The Baba, Panda, Tashiba 40's are all the same except for some minor cosmetic changes. The Baba was the original design and the most expensive to build. The others may have less
teak down below, fewer port lights, etc. All are absolutely wonderful, comfortable boats. They all have a comfort ratio above 41.5. The
displacement is 29,000 lbs, empty. They have a LWL of 34, giving it a design speed of 7.8 kts. It's a pleasure to sail, difficult to back down in tight quarters, unless you practice. It has beautiful lines, a whale's belly bottom and loves to sail in storms. The
interior looks like a Russian tea room. This
boat is designed for
circumnavigation, not
racing. If you want a safe, reliable, comfortable
cruising sailboat, you cannot beat the Baba 40. Mine has the upgraded
tanks;
teak decks removed, and a new Beta 40 (Kubota)
diesel engine. A Max-Prop is also recommended, as it will give you an extra
knot of speed under the same condtions without a Max-Prop. I will soon be installing a
Hydrovane autopilot and an EchoTec
watermaker. Also, at least 1000 watts of
solar panels is recommended.