Cascade 42 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Cascade 42 can be traced back to 1964, a pivotal year for Yacht Constructors, Inc.. The company, founded in 1954 by five visionary sailors, had by this point established a formidable reputation for building exceptionally robust fiberglass hulls, famously demonstrating the material's strength by subjecting a sample to gunfire. Robert A. Smith's design for the Cascade 42 reflected this ethos, emphasizing a strong, seaworthy platform suitable for serious cruising.

Yacht Constructors, Inc. was renowned for its distinctive hand lay-up method of construction, which involved meticulously laying each piece of woven roving and cloth and squeegeeing out excess resin. This process resulted in a hull with approximately 50% resin content, significantly lower than the nearly 70% found in many hulls constructed with less intensive methods, contributing to the Cascade's legendary durability and integrity.

Over its production run, the Cascade 42 saw a notable evolution. In 1987, a significant modification was made to the original mold, resulting in the Cascade 42 HS (High Side). This updated variant featured a wider beam, increasing from 11'2" to approximately 12 feet, and raised sides, adding 12 to 14 inches of freeboard, 1]. These changes aimed to enhance interior volume and comfort, making the already capable cruiser even more accommodating for extended periods at sea.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Cascade 42 is characterized by its heavy displacement and robust construction, defining its sailing performance and handling characteristics. With a displacement of 18,000 pounds and a waterline length of 34 feet, the Cascade 42 has a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 458. This high ratio indicates a heavy, full-bodied cruiser, suggesting a comfortable motion in a seaway and the ability to carry significant stores for long voyages, rather than blistering speed in light airs.

The vessel's ballast, weighing 6,180 pounds, contributes to a Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of about 34.3%. While not exceptionally high, this ratio, combined with its bulb keel, provides a solid degree of stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a good breeze and maintain its course even in challenging conditions. The Cascade 42 is typically cutter-rigged, offering versatile sail plans for various wind strengths and points of sail. Owners generally describe the 42-foot Cascades as having a "large sail area" and being "known for speed" relative to their sturdy build. Its fin keel with a bulb contributes to its upwind performance and stability.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific details on the Cascade 42's interior layout can vary, particularly given that some hulls were sold as bare shells for owner completion, common characteristics point to a traditional and comfortable cruising interior. The internal spaces are generally described as cozy, often featuring extensive use of wooden cabinetry, notably teak, which contributes to a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Typical arrangements would include a V-berth forward, followed by a head compartment, a main salon with settees and a dinette, a galley area, and often quarter berths aft. The interior is designed to be functional and livable for extended periods aboard, with consideration given to storage and ventilation, crucial for offshore passages. Reviews and sales listings frequently highlight the "custom teak interior cabinetry" and a "cozy cabin interior" suitable for living aboard.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Cascade 42 consistently praise its exceptional build quality and its inherent seaworthiness, which are hallmarks of Yacht Constructors' legendary hand lay-up construction method. The vessel's robust design makes it a popular choice among those seeking a reliable and safe platform for extensive cruising, including blue-water passages and circumnavigations. Many owners choose to live aboard these vessels, underscoring their comfortable and accommodating nature. The enduring quality of Cascade yachts ensures a strong resale market and fosters a dedicated and active owner community, with online forums and groups where enthusiasts share their experiences and advice. The ability for some owners to customize their interior layouts from bare hulls means that individual boats can offer unique living spaces while retaining the core integrity of the Cascade design.