Lancer 42 Information, Review, Specs

The Lancer 42 was part of a diverse fleet produced by the Lancer Yacht Corporation, which operated from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s. The company, founded by Richard Valdez, aimed to bridge the gap between pure sailing vessels and powerboats. The Lancer 42, designed by Herb David, aligns perfectly with this philosophy, intended as a capable motorsailer and cruiser. Lancer yachts, during this era, shared manufacturing facilities with Endeavor Yachts, also founded by Valdez, allowing for efficient production. While specific design variations like MkI or MkII are not widely documented for the Lancer 42, its design emphasized a dual-purpose capability that was a hallmark of Lancer's larger models.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 42 feet and a waterline length of 35.25 feet, the Lancer 42 possesses a moderate displacement of 21,000 pounds. Its displacement-to-length ratio, calculated at approximately 214.5, positions it as a moderate cruiser, suggesting a balance between light performance and comfortable motion in a seaway. The Lancer 42 features a masthead sloop rig. Its sail area-to-displacement ratio of about 19.09 indicates a design capable of performing well in lighter air conditions, allowing it to move efficiently even when winds are not robust. The ballast-to-displacement ratio stands at approximately 0.33, or 33%, which suggests a design focused more on comfortable cruising than extreme stiffness, meaning she may heel more readily but maintain a gentler motion in waves. As a motorsailer, the Lancer 42 was also engineered to deliver impressive speeds under power, a characteristic emphasized in Lancer's overall design philosophy.

Accommodations and Layout

The Lancer 42 is built with a fiberglass hull, offering durability and ease of maintenance typical of vessels from its era. While detailed interior layouts are not extensively documented in readily available public resources, the boat is equipped with a substantial fresh water capacity of 124 US gallons. Given its design as a cruiser, it would typically feature a layout suitable for extended stays, likely including multiple berths, a galley, and a head compartment, providing comfortable living spaces for its crew. The interior would likely emphasize practical, functional arrangements consistent with its cruising purpose.