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Stevens 42

Designer: Sparkman & Stephens  ·  Builder: Grand Harbour Yachts (Taiwan)  ·  First built: 1988
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About the Stevens 42

Designed as a capable and comfortable offshore cruiser, the Stevens 42 offers sailors a solid platform for blue-water passages and extended coastal voyaging. Built during an era when American production sailboats were finding their stride in both quality and performance, the Stevens 42 carries the hallmarks of a serious passage-making vessel — a sturdy hull, thoughtful deck layout, and accommodations suited for living aboard over longer stretches at sea. While detailed specifications for this model are limited in available records, the 42-foot length places it firmly in the category of boats that can handle open ocean conditions while still remaining manageable for a small crew or experienced couple. Sailors who have spent time aboard Stevens designs often speak to their seakindly motion and reliable construction, qualities that matter most when conditions deteriorate far from shore. For the buyer researching a used market find, the Stevens 42 warrants close inspection by a qualified marine surveyor given its age, but represents a potentially rewarding option for those seeking an affordable entry into serious bluewater sailing without sacrificing interior comfort or overall seaworthiness.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 42.00 ft / 12.80 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 33.14 ft / 10.10 m
Beam 12.50 ft / 3.81 m
Max Draft 6.20 ft / 1.89 m
Displacement 28,800.00 lb / 13,063 kg
Ballast 5,700.00 lb / 2,585 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction FG
Designer Sparkman & Stephens
Builder Grand Harbour Yachts (TAIWAN)
First Built 1988
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 156
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
 19.79
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
 353.25
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. 8.88 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 13.32
J (Foretriangle Base) 16.40 ft / 5.00 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 779.00 ft² / 72.37 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) Universal
Engine & Accommodations
Horsepower 42
Find a Stevens 42 For Sale
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