offshore 42 sailboat

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The Valiant 42 is a direct descendant of naval architect Bob Perrys seminal Valiant 40, the first of which was built by Uniflite in Bellingham, WA, and launched in 1975. The 40 was a commercial and critical success: Some 200 were eventually built, and the boat, which is credited with introducing the term performance cruiser to the sailing lexicon, was inducted into the American Sailboat Hall of Fame in 1997.

The Valiant 40 also had early success on the race course and in mara-thon shorthanded events like the OSTAR, the BOC Challenge, and the Bermuda One-Two. Mark Schrader became the first American to circumnavigate via the five Southern Capes aboard his Valiant, Resourceful, in 1983. The list of other significant voyages in Valiant 40s not to mention the countless miles sailed by ordinary cruising couples and families is quite remarkable.

However, well over a hundred of those original Uniflite Valiant 40s were seriously flawed. A fire-retardant resin employed in the construction of the boats from 1977 to 1981 was eventually deemed the culprit in countless cases of severe hull blisters. Many are the tales of frustrated Valiant 40 owners undertaking tedious bottom repairs.

The blistering problems were addressed once and for all by 1984, when Texas Valiant dealer Rich Worstell purchased the company and began building the boats using isopthalic resins alongside Lake Texoma, about an hour and a half north of Dallas. Rich Worstell remains in charge, though his son, Kris, is being groomed as the successor of the family-owned business.

DESIGN The Valiant 42, which was introduced in 1993, is a refined, updated version of the original Valiant 40. This tried-and-true offshore cruiser continues to meet the needs of long-distance sailors. An important change is the rig, which evolved from a single-spreader configuration to a taller, double-spreader spar that boosted light-air performance with 77 square feet of additional sail area. By adding a beefy stainless-steel bowsprit, the overall balance of the boat under sail was also addressed.

The keel is now in its third iteration and, with input from keel specialist Dave Vacan’ti, the foil has been shaped with a larger leading edge and smaller trailing edge for improved lift and efficiency. An additional 1,800 pounds of ballast further enhanced stability.

The biggest change is the new deck, which is built without any hatch bosses. Hatches are added later to suit the various interior arrangements. The cockpit has been redesigned with higher coamings that encircle the entire space on the V40 they terminated aft of the primary winches that are better suited to halt the ingress of water. The interior of the 42 adds more headroom to that of the 40, and there are now five different accommodation plans from which to choose. Because it is a semi-custom boat, an owner can tweak these basic layouts.

To this day, Bob Perry notes that the rounded stern was a design feature foisted upon him by the original builder for marketing considerations, and not a direction he wouldve taken if left to his own devices. It was 1973, he said. Westsails were all the rage. Everyone wanted the Colin Archer look. But I do have to say, double-enders are pretty. Theyre aesthetically pleasing. They conjure up all sorts of romantic notions.

Modern boats with broad, square sterns in general can provide bigger cockpits and expanded seat-locker storage. Theyre more stable and buoyant and, when heeled, increase the vessels effective sailing length.

But if the canoe stern was a marketing compromise, Perrys approach to the underbody was not. The Valiant 42 has a fine entry, relatively long waterline and full sections aft, and there is nothing Colin Archerish about the detached, separated keel and rudder, which minimize wetted surface and were a radical departure for offshore cruising boats at the time, when full keels were the widely accepted approach for long-range voyaging. The keel/rudder configuration gave the boat the performance edge.

DECK LAYOUT The massive stainless-steel bowsprit/pulpit that gives the 42 its extra two feet of length is fitted with a Schaef-fer System 3100 roller furler and dual bow rollers working in unison with the standard Lighthouse windlass. Its a big, hefty, reassuring platform for handling ground tackle.

There were seven Lewmar Ocean System hatches on the boat we sailed, as well as a pair of fiberglass Dorade vents with stainless cowls and guards, and a series of Hood cast stainless-steel opening ports with screens. Owners can add or subtract hatches to modify ventilation for their cruising climate.

An Antal whiskerpole adjustment track works in tandem with a Forespar whisker pole for poling out headsails; a spinnaker pole package is an option. Genoa tracks are recessed, which is good news for barefoot sailors. A rugged, custom traveler set-up is stationed just forward of the hard dodger/bimini. The traveler controls and mid-boom Lewmar mainsheet system are led aft through the dodger to a pair of Lewmar winches that are stationed just behind dual sets of Antal rope clutches to handle the mainsheet, single-line reefing controls, halyards and traveler. The placement of the halyard winch under the dodger makes grinding the last few inches of the main halyard a bit difficult, as its tough for the grinder to get sufficient purchase above the winch. An electric-winch would be an option to consider here.

The Valiant 42 doesn’t have a dedicated boom vang, but off the breeze the spar can be controlled by a pair of preventers that are led aft both port and starboard from the boom, via deck blocks, to dedicated clutches stationed just outside the cockpit coaming. Cockpit size limits the wheel dimensions, but the relatively diminutive 32-inch stainless-steel destroyer wheel on an Edson radial-drive pedestal is more than adequate. In keeping with the theme of offering a low-maintenance boat, theres no teak on deck beyond a pair of optional planks on the bowsprit, an eyebrow near the traveler, the companionway trim, and the swim-ladder steps. The cockpit seats are over seven feet long and fine for sleeping underway. The standard Lewmar 58CST primary winches are reassuringly oversized.

SYSTEMS The standard Valiant 42 comes with a freshwater-cooled, 44-hp Westerbeke diesel with 2.13:1 reduction gear and V-drive transmission with a dripless shaft: A 55-hp Westerbeke is an available option. Engine access is good via fold-up companionway ladders, the lower of which is secured by barrel bolts. A single Racor fuel filter/water separator is easily accessed and standard (theres room for an optional second unit), as is the oil-change pump. Switches for the optional generator (available in 5 kW or 7.6 kW), windlass, 12-volt DC power and 110-volt AC power are all located on a shared distribution panel aft of the companionway steps. All the tinned, copper wiring runs meet ABYC specifications. Valiants Rich Worstell has an aviation background thats evident in the attention to detail that the electrical panels exhibit and in the custom manifold system, and every color-coded wire, as well as all valves and hoses, are scrupulously labeled.

Batteries are situated under the aft berth near the water heater and are arranged in a two-bank system, with four gel cells in the house bank and a single gel cell as the starter battery. A 100-amp alternator is standard, along with a 110-volt automatic battery charger.

The split, alloy fuel tanks are stationed to either side of the lazarette, from where they can be easily removed if necessary. Custom-built stainless water tanks are situated beneath the port and starboard settees and are also removable. If desired, more tankage can be added in lieu of the generator in a locker aft of the engine under the cockpit, or in the storage space under the forward v-berth. Hot and cold pressure water is standard, as is a foot pump in thegalley.

ACCOMMODATIONS Valiant offers five basic interior layouts for the 42, from which owners are encouraged to customize the details. There are three Center Entry versions with an amidships companionway: the Center Entry Queen and Center Entry Pullman both have a single aft head and are differentiated by the layout of the forward stateroom and main cabin.

The Center Entry Queen/Two Heads has a second head forward. The two Side Entry models have companionways offset to starboard. They lack the CE versions separate showers. The Side Entry Traditional follows the original Valiant 40, with a forward head and V-berth. The Side Entry Pullman has an offset berth in the forward cabin and an aft head.

Our test boat was a Center Entry Queen with 6 5 headroom throughout and a generous berth in the forward cabin that measured  6 6 (long) x 7 (head) x 19 (foot). A divided chain locker is forward of the berth (a hawse pipe directs the chain aft to another locker under the foot of the berth) and theres plenty of storage in overhead lockers and below the berth.

A cedar hanging locker and small seat oppose each other at the aft end of the stateroom.

The main cabin has a pair of settees on opposite sides of the dropleaf table, just forward of the U-shaped galley to port. The galley features a 3-burner stainless-steel oven, twin stainless sinks and a Seafrost 12-volt refrigerator. The forward-facing nav station is to starboard. The single head and a dedicated wet locker are behind the navigators seat at the foot of the companionway. The aft berth to port measures 68 x 48 and is well situated for a shorthanded voyaging boat; its a good sea berth and close to the action should off-watch crew be required on deck in a hurry. A clever opening in the berths side bulkhead can be opened for ventilation or topsides communication, and closed for privacy in port. Overhead and lets not forget, this boats built in Texas is a long gun locker that would also work well for chart storage.

PERFORMANCE We sailed hull number 73 of the Valiant 42, Tir Na Nog , on a fluky fall afternoon on Narragansett Bay near Barrington, R.I., the home of Valiants New England dealer, Anchor Yacht & Ship Sales. Given its track record, theres no  reason to believe the 42 wont be a solid performer in good breeze, so it was informative to put the boat through the paces on a day with moderate air.

We started out in about seven-to eight-knots of true wind, with the 42 making 3.9 to 4.2 knots as registered by the GPS with a full Dacron main and high-cut 130 percent genoa from Quantum Sails. The boat tacked through 105-degrees in flat water and, not surprisingly, was slow gaining momentum out of the tacks. With a displacement of over 24,000 pounds, this was hardly a surprise. But once the boat gathered way it moved well and the helm was light and effective.

The boat responded well to a building sea breeze. In 12-knots of wind it recorded 5.2 knots close-hauled. At 14 knots, we managed 6 knots upwind. We bore off to a beam reach in fading wind and the boat made 6.4 to 6.6 knots in 10 knots true. By the time we eased off to a broad reach with a wind angle of 120 degrees the breeze had faded to between 6.5 and 7.5 knots, and boatspeed hovered between 4.5 and 4.7 knots. The boat was fun to sail, particularly when steering from the coaming with a good view of the tell-tales. Given the conditions, performance under sail was very good.

At 2,500 RPM in a slight chop and moderate wind, the 42 made 6.6 knots under power. Maneuverability and handling were excellent. The boat turned in a boat length or less and backed down nicely with the standard 3-blade prop.

CONCLUSIONS The Valiant 42 is a solid, well-built, long-range cruising boat that will take competent owners anywhere they wish to sail. Some sailors will find the 42s double-ended profile to be hopelessly dated or old-fashioned, while others will find pleasure and take comfort in its tried-and-true lines. Theres no question the hull form has been well tested in the gravest offshore conditions.

The 42 is an expensive boat: Anchor Yachts boatshow special in Newport, R.I., last fall was just under $375,000 for a sailaway package, including sails and limited electronics. But Valiants hold their value well. A survey of YachtWorld.com in mid-October showed eight Valiant 42s on the market, all built between 1995 and 2004, with asking prices from $319K to $359K.

Depending on ones budget, if one was sold on the Valiant concept, it might make sense to search for an older V40 beware of blister pox and put the money saved into a long-term cruise. But if moneys not an object, and you have your heart set on a new V42, youll be rewarded with a solid cruising platform that, for a yacht, is a good investment.

CONTACT VALIANT 903/523-4899 valiantsailboats.com

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The Whitby 42 Sailboat Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The Whitby 42 is a renowned sailboat, designed by the esteemed naval architect, Ted Brewer, and built by Whitby Boat Works in Ontario, Canada. The production of this model commenced in 1972 and concluded in 1988, during which period a total of 200 boats were produced.

The Whitby 42 was produced with or without a bowsprit, according to the owner's preference. However, it's worth noting that without a bowsprit, it is known to have a wicked weather helm. This means that the boat has a tendency to turn into the wind during sailing.

Adding a bowsprit moves the sailplan and thereby the center of effort forward, which can help balance the boat and reduce weather helm. So, while not all Whitby 42s were produced with a bowsprit, it could be added based on the needs and preferences of the owner.

No aft-cockpit versions were produced.

Published Specification for the Whitby 42

Underwater Profile:  Long keel

Hull Material:  GRP (Fibreglass)

Length Overall:  42'0" (12.8m)

Waterline Length:  32'8" (10.0m)

Beam:  13'0" (4.0m)

Draft:  5'0" (1.5m)

Rig Type:  Ketch

Displacement:  23,500lb (10,659kg)

Ballast:  8,000lb (3,629kg)

Performance Predictions based on the Design Ratios

• The Whitby 42 sailboat, with a Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of 17.1, suggests a moderate cruising speed.
• The Ballast/Displacement Ratio of 34.0 indicates a good stability and stiffness, enabling the boat to carry a reasonable amount of sail.
• The Displacement/Length Ratio of 301 implies a moderate performance, particularly in light wind conditions.
• The Comfort Ratio of 33.6 suggests that the boat has a comfortable motion at sea, making it suitable for long-distance cruising.
• Lastly, the Capsize Screening Formula of 1.82 indicates that the Whitby 42 has a relatively low risk of capsize, which is an important safety feature for offshore sailing.

Overall, the Whitby 42 is a reliable, stable, and comfortable cruising sailboat.

The Designer

Ted Brewer is a highly respected yacht designer known for his significant contributions to the sailing world. Apart from the Whitby 42, Brewer has designed numerous other sailboats that have gained popularity among sailing enthusiasts.

Some of his notable designs include the Aloha 28, the Brewer 44, and the Cape North 43. Additionally, he designed the Whitby 55, a larger sibling to the Whitby 42.

Brewer's designs are renowned for their stability, seaworthiness, and comfort, making them ideal choices for long-distance cruising and liveaboard lifestyles.

The Builder

Whitby Boat Works is a Canadian boatbuilding company that was established in the 1960s in Whitby, Ontario. The company was renowned for its production of sturdy and reliable cruising sailboats, which were designed by notable naval architects such as Ted Brewer.

Apart from the famous Whitby 42, the company also built other popular models like the Whitby 55 and the Alberg 30. Despite its significant contributions to the sailing world, Whitby Boat Works ceased operations in the late 1980s and is no longer in business.

However, not all boats in the Whitby or Brewer range were produced by this builder. The Whitby and Brewer sailboats were built at both Whitby Boat Works in Whitby, Ontario and Fort Myers Yacht and Shipbuilding in Ft. Myers, Florida from 1972 until 1990. This includes the Whitby 42 and 55, Ft. Myers' Whitby 42, Brewer 42, 44, and 12.8. So, while Whitby Boat Works did produce a significant number of these boats, they were not the sole builder.

In Summary...

The Whitby 42 is a spacious and sturdy cruiser. It features a 13-foot beam, a 32-foot 8-inch waterline, and a moderate 5-foot draft. The high freeboard allows for a commodious interior, which includes two swiveling armchairs, a spacious engine room, and a very comfortable aft cabin.

The Whitby 42 has been praised for its ample water tankage of 290 gallons, which provides for showers in two heads, and a 210-gallon fuel capacity that assures good range under power. It also features a cavernous refrigerator/freezer to keep perishables during an extended cruise.

In terms of performance, the Whitby 42 is described as having respectable speed on reaches and runs, particularly in moderate to heavy air. However, it can be a bit sluggish through tacks in light air. Its windward performance is acceptable but not outstanding. The addition of a mizzen stay sail and spinnaker can help improve light air downwind performance.

Owners have reported that the Whitby 42 sails remarkably well, with several reporting speeds of 7.5 to 8 knots on a close reach. They have also praised the boat's comfort and seaworthiness, as well as its forgiving nature for novice sailors.

Overall, the Whitby 42 is well-regarded as a solid bluewater cruiser with good room and middling sailing performance. It's an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable long-term cruiser that is safe, comfortable, and sails reasonably well.

I wrote this article using GPT-4, OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model, as a research assistant to develop source material. I wrote the final draft in its entirety and believe it to be accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Dick McClary, creator and owner of sailboat-cruising.com

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Edwards Yacht Sales

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1969 Bristol Offshore 42

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40 Best Sailboats

• By Cruising World Editors
• Updated: April 18, 2019

Sailors are certainly passionate about their boats, and if you doubt that bold statement, try posting an article dubbed “ 40 Best Sailboats ” and see what happens.

Barely had the list gone live, when one reader responded, “Where do I begin? So many glaring omissions!” Like scores of others, he listed a number of sailboats and brands that we were too stupid to think of, but unlike some, he did sign off on a somewhat upbeat note: “If it weren’t for the presence of the Bermuda 40 in Cruising World’s list, I wouldn’t even have bothered to vote.”

By vote, he means that he, like hundreds of other readers, took the time to click through to an accompanying page where we asked you to help us reshuffle our alphabetical listing of noteworthy production sailboats so that we could rank them instead by popularity. So we ask you to keep in mind that this list of the best sailboats was created by our readers.

The quest to building this list all began with such a simple question, one that’s probably been posed at one time or another in any bar where sailors meet to raise a glass or two: If you had to pick, what’re the best sailboats ever built?

In no time, a dozen or more from a variety of sailboat manufacturers were on the table and the debate was on. And so, having fun with it, we decided to put the same question to a handful of CW ‘s friends: writers and sailors and designers and builders whose opinions we value. Their favorites poured in and soon an inkling of a list began to take shape. To corral things a bit and avoid going all the way back to Joshua Slocum and his venerable Spray —Hell, to Noah and his infamous Ark —we decided to focus our concentration on production monohull sailboats, which literally opened up the sport to anyone who wanted to get out on the water. And since CW is on the verge or turning 40, we decided that would be a nice round number at which to draw the line and usher in our coming ruby anniversary.

If you enjoy scrolling through this list, which includes all types of sailboats, then perhaps you would also be interested in browsing our list of the Best Cruising Sailboats . Check it out and, of course, feel free to add your favorite boat, too. Here at Cruising World , we like nothing better than talking about boats, and it turns out, so do you.

40. Moore 24

39. pearson vanguard, 38. dufour arpege 30, 37. alerion express 28, 36. mason 43/44, 35. jeanneau sun odyssey 43ds, 34. nor’sea 27, 33. freedom 40, 32. beneteau sense 50, 31. nonsuch 30, 30. swan 44, 29. c&c landfall 38, 28. gulfstar 50, 27. sabre 36, 26. pearson triton, 25. islander 36, 24. gozzard 36, 23. bristol 40, 22. tartan 34, 21. morgan out island 41, 20. hylas 49, 19. contessa 26, 18. whitby 42, 17. columbia 50, 16. morris 36, 15. hunter 356, 13. beneteau 423, 12. westsail 32, 10. alberg 30, 9. island packet 38, 8. passport 40, 7. tayana 37, 6. peterson 44, 5. pacific seacraft 37, 4. hallberg-rassy 42, 3. catalina 30, 2. hinckley bermuda 40, 1. valiant 40.

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1984 Nautical Development Offshore 40

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Seller's Description

Located in Johns Island, SC, this Offshore 40 was designed as an ultimate cruising yacht.

She is massively strong, with state of the art grid construction throughout, a solid glass hull, deck joined to hull by a double flange system, and internal lead ballast encapsulated in the keel cavity. She is a moderate displacement yacht, fast, stable, and easy to handle.

The owners of Pathfinder have lived aboard and upgraded her cruising and living accommodations. She has undergone a refit over the last few years and stands ready to cruise any time, anywhere.

The list of upgraded equipment is FAR too extensive to list here. Please inquire for full details

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Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

The hull mold was bought from Creekmore and was modified, so the first Offshore 40 was numbered hull #9. Nautical Development credits Steve Lippincott as the designer. Thank you to Gary Sroka for providing information and a brochure on the Offshore 40.

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2021 Fountain 42 Lightning

• By John Tiger
• Updated: July 27, 2021

Fountain’s Chief Operating Officer Jeff Harris jumps aboard our Fountain 42-foot Lightning test boat and hurries me to hop in. As we don our vests, he plugs in the fob that changes the tune on the Mercury Racing Dual Calibration sterndrives from 1,100 horses each to 1,350 each. Whoomph —they come to life. With a lumpy-cam lope, we fast-idle away from the Iconic Powerboats dock. Spinning 36-inch-pitch propellers, the slowest idle possible is about 7 mph.

Harris eases the go sticks forward; the turbos hiss and whine, and Fountain’s trademark droop-snout bow rises and then settles as we approach 40 mph at a mere 2,500 rpm. At the most economical cruise speed, the Mercury Racing engines loaf at 3,500 rpm—but speed is a ripping 71 mph, truly illustrating that old boast, “At cruise, we’re already faster than most boats will go.”

Winds are light. Chop is just under a foot. Time to go. Harris accelerates to 5,500 rpm as we rush toward 120 mph. He nudges the tachs over 6,000, and the GPS reads 131 mph. So far, the rush of wind and the roar of engines are the only clues we’re rolling so hard; the Fountain pad is locked in tight, and the boat is stable as a rock. But now, as Harris tickles the trim, tabs and throttle together in expert fashion, my butt cheeks get tight. The stern lifts and floats, ever so slightly. The hull dances. The GPS rapidly approaches 140 mph. At a steady indicated 138, Harris finally backs the trim and throttles down, looks over and says, “There’s more, but that’s enough for today.” How much more? I’d estimate at least another 3 mph, perhaps 5, with tweaking and seat time.

Some will wonder: How fast is fast enough? Just ask! Harris notes that a few have left the plant with the more powerful 1,350/1,550 packages and can top 160 mph.

Not many owners of this boat will complain about fuel consumption with a package like this. With its 218-gallon fuel cell, you could cruise for about 223 miles at 3,500 rpm. But remember: That equals 70 mph. Chances are you’ll be cruising at 2,500 rpm or less, with occasional bursts up the speed range. Handling is exactly what’s expected from a race-proven hull: Turns are tight and G-filled, and movements are quick and responsive to driver inputs. Here’s where we must advise, of course, that potential owners understand that things come up and happen quickly at the speeds the 42 Lightning can attain, and quick inputs from the pilot are needed to avoid getting into difficult situations. Keen situational awareness is a valuable sense to have when piloting such a boat.

Planing and acceleration? Zero to 30 mph took 9.5 seconds. Accelerating with this boat is not just a “grip it and rip it” affair; the spool-up of the big Merc mills takes a soft touch until the hull is planing and the props bite. After that, the only limiter on punch and speed is your nerve. The feel is not unlike that of a multi-engine aircraft in a high-performance takeoff: a smooth, forceful rush of power.

Construction? Fountain ranks in the top echelon of boatbuilders, and the Lightning is a fine example of the company’s prowess. The hull is a race-proven, hand-laid, bonded grid structure, with its sides, deck and inner liner made from composite-core materials. The guys who lay-up, assemble and rig these boats have been at it for decades, and they know how to do it right. Close inspection reveals nothing less.

Interior and Accessories

Our tester, headed to western US waters, featured an owner-ordered clean white finish complemented by a white interior, with medium-gray accents and RGB concealed rope lighting highlighting the cockpit. Aft seating boasts body-contoured triple buckets with “chicken straps” for passengers to hold when the pucker factor gets high. Pilot and co-pilot seating features retractable bolsters, and cup holders and grab rails on the back sides for those who want to stand behind and see the action firsthand. The vinyl upholstery is well-stitched and fitted cleanly, and should stand up to many years of use.

While you’re not going to spend the summer aboard the Lightning, a night spent on the water will prove comfortable for a couple thanks to a surprisingly roomy cabin belowdecks well-equipped pretty much any way the customer can specify, within reason. Our tester featured a cedar-lined hanging locker, a pull-out refrigerator, dual sinks, a portable head, wraparound cabin seating with a center table that converts to a bed, and optional air conditioning ($11,000).

The updates to this venerable warrior make it flow with the times, and the increased performance capability is astounding considering that less than a decade ago, these hulls were typically running right in the low 100 mph range with top power.

In the V-hull, ultra-performance sterndrive sportboat market, comparable hulls rigged for this kind of performance are scarce. However, Outerlimits’ SV-43 compares at 43 feet, 5 inches long and 9 feet wide, and runs comparable speeds with the same engine and drive packages. A typical SV-43 goes for about $1.1 million.

For the poker-run enthusiast and a performance-minded family, the 42 Lightning delivers in rarified air, while also providing a comfortable overnighter equally at home showing off its mind-bending capabilities or wowing the locals at the best lakeside restaurant. King of the lake doesn’t begin to describe this dude.

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin Mercury Racing Dual Cal 1,100/1,350 hp 9L (550ci) supercharged V-8s
• Drive/Props: Mercury Racing M8 racing sterndrives/Mercury Racing lab-finished 17″ x 36″ 6-blade lab-finished stainless-steel cleaver
• Gear Ratio: 1.33:1 Fuel Load: 100 gal. Crew Weight: 500 lb.

High Points

• Fountain used digital measuring equipment to redesign the hull so it’s more than capable at the increased speeds the venerable Mercury Racing mills provide.
• Hand-laid, stepped hull with a high-performance pad and a notched setback transom give the 42 Lightning solid handling at ultrasonic speeds.
• Rigging is executed in rugged offshore-racing style, making servicing easier and the engine bay a delight to show off to onlookers.
• While the 42 is fitted for multiple crewmembers, the tight confines of the cockpit and interior make it more of a couple’s boat—although, we suspect you’ll be tapped for thrill rides.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, efficiency, operation.

Fountain Powerboats – Chocowinity, North Carolina; 252-975-2000; iconicmarinegroup.com

• More: 2021 , 40-50ft , boat tests , Boats , fountain , Performance Boats , September 2021 , Sterndrives

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12 Best Catamaran Sailboats

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

December 28, 2023

The appeal of the catamaran sailboats in terms of speed , stability, and the ability to embark on long-range cruising has made them hugely popular with today's sailors. But what are the best catamaran sailboats?

Even though catamaran sailboats have become increasingly popular in the last few years, they have a truly rich legacy as one of the most sought after vessels for bluewater cruising.

Thanks to their incredibly wide beams and bigger daft, catamarans have become remarkably favorable for sailors looking to go for long-distance voyages, overnight cruising, and day sailing.

And if space is paramount for you when out there on the water, a catamaran sailboat is the only way to go as they offer extraordinary space to allow you to spend more time on the water with friends and family.

But even with all these amazing features, you're probably still wondering; what are the best catamaran sailboats?

Like their monohull counterparts, choosing the best catamaran sailboat can be quite overwhelming since there are lots of them out there. They come in a wide variety of designs and sizes ranging from small catamarans to huge ones.

The best catamaran sailboats can easily clock 250-mile voyages, offer incredible performance, and have layouts that can be easily optimized for individuals, charter markets, and great accommodation. In essence, the best catamaran sailboats offer respectable performance and offer good load-carrying ability.

That being said, here are some of the best catamaran sailboats that you can get your hands on.

Table of contents

Best Catamarans

{{boat-info="/boats/manta-42"}}

Even though many multihulls are no longer built in the United States these days, the Manta 42 is a true American-built catamaran that brings good living and good value into one package. Designed cleverly for easy handling, this American built catamaran is a great choice for a liveaboard cruiser for sailors looking to go for long-distance voyages. Thanks to its trademark high bows and an enormously curved incorporated forward crossbeam, this catamaran is easily recognizable even from a distance.

It is designed with a uniquely fixed crossbeam, which is very different from conventional aluminum cross beams that support the tension of the forestay. This fixed crossbeam allows for a little bit of movement thereby helping in absorbing enormous twisting forces of the bows. As such, you have to keep in mind that there may be resultant stress crack particularly in the bow area of the vessel.

All in all, the Manta 42 is a superb offshore cruising catamaran that offers a good sail-area-to-displacement ratio as well as plenty of space and accommodation. The cockpit area is refined, luxurious, and is designed with additional stainless pushpit contraptions to help in holding objects such as wind vanes, dinghies, and solar panels. The boat's quality in terms of performance and stability is the benchmark of what a catamaran should be.

Fountaine Pajot Elba 45

{{boat-info="/boats/fountaine-pajot-elba-45"}}

Recently named the "Boat of the Year" for 2019 by Cruising World Magazine and Sail Magazine, the Elba 45 is the latest model in the incredible line of Fountaine Pajot catamarans. This boat was designed to replace the outgoing Helia 44 and stands to be one of the most popular catamarans with Fountain Pajot having sold over 100 Elba 45 hulls long before even the first one emerged from production.

This French-built cat brings to the fore a well-thought-out, safe, and dependable features with 10% less drag, efficient motoring, top-notch performance, and high speeds. It's also designed with fixed stub keels and slightly aft-raked bows, which are all essential in enhancing windward performance; something that most catamarans struggle with.

To improve on safety, the keels of this amazing catamaran sailboat are glued into a particularly designed recess in the hulls. This is to ensure that there are no keel bolts that can rip out and put the boat in danger if the boat gets grounded or in the event of a collision. The rig is also ICW friendly and is a true representation of a standard catamaran setup.

This is, without a doubt, a modern-looking cruising catamaran that has a low-profile lounging space on its deck, high topsides and bows as well as a more pronounced reverse sheer that's essential in minimizing the bulk of the windows while creating additional and useful volume below. This is a true catamaran that occupies a sweet spot for those looking to sail along the bay or for those adventurous sailors looking to set sail for more ambitious offshore cruising plans.

{{boat-info="/boats/leopard-48"}}

With its fine design, straightforward systems, and easy handling, the Leopard 48 has everything it needs to be ranked among the distinguished category of the best catamaran sailboats. This is an excellent multihull that is structured with advanced materials, designs, and innovations that are meant to be fun, spacious, and comfortable.

Designed in South Africa by Simonis-Voogd, is probably the best design in the Leopard family of catamarans. Its two hulls are vacuum-bagged using balsa core to offer maximum firmness while ensuring that the weight is on the minimum. This is done by articulately regulating the level of resin in the layup. With such types of hull shapes, this catamaran sailboat is very fast and can consistently clock 12 knots of speed against the currents.

The boat is also designed with shallow keels as they're filled with closed-cell polyurethane foam that's of great importance in increasing buoyancy and preventing water ingress. To enhance the safety of the vessel, the stern and bow both have bulkheads that are essential in keeping out that water if the sailboat is involved in a collision.

The hulls of this boat are deep and narrow, particularly below the waterline. They also curve higher up to practically reduce the wetted surface area while offering enough deck space and plenty of room for accommodations. Its cockpit is another excellent feature thanks to its lavish spaces that give you the chance of kicking back and relaxing.

This boat is designed to offer superior livability, quick and easy to handle features, as well as enough space for friends and family. It is designed with beautiful lines and immense practicality for those who want to go on long cruising voyages.

Antares 44i

While many people often believe that voluminous cruising catamarans should be used as charter boats, the Antares 44i brings a very different perspective altogether. Designed in Argentina as a complete bluewater catamaran, this is a boat that's specifically built for private boat owners looking for a sturdy and well-equipped bluewater cruiser. This is an absolutely gorgeous catamaran that has a fully-equipped cockpit just to ensure that you can safely operate it even when shorthanded.

Like most catamarans, the Antares 44i is designed with features that allow for long-distance voyages. It comes with a minimum bridge deck clearance of 30 inches, which is essential in mitigating bridge deck slap. The helm station is designed to offer excellent visibility over the coach roof without having to perch the helmsman high above the cockpit.

If you're planning to make those long-distance cruising to exotic places, you'll appreciate this boat's layout. The galley is put down in the port hull so that it doesn't compromise the size of the galley and the saloon. The forward-facing navigation station is up there with the best and is up to offshore standards. And that's not all; the Antares 44i comes with good mounting points for electronics, a large table, comfortable seats, and provides brilliant visibility outside.

This boat is perfectly suited for extended offshore cruising and is a great reminder for anyone who thinks that all catamarans are charter boats and all offshore boats are monohulls.

{{boat-info="/boats/dolphin-ocema-42"}}

Designed by Philipe Pouvreau in northern Brazil, the Dolphin Ocema 42 is a truly unique catamaran sailboat that goes against the conventional norm of catamarans. It is equipped with daggerboards, which are essential in enabling it to point higher on the wind while reducing the wetted surface when running or anchoring in shallow surfaces. This, however, requires a higher level of expertise in sailing. This is because lifting the daggerboards higher up will expose the rudders while the daggerboards can also interfere with the hulls in the event that the vessel runs aground.

But even with that, the Dolphin 42 balances incredible performance and cruising comfort in a very compact package; something that is not very easy in bluewater cruising. That's why it's designed using a foam core to make it lightweight by reducing weight wherever possible. This vessel will most likely never let you down if you want to circumnavigate the bluewater on a high-performance boat that is safe and comfortable.

So if you've been looking for a real sailing catamaran that doubles up as a very comfortable liveaboard sailboat , look no further than the Dolphin 42.

{{boat-info="/boats/catana-50"}}

Regarded as the best built and most stylish cruising multihull, the Catana 50 is a very huge catamaran sailboat. Measuring about 50 feet long with a beam of about 26 feet, this is an amazing catamaran that will test your sailing skills as a single sailor or if you're planning to sail shorthanded.

This boat is designed with a rig that gives you the option of using either a screecher or a self-tending jib. This may seem complex since the sheets are led to winches near each wheel while all other controls lead to a centerline winch that's located in the cockpit. But even with that, this sailboat can be easily tacked once on the course.

This is a real performance-oriented catamaran with efficient hulls and rigs allowing for top speed. This vessel is also designed with a long waterline and a subtle underwater shape at the bow to help in increasing volume while minimizing wave drag. The stern platforms can help in stretching the waterline length while also providing easy access from a dock or a dinghy. The board trunks are also very strong and sturdy to protect the integrity of the hulls if a collision occurs.

In essence, this is a very modern catamaran that's designed to safely make long-distance passages with ease. It is subdued in terms of styling but this doesn't mean that it falls short as far as performance is concerned.

Atlantic 42

{{boat-info="/boats/atlantic-42"}}

Designed in 1993, the A42 has cultivated a legion of fiercely loyal fans thanks to its efficiency and aesthetic. This is the smallest of the Atlantic cruising catamaran line and is hugely popular with sailors thanks to its ease of handling, ocean-going capabilities, and superb use of space. From the forward cockpit, pilothouse to the sleeping cabins, and brilliant galleys everything about this cat is a true classic.

Unlike most catamarans, the Atlantic 42 is designed with a waist-high cockpit that's located forward of the pilothouse just behind the mast. It brings forth a solid construction thanks to the large metal girder-like bearers that run across the bulkheads. This helps the vessel in having the utmost strength, better air circulation under the engine, and a high level of flexibility as far as the size of the engine and its positioning is concerned.

Initially, the boat's style and its outlook were considered conservative but it soon became clear that it is built of high-quality materials and to last. The internal construction of the boat is impressive, to say the least. The exterior looks very beautiful and perhaps much more beautiful than most boats today. Its large aft cabin accommodation is a top drawer while the space separating en suite heads and shower compartments are considered a bonus.

{{boat-info="/boats/fountaine-pajot-bahia-46"}}

If you were to board the French-built Fountaine Pajot Bahia 46, you'll agree that the high-quality of workmanship, layout, and efficient use of space is quite exciting, to say the least. This cat remains very popular among sailors thanks to its easy handling features and incredible performance under the sails. Well, this may not come as a surprise to many of us given that the Fountain Pajot is known for building some of the most remarkable cruising catamarans out there that it can be quite overwhelming to narrow down to a single vessel, but the Bahia 46 simply stands out.

This vessel is designed with hulls that are broader than those of many other catamarans. It's also designed with centerboards and daggerboards that are meant to enhance its performance. These are essential in minimizing draft while ensuring reliability, generous bilge, and in helping to protect the rudders and propellers.

This boat is big enough to manage any type of serious offshore sailing. This is one of the best cruising catamarans for anyone looking for the right vessel for long-distance sailing. This vessel has a very more generous rig than most cruising catamarans, which is essential in enhancing its performance. The six-post Bimini is very strong and clean and can perfectly hold dinghies.

In terms of its look, the Bahia 36 is designed with gorgeous lines with the deck and hulls sculpted with lines that add a touch of elegance to the overall look of an already excellent catamaran sailboat.

Gemini 105MC

{{boat-info="/boats/gemini-105mc"}}

Whether you're looking for a comfortable catamaran vessel to take you for a weekend sailing trip or a long sabbatical vacation on the oceans, the Gemini 105MC is a very satisfactory liveaboard catamaran vessel that offers spacious accommodation, thoughtful design, and a stable cruising platform for anyone who wants to have some good time on the water.

Designed by the legendary Tony Smith, this is somewhat a sailing cottage. Like a land cottage, it is cozy, comfortable, and very safe. This is essentially a 35 feet catamaran that offers great value for any sailing looking for a reasonably-priced catamaran sailboat for the weekend or holiday cruising.

This boat is designed with incredibly slim hulls, which are teardrop-shaped with flat bottoms and smaller wetted surface area. This is to ensure that drag is minimized and to lead to more leeway under sail. Each of the boat's hull is designed with a kick-up centerboard is of great importance in enhancing the vessel's windward pointing capability. This boat also has its rudders raised to enable it to seamlessly cruise in shallow waters where most vessels would otherwise run aground.

The eccentric narrow beam, which measures about 40% of the boat's length, is very different from today's 50%. However, its low center helps in keeping its stable, upright, and of course, safe.

Lagoon 450 F

{{boat-info="/boats/lagoon-450-f"}}

If you're looking for a catamaran sailboat that offers prestige at its peak, look no further than the Lagoon 450. This cat is widely known for offering an all-around comfort without compromising its beauty, spaciousness, class, and elegance. This is an elaborate French catamaran that brings to the table fantastic craftsmanship while leaving nothing to chance.

This is a very safe 45 feet catamaran that's not just comfortable but also very luxurious. The deck layout is centered on an amazing flybridge, which has been redesigned and redefined to offer both the traditional and modern outlook. You can very easily access the bridge, engine controls, steering station in a matter of seconds. As a result, this boat is efficiently designed to give you the ultimate control of almost every situation while on the water.

The spacious and luxurious interior of this boat is worth experiencing. The cabins and saloons are perfectly lit. We're talking about four to six cabins, eight to twelve berths, and up to four bathrooms. In essence, this boat can comfortably sleep eight to twelve people. This boat is designed to offer ultra-modern accommodations and amenities that come with little but amazing touches; all designed to make your life inside the catamaran enjoyable.

{{boat-info="/boats/gunboat-62"}}

An original performance catamaran cruiser from the iconic Gunboat manufacturer, the Gunboat 62 has truly cemented its place as one of the best catamaran sailboats to ever grace the oceans. Honestly speaking, this cat-inspired a whole range of other incredible boats including HH66 Catamaran and the Balance 526.

This is a boat that can perform admirably well in storms with a speed of over 35 knots despite being built using epoxy and E-glass with carbon-fiber structural components. It's designed with a distinct angular outline than most catamaran sailboats of its size and category. This is a vessel that was built for people looking to add more stuff and more gear for their voyages. In other words, you can have all the gear and equipment on this boat and still outperform a racing monohull of the same size.

Thanks to its lightweight feature, this vessel can sail upwind at speeds of over 17 knots and pinch up to 30 degrees. Just for comparison, the Gunboat 62 can tack through 95 degrees and still outperform the best racing monohulls. This boat is designed with a comfortable helm seat that offers 360-degree visibility as well as plenty of storage space, a functional working surface, and a luxurious cabin. Like many performance catamarans, the Gunboat 62 can attain about 20 knots if the conditions are right.

Privilege 615

{{boat-info="/boats/privilege-615"}}

Combining elegance, comfort, and style, the Privilege 615 is a lovely catamaran sailboat that seems to be always ready for a long offshore voyage. The roots of this incredible cat can be traced back to the 1980s when Philippe Jeantot opened up a boat-building company in France. As one of the best productions from the company, the privilege 615 sports a flybridge that comes complete with twin wheels, a sprawling sunbed, and other excellent features that will make your bluewater cruising a breeze.

Whether you want the charter version or a privately-owned version, the Privilege 615 is one of the most versatile catamaran sailboats. Step inside this vessel and you'll instantly notice the quality of the wood finish and the elegance of design. The advanced navigation station is not only ultra-modern but is perfectly stationed at a dedicated corner where you can control everything while still having a conversation with your friends and family.

This boat comes with multiple sleeping configurations to ensure that you and your guests can live aboard the boat for months on end. Although the boat appears like some sort of maze on the inside, you'll easily get used to it when you enter the forward section. That's not all; this boat has gorgeous lines that make the exterior beautiful just like the interior. Its sleek profile, incredible volume, and versatile interior make it one of the best catamaran sailboats out there.

There you have it; these are the best catamaran sailboats out there. It doesn't matter the one you choose, these cats will make your day out on the water and will serve you just right for your offshore voyages or for day sailing along the bays.

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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Lightning strikes again.

More than a year in the making, the most legendary high-performance V-bottom to ever hit the water, has a new lease on life for 2022. Sporting a next-generation deck, transom, cabin, cockpit and dash, the only thing we didn't update on the 42' Lightning is the boat's race proven bottom design. As rivals have learned on racecourses and waterways around the world, you can't beat Fountain's 42' Lightning when it comes to top-end, midrange acceleration and ride control. The boat flat gets it, and is now more user-friendly than ever before.