Back to Search
Rustler 42
Designer: Stephen Jones  ·  Builder: Rustler Yachts  ·  First built: 1999
+ Add to Compare
About the Rustler 42

Built by the renowned British yard Rustler Yachts, the 42 represents the pinnacle of the company's commitment to crafting serious bluewater cruising yachts of exceptional quality. Rustler has long held a reputation for producing beautifully finished, seaworthy vessels that appeal to discerning sailors who prioritise longevity and offshore capability over flashy aesthetics, and the 42 is no exception to that tradition. Designed with long-distance ocean passage-making in mind, this yacht offers a reassuring combination of stability, sea-kindliness, and thoughtful deck layout that experienced offshore crews will immediately appreciate. The build quality is widely regarded as among the finest in production cruising yachts, with meticulous attention to both structural integrity and interior craftsmanship that gives the boat a genuinely bespoke feel. For sailors considering extended coastal cruising, Atlantic circuits, or even circumnavigation, the Rustler 42 commands serious attention. It attracts buyers who are willing to invest in a vessel built to endure rather than simply impress at the dock. Pre-owned examples tend to hold their value well, a testament to the yard's enduring reputation and the boat's lasting appeal among serious cruising sailors.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 42.00 ft / 12.80 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 33.50 ft / 10.21 m
Beam 13.33 ft / 4.06 m
Max Draft 6.17 ft / 1.88 m
Displacement 26,000.00 lb / 11,793 kg
Ballast 10,300.00 lb / 4,672 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 950.00 ft² / 88.26 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction FG
Designer Stephen Jones
Builder Rustler Yachts
First Built 1999
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

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
17.39
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
35.41
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
1.8
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. 7.76
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
How It Compares

vs. Passport 42, Swan 42, Valiant 42

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Rustler 42 ★
42.0 ft
Passport 42
42.0 ft
Swan 42
42.0 ft
Valiant 42
42.0 ft
LWL
Rustler 42 ★
33.5 ft
Passport 42
34.8 ft
Swan 42
33.8 ft
Valiant 42
34.5 ft
Beam
Rustler 42 ★
13.3 ft
Passport 42
12.8 ft
Swan 42
13.0 ft
Valiant 42
12.8 ft
Displacement
Rustler 42 ★
26 lbs
Passport 42
25 lbs
Swan 42
22 lbs
Valiant 42
24 lbs
Ballast
Rustler 42 ★
10 lbs
Passport 42
9 lbs
Swan 42
9 lbs
Valiant 42
9 lbs
Sail Area
Rustler 42 ★
950 sq ft
Passport 42
764 sq ft
Swan 42
802 sq ft
Valiant 42
849 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Rustler 42 ★
Passport 42
132 s/nm
Swan 42
78 s/nm
Valiant 42
138 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Rustler 42 ★
17.4
Passport 42
14.2
Swan 42
16.4
Valiant 42
16.1
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Rustler 42 ★
Passport 42
35.3 %
Swan 42
41.8 %
Valiant 42
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Rustler 42 ★
35.4
Passport 42
35.6
Swan 42
30.9
Valiant 42
34.9
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Rustler 42 ★
1.80
Passport 42
1.75
Swan 42
1.85
Valiant 42
1.76
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Rustler 42 ★
Passport 42
269
Swan 42
253
Valiant 42
Hull Speed
Rustler 42 ★
7.8 kts
Passport 42
7.9 kts
Swan 42
7.8 kts
Valiant 42
7.9 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Rustler 42 ★
Passport 42
1.7
Swan 42
2.1
Valiant 42
1.9
Find a Rustler 42 For Sale