Able 42 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Able 42 began production in 1989. Her creation emerged from the collaboration between Able Marine, founded by master boat builder Crozer Fox, and renowned designer Chuck Paine, a partnership known for producing high-quality yachts. Able Marine's ethos, deeply rooted in traditional Maine boatbuilding artistry, emphasized durable construction and refined finishes, ensuring their vessels were built to withstand the rigors of the sea.

Chuck Paine, credited with approximately 1,000 yacht designs, brought a philosophy centered on "engineering for durability and self-reliance" to his cruising sailboat projects. This approach often translated into designs that adhered to the "Keep It Simple, Stupid" (KISS) principle, focusing on manually operated, reliable systems to enhance self-sufficiency. The Able 42 reflects this design philosophy, offering a robust platform designed for dependable performance and ease of maintenance in remote cruising grounds.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Able 42 is engineered for balanced and capable performance across a range of conditions. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 16.55, she is not intended as a light-air flyer but rather a steady and powerful cruiser. This moderate ratio suggests she will carry her sail well in a breeze and maintain a comfortable motion without being excessively tender.

Her displacement to length ratio (D/L) of around 277 indicates a moderate to heavy displacement vessel. This weight class contributes significantly to her solid feel and comfortable motion, particularly in a seaway, making her well-suited for extended cruising where comfort and stability are paramount. While the ballast to displacement ratio is on the lower side at approximately 0.23, the overall design by Chuck Paine, combined with Able Marine's reputation for very high-quality construction and robust hull forms, ensures that the Able 42 is a well-balanced and stable yacht, performing exceptionally well on the water. Her fin keel and skeg-hung rudder further contribute to her solid tracking and responsive handling under sail.

Accommodations and Layout

Below deck, the Able 42 offers a spacious and comfortable interior layout, designed to maximize liveability during extended periods aboard. Known variations include an elegant Raised Salon design, which typically provides enhanced natural light and expansive views from the main living area.

While specific details on every aspect of the interior are scarce, the general reputation of Able Marine guarantees a high standard of finish and the use of quality materials throughout. Owners can expect well-executed joinery, robust fixtures, and practical arrangements common in yachts built for serious cruising. The interior typically provides a variety of sleeping arrangements and amenities designed for comfortable offshore living, consistent with the vessel's overall purpose as a capable cruiser.