TS 42 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The journey of the TS 42 began with its production start in 2014, emerging from a demand for a 40-foot catamaran that adhered to a philosophy of light, fast, and straightforward yacht design. Marsaudon Composites, with its roots deeply embedded in the manufacture of models and molds for offshore racing boats, brought a wealth of composite mastery to the project. The shipyard's ethos during this era, and still today, revolves around building "racy yet comfortable, seaworthy and elegant" catamarans that bridge the gap between demanding race circuits and comfortable cruising.

The design process for the TS 42, overseen by Christophe Barreau, focused on leveraging the builder's experience in offshore racing to minimize weight without compromising structural integrity. This is evident in the vessel's construction, which often utilizes advanced composite materials and techniques like carbon-epoxy infusion. Over its production run, which saw approximately twenty units sold in its initial seven years, the TS 42 has seen continuous refinement, with Marsaudon Composites having revisited and reworked the design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Marsaudon Composites TS 42 is unequivocally designed as a fast cruising catamaran, prioritizing both exhilarating performance and onboard comfort. With a length overall (LOA) of 42.62 feet and an equally impressive waterline length (LWL) of 42.62 feet, combined with a generous beam of 24.25 feet, the TS 42 presents a stable and capable platform. It features a twin keel hull type, contributing to its maneuverability and draft control, with a maximum draft of 4.92 feet.

This fractional sloop is praised for being an "excellent sport catamaran" that is "light, livable, easy to handle, and very fast." The design, which includes a carbon mast and rigging, is specifically engineered to guarantee speed under sail. While the official hull speed is 8.75 knots, these catamarans are known for their ability to deliver an "adrenaline on the water" experience, often described as among the quickest performance cruising catamarans available., Builder Article] Owners frequently report that the TS 42 offers "incredible new sensations" while maintaining safety and versatility. Power is provided by two diesel engines, further enhancing its versatility and range.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its performance-oriented design, the TS 42 provides accommodations suitable for cruising, aiming for a balance between speed and liveability. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the interior is often characterized by a "cozy cabin interior". The layout typically includes multiple cabins and heads, with some configurations featuring a 4-cabin arrangement, making it suitable for larger crews or families.

Consistent with its philosophy of a "light and simple" yacht, the interior finish can be described as functional and somewhat "spartan" compared to more luxury-focused cruising catamarans. This design choice contributes to a relatively lower price point for a boat that performs almost like a racing vessel. The use of materials generally aligns with a robust, seaworthy vessel, although detailed specifics on wood trim versus fiberglass are best gleaned from individual boat inspections or detailed reviews.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Marsaudon Composites TS 42 generally appreciate its solid construction and comfortable motion, particularly in varying sea states. Many praise its performance, ease of handling, and the thrilling sailing experience it provides. Owners often highlight the boat's versatility and its ability to be adapted for different uses, always emphasizing the pleasure of sailing.

However, some concerns have been raised within the owner community regarding specific manufacturing and design aspects. Reports have surfaced concerning "alarming manufacturing and design flaws" in some ORC 42 (TS 42) catamarans. These issues have included instances of a keel breaking off mid-Atlantic and concerns about rudder attachment methods, as well as the use of materials within the keel. While not universally reported, these specific structural concerns are significant and bear consideration for potential owners.