Beneteau 42 CC Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Beneteau 42 CC emerged from Beneteau's prolific Oceanis range, specifically belonging to the third generation of Oceanis yachts that emphasized a central cockpit for a new onboard lifestyle and enhanced reassurance. Designed by the acclaimed naval architecture firm Groupe Finot (Jean-Marie Finot), the 42 CC was conceived as a comfortable cruiser, prioritizing a harmonious balance between performance and livable accommodations. Beneteau, with its heritage spanning back to 1884, transitioned into fiberglass construction in the 1960s, a move that revolutionized their boatbuilding process and allowed for more efficient production and broader appeal in the recreational market. This ethos of balancing performance with comfort and affordability, deeply ingrained in Beneteau's design philosophy, is evident in the 42 CC, which aimed to offer a well-built and thoughtfully designed yacht for a wide range of sailors. There is no indication of significant variations like MkI or MkII during its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Beneteau 42 CC is generally regarded as a stable and easily handled vessel, suitable for both coastal cruising and occasional offshore passages. Its design ratios offer insights into its sailing characteristics:

• Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) Ratio: With a calculated SA/D of approximately 19.33, the Beneteau 42 CC exhibits a relatively high sail area for its displacement. This suggests good performance in lighter winds, allowing the boat to move efficiently even when conditions are not robust.
• Ballast to Displacement (B/D) Ratio: The 42 CC has a ballast-to-displacement ratio of about 0.28 (5,556 lbs ballast in a 19,845 lbs displacement). While this is below the typical threshold for a very stiff, performance-oriented vessel, it still contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, prioritizing stability for cruising rather than extreme stiffness for racing.
• Displacement to Length (D/L) Ratio: At approximately 184.9, the displacement-to-length ratio places the 42 CC on the lighter side for a cruising boat of its size. This indicates a design that leans towards more nimble performance than heavier, more traditional cruisers, capable of good speed without sacrificing comfort.

Reviews indicate that the Beneteau Oceanis 42 CC is "happy cruising at a shade under 8 knots" under power, with stable performance under sail. Its cutter rig allows for versatile sail configurations, adapting well to various wind conditions. The boat is noted for being easily managed by a small crew, making it an attractive option for couples or families. Some owners have reported issues with steering becoming stiff, particularly when beating close to the wind, which may be related to rudder bearing issues.

Accommodations and Layout

The Beneteau 42 CC's center cockpit design is a defining feature, allowing for a spacious and private aft owner's cabin, a hallmark of serious cruising yachts. The interior layout typically incorporates crafted cherry-stained cabinetry and joinery, a common characteristic across many Beneteau models, providing a bright, functional, and inviting living space. While specific headroom figures are not consistently published, the design aims to offer ample space throughout.

The interior arrangement is generally configured for two private cabins and two heads, making it ideal for cruising couples who frequently host guests or family. The forward cabin usually provides a comfortable V-berth, while the main salon features a U-shaped settee and a table, alongside a well-appointed galley. The aft owner's suite is a significant draw, often featuring a centerline berth and generous storage, offering a high degree of comfort and privacy. Ventilation is typically achieved through numerous opening ports and hatches, ensuring good airflow throughout the living spaces. The emphasis is on practicality and comfort for extended periods aboard.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Beneteau 42 CC generally express high satisfaction, praising its spaciousness, decent storage, and overall liveability for coastal cruising and occasional offshore hops. Many appreciate the thoughtful two-cabin, two-head layout, which provides excellent privacy, especially for the aft owner's cabin. The boat is often described as a "turnkey cruising package" that blends comfort, performance, and smart upgrades.

Common strengths frequently highlighted by owners include the boat's stable sailing performance, comfort in a seaway, and ease of handling by a small crew. The build quality, particularly for a production cruiser of its era, is generally well-regarded, with some noting it as a "very well made boat."

As with any boat, there can be some common considerations. While not unique to the 42 CC, some general issues noted with used Beneteau sailboats across various models can include potential for creaking sounds, and less frequently, issues with original deck fittings or concerns about fiberglass integrity over time on older vessels. However, specific recurring problems with the Beneteau 42 CC's core structure or major systems are not widely reported, and the commonality of the center cockpit range suggests a generally reliable design. Owners consistently find the 42 CC to be a comfortable and capable platform for their cruising aspirations.