1973 DeFever 40 Aft Cabin

ARCANGEL wears her age well, with the kind of honest, overbuilt character you only get from early DeFevers. The side decks are generous and secure, so line handling and anchoring don’t feel like a circus act. Inside, the aft cabin isn’t just an owner’s berth; it’s a true retreat, with real separation from the forward stateroom for guests or kids. The lower helm gives you a protected driving option when the weather turns, while big opening windows and doors keep air moving at anchor. Engine access is straightforward for a hands-on owner, making routine checks and service far less of a chore than on many newer boats.

A DeFever 40 Aft Cabin is particularly well-suited to local waters where conditions can shift from flat calm to lumpy chop in a single afternoon. The full-displacement hull and weighty build tame short, steep seas and uncomfortable wakes from traffic. With economical single-diesel power, you can explore longer stretches of coastline, rivers, and sounds without chasing the next fuel dock. The aft cabin layout works beautifully in marinas with limited privacy, keeping your main sleeping space tucked away from dock noise. Add in the covered outdoor spaces, and you’ve got a comfortable platform for shoulder-season cruising when the breeze can still carry a bite.