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Trapper 42
Designer: A Vallicelli  ·  Builder: Barberis - Malta  ·  First built: 1983
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About the Trapper 42

Designed as a capable bluewater cruiser, the Trapper 42 is a British sailing yacht that earned a solid reputation among offshore passage makers during its production years. Built by Trapper Yachts in the UK, the boat reflects the practical, seaworthy design philosophy that characterized many British cruising yachts of its era, prioritizing stability and reliability over racing performance. The Trapper 42 suits sailors looking for a serious offshore or coastal cruising platform, offering enough size and volume to accommodate extended passages and liveaboard comfort without sacrificing sea-keeping ability. Its hull form is generally associated with the kind of reassuring stability that blue-water sailors value when conditions deteriorate far from port. While detailed specifications for this model are limited in wider circulation, the Trapper 42 occupies a respected niche among enthusiasts of classic British cruising yachts. Prospective buyers will want to pay close attention to the individual vessel's condition and refit history, as boats of this type and age vary considerably. Connecting with owners' communities or yacht surveyors familiar with the marque is strongly recommended before purchase.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 41.42 ft / 12.62 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 34.33 ft / 10.46 m
Beam 12.92 ft / 3.94 m
Max Draft 6.83 ft / 2.08 m
Displacement 18,460.00 lb / 8,373 kg
Ballast 9,240.00 lb / 4,191 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 851.00 ft² / 79.06 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer A Vallicelli
Builder Barberis - MALTA
First Built 1983
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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
19.57
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
25.92
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
1.96
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. 7.85
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
2.95
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) 55.8
J (Foretriangle Base) 17.2
P (Mainsail Luff) 50.8
E (Mainsail Foot) 14.6
SA Fore 479.88
SA Main 370.84
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