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Aphrodite 42
Designer: Carl Beyer  ·  Builder: Rex Marin  ·  First built: 1986
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About the Aphrodite 42

Designed by Carl Beyer and built by Rex Marin starting in 1986, this fiberglass ketch represents a thoughtful approach to bluewater cruising. The Aphrodite 42's substantial displacement of nearly 21,000 pounds and generous ballast ratio create a stable, comfortable platform for extended offshore passages, while the masthead ketch rig provides excellent sail handling options and balance in various wind conditions. The fin keel and spade rudder configuration delivers respectable performance with a hull speed of 7.79 knots, making coastal hops and longer passages equally manageable. At 41.67 feet overall with a 12.14-foot beam, the design offers spacious accommodations without sacrificing seaworthiness. The comfort ratio of 32.21 indicates a motion that favors comfort over quick, snappy movement—ideal for crews planning extended time aboard. With a capsize screening formula of 1.77, the Aphrodite 42 falls well within accepted parameters for offshore sailing, reflecting Beyer's emphasis on safety and stability. The substantial 6.07-foot draft provides excellent upwind performance and directional stability. Rex Marin's solid fiberglass construction ensures durability, while the standard 65-horsepower engine provides reliable auxiliary power for harbor maneuvering and calm conditions.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 41.67 ft / 12.70 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 33.79 ft / 10.30 m
Beam 12.14 ft / 3.70 m
Max Draft 6.07 ft / 1.85 m
Displacement 20,944.00 lb / 9,500 kg
Ballast 8,157.00 lb / 3,700 kg
Ballast Type Iron
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Ketch
Construction FG
Designer Carl Beyer
Builder Rex Marin
First Built 1986
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Performance Ratios
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
38.95
Rig Dimensions
Mast Height (DWL) 54.17 ft / 16.51 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Volvo
Engine Model MD 31
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 65
Fuel Capacity 63 gals / 240 L
Water Capacity 92 gals / 350 L
How It Compares

vs. Sabre 42, Tayana Vancouver 42, Vancouver 42

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Aphrodite 42 ★
41.7 ft
Sabre 42
41.8 ft
Tayana Vancouver 42
41.8 ft
Vancouver 42
41.8 ft
LWL
Aphrodite 42 ★
33.8 ft
Sabre 42
34.0 ft
Tayana Vancouver 42
33.0 ft
Vancouver 42
33.0 ft
Beam
Aphrodite 42 ★
12.1 ft
Sabre 42
12.7 ft
Tayana Vancouver 42
12.5 ft
Vancouver 42
12.5 ft
Displacement
Aphrodite 42 ★
20 lbs
Sabre 42
18 lbs
Tayana Vancouver 42
29 lbs
Vancouver 42
29 lbs
Ballast
Aphrodite 42 ★
8 lbs
Sabre 42
7 lbs
Tayana Vancouver 42
11 lbs
Vancouver 42
11 lbs
Sail Area
Aphrodite 42 ★
Sabre 42
755 sq ft
Tayana Vancouver 42
Vancouver 42
942 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Aphrodite 42 ★
Sabre 42
96 s/nm
Tayana Vancouver 42
144 s/nm
Vancouver 42
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Aphrodite 42 ★
Sabre 42
17.2
Tayana Vancouver 42
Vancouver 42
16.0
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Aphrodite 42 ★
39.0 %
Sabre 42
41.5 %
Tayana Vancouver 42
40.5 %
Vancouver 42
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Aphrodite 42 ★
Sabre 42
27.2
Tayana Vancouver 42
Vancouver 42
43.8
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Aphrodite 42 ★
Sabre 42
1.91
Tayana Vancouver 42
Vancouver 42
1.63
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Aphrodite 42 ★
Sabre 42
213
Tayana Vancouver 42
362
Vancouver 42
Hull Speed
Aphrodite 42 ★
Sabre 42
7.8 kts
Tayana Vancouver 42
Vancouver 42
7.7 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Aphrodite 42 ★
Sabre 42
2.6
Tayana Vancouver 42
Vancouver 42
1.2
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