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Kanter 42
Designer: Dieter Empacher  ·  Builder: Kanter (Can)  ·  First built: 1990
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About the Kanter 42

Designed by Dieter Empacher and built by the Canadian manufacturer Kanter beginning in 1990, this 42-foot aluminum cutter represents a robust approach to bluewater cruising. The substantial displacement of 25,200 pounds, combined with 11,000 pounds of ballast and a deep 9.5-foot draft, creates a stable platform well-suited for offshore passages and extended cruising. The aluminum construction offers excellent durability and corrosion resistance, making it particularly attractive for serious cruisers who plan to venture into remote waters where maintenance facilities may be scarce. The cutter rig configuration provides versatility in sail handling, allowing for balanced sail plans in varying wind conditions—a crucial advantage during long passages. With a comfort ratio of 35.28, the Kanter 42 prioritizes seaworthiness and motion comfort over pure speed, though its 828 square feet of sail area provides adequate performance for most cruising applications. The capsize screening formula of 1.77 indicates good stability characteristics for offshore work. The generous beam of nearly 13 feet creates substantial interior volume, while the hull speed of 7.83 knots reflects the boat's displacement nature. This design philosophy makes the Kanter 42 an appealing choice for sailors seeking a capable, well-built vessel for serious cruising adventures.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 42.16 ft / 12.85 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 34.16 ft / 10.41 m
Beam 12.92 ft / 3.94 m
Max Draft 9.50 ft / 2.90 m
Min Draft 4.50 ft / 1.37 m
Displacement 25,200.00 lb / 11,431 kg
Ballast 11,000.00 lb / 4,990 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 828.00 ft² / 76.92 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Keel/Cbrd.
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction ALUM
Designer Dieter Empacher
Builder Kanter (CAN)
First Built 1990
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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
 15.47
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
 43.65
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 282.23
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
 35.28
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
 1.77
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. 7.83 kn
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. 1,576.98 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 40
Fuel Capacity 100 gals / 379 L
Water Capacity 180 gals / 681 L
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