Golden Wave 42 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Golden Wave 42 emerged during a pivotal era for Cheoy Lee, a shipyard with over a century of boatbuilding experience that had pioneered the extensive use of fiberglass in marine construction. Established in 1870, Cheoy Lee had a strong reputation for craftsmanship, evolving from steam-powered craft to pleasure yachts by the mid-1950s, becoming a forerunner in GRP and foam sandwich technology.

The design of the Golden Wave 42 was a collaboration with Robert Perry, a designer known for his blend of style and performance. While other designers also submitted concepts for the model, Perry's vision aimed to create a "finest new sailing yacht" offering substantial value. Cheoy Lee's manufacturing ethos at the time focused on dependable products and innovative construction techniques, utilizing solid fiberglass for the hull and deck. This commitment resulted in a vessel celebrated for its beautiful lines and robust build quality.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 42 feet and a waterline length of 34.33 feet, the Golden Wave 42 is a substantial vessel, displacing 25,000 pounds. Her design incorporates a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration known for offering good directional stability and control.

Interpreting her key performance ratios, the Golden Wave 42 has a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 16.7. This places her in a category that suggests respectable performance, particularly in moderate to stronger winds, without being overly sensitive in lighter conditions. Her ballast to displacement ratio (Bal/D) stands at around 37.9%, indicating a solid level of stability that allows her to stand up to a breeze comfortably. With a displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 619, the Golden Wave 42 is classified as a heavy displacement cruiser. This characteristic suggests a powerful and comfortable motion in a seaway, making her well-suited for offshore passages and minimizing the impact of rough conditions on her crew. While not a light-air speed demon, her design prioritizes seaworthiness and a steady ride.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Cheoy Lee Golden Wave 42 is designed for comfortable living aboard, reflecting its cruising aspirations. Owners can expect a classic layout, typically featuring berths for up to six individuals. This arrangement generally includes a V-berth forward, a spacious owner's cabin aft, and a dinette and settee in the main salon that can convert into additional berths.

A notable feature of the Golden Wave 42's interior is its lavish finish, often described as having an "all-teak interior" with "hand-rubbed" joinery. This suggests a high-quality finish and a warm, traditional ambiance throughout the cabins. The boat also features a large head, enhancing comfort during extended stays aboard. The emphasis on quality materials and a well-thought-out layout points to a design focused on providing a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing living space for cruising enthusiasts.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners frequently praise the Golden Wave 42 for its solid fiberglass hull construction, which contributes to a feeling of security and durability, suitable for offshore conditions. The generous interior volume, combined with a "lavish, hand-rubbed, all-teak interior," is often highlighted as a significant strength, providing a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing living environment. While specific recurring issues are not broadly detailed in available reviews, the overall sentiment points to a "high-quality sailboat" designed for cruising comfort and capability. Its ability to handle diverse sea states with a comfortable motion is implicitly valued by those seeking an extended cruising vessel.