounted on the bulkhead. Down four step to port you enter the master suite. It offers a full queen berth aft and a great head with a huge shower forward. The starboard hull has a large single berth forward and a full queen aft. Between the cabins is a head with marine toilrt, sink and counter and a shower. Hull sides are covered in grey Ozite carpet. Cabinetry is white laminate with teak trim and laminate counter tops. Headliners and sole are vinyl. Boat has two zones of reverse cycle heat and air conditioning.