The Stevens 42 is designed for cruising comfort rather than racing.
Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
7.7 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 33.1′, the Stevens 42 tops out around 7.7 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √33.1′ LWL = 7.7 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
PHRF Rating
156s/nm
Typical cruiser — designed for comfort and ease, not podium finishes.
Ballast / Displacement
19.8%
Light ballast — tends to be tender; reef earlier than the numbers suggest.
Displacement / Length
353
Heavy displacement — a slow, steady, seakindly hull.
Hull Speed
7.7kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
9lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Stevens 42 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Stevens 42
Typical cruiser — designed for comfort and ease, not podium finishes.