Pacer 42 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Pacer 42 emerged from Pacer Yachts' facility in South Africa around 2005, a period when the company established itself with a clear focus on performance sailing. Pacer Yachts, in partnership with Simonis Voogd Design, aimed to create light displacement performance cruisers that offered exhilarating sailing experiences. Simonis Voogd's design philosophy, central to Pacer's modern fleet, emphasizes cutting-edge naval architecture, blending sleek aesthetics with optimized hydrodynamic performance.

The hull of the Pacer 42 features epoxy composite construction with a gelcoat finish, and the deck is similarly built from epoxy composite with a painted finish, highlighting the builder's commitment to robust and lightweight construction. While no specific production variations such as "MkI" or "tall rig" versions are widely documented, the consistent build quality and performance-oriented design remained central throughout its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Pacer 42 is engineered for spirited performance, evidenced by its design ratios. With a displacement-to-length (D/L) ratio of approximately 132.3, she falls firmly into the light-displacement category, suggesting a nimble and responsive vessel. Her high sail area-to-displacement (SA/D) ratio of around 25.6 indicates excellent light-air performance, allowing her to accelerate quickly and maintain speed even in marginal conditions. The ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 31.3% provides a moderate level of stiffness, characteristic of a performance design that can stand up to a good breeze without being overly tender.

Equipped with a fractional sloop rig, a deep bulb keel, and a spade rudder, the Pacer 42 is designed for precise handling and efficient hydrodynamics. Owners have lauded the Pacer 42's offshore capabilities, with one noting a choice of the vessel after extensive experience on other racing boats, finding it well-suited for high-performance offshore sailing. The boat's performance credentials are further underscored by its success in competitive events, including a win in the Caribbean 1500 Performance Class, and participation in races like the Transpac Race.

Accommodations and Layout

The Pacer 42 is configured with a three-cabin layout, designed to accommodate a crew comfortably for both racing and extended cruising. The main saloon is typically arranged with two curved settee berths, complemented by shelving for storage and a folding table, providing a central gathering space.

Sleeping accommodations include three double berths and two single berths across the three cabins. At least one aft cabin, often to starboard, features a double bunk with additional locker storage. A head, complete with a shower, is typically located aft to port. While specific details on the galley and interior finish materials are less widely publicized, the overall construction quality of Pacer Yachts suggests a durable and functional interior, in line with its performance cruiser ethos.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Pacer 42 frequently praise its strong sailing performance and suitability for offshore passages. The boat is often chosen by those seeking a vessel capable of both competitive racing and comfortable, fast cruising. Owners have specifically highlighted its ability to deliver exhilarating sailing experiences, with one recounting an experience of the "best hour of sailing ever just after sunset." Its solid build, characterized by epoxy composite construction, contributes to confidence in its seaworthiness. The vessel's success in demanding races like the Caribbean 1500 and Transpac further solidifies its reputation among performance-oriented sailors. While common issues are not widely reported, the Pacer 42 remains a respected choice for those prioritizing speed, agility, and offshore capability.