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Carter 42
Designer: Dick Carter  ·  Builder: Maryola Shipyards  ·  First built: 1977
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About the Carter 42

Designed during the golden era of American sailboat manufacturing, this 42-footer represents Carter Marine's commitment to building capable offshore cruising vessels. The Carter 42 emerged from a design philosophy that prioritized seaworthiness and comfort over pure speed, making it an attractive choice for serious cruising sailors seeking a reliable platform for extended voyages. Built with a substantial construction that reflects the robust boatbuilding standards of its era, the Carter 42 features the kind of solid engineering that appeals to sailors planning blue-water adventures. The design incorporates a moderate displacement hull form that strikes a balance between stability and performance, while the spacious interior layout provides the comfort and storage capacity essential for extended cruising. While detailed specifications remain elusive, the boat's reputation among the sailing community suggests it handles well in a variety of conditions. Owners often praise its predictable sailing characteristics and ability to maintain course in challenging weather. For sailors seeking a traditional cruising boat with proven offshore capabilities, the Carter 42 offers the kind of time-tested design that has earned respect among experienced cruising sailors who value reliability over flash.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 42.00 ft / 12.80 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 31.50 ft / 9.60 m
Beam 12.76 ft / 3.89 m
Max Draft 7.21 ft / 2.20 m
Displacement 18,078.00 lb / 8,200 kg
Ballast 8,999.00 lb / 4,082 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 861.00 ft² / 79.99 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Dick Carter
Builder Maryola Shipyards
First Built 1977
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
20.08
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
27.15
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
1.95
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 7.52
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
2.33
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 1.0
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 56.0
J (Foretriangle Base) 18.0
P (Mainsail Luff) 48.8
E (Mainsail Foot) 14.0
SA Fore 504.0
SA Main 341.6
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