Stevens 42 Information, Review, Specs

The Stevens 42 began its production run in 1988, following Queen Long Marine's established reputation for building sturdy offshore vessels. The collaboration with Sparkman & Stephens, a firm synonymous with classic, high-performance yacht designs, ensured the Stevens 42 benefited from a pedigree focused on both speed and safety at sea. This model itself was an evolution, having been introduced in 1986 as an extended and restyled version of the earlier Stevens 40, featuring an aft-cockpit configuration.

Queen Long Marine, a family-owned shipyard in Taiwan, built a foundation on robust offshore designs, including Peterson 44-footers for Stevens Yacht Charters, before launching its own Hylas Yachts brand. This history underscores a consistent manufacturing ethos centered on durability, luxurious appointments, and the capability to handle challenging blue-water conditions. The Stevens 42 exemplifies this commitment, crafted with a solid fiberglass hull and deck, indicative of the era's focus on strength and longevity.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Stevens 42 is characterized by its substantial displacement and a cutter rig, which breaks the yacht's sail area into smaller, more manageable sails, often preferred for offshore sailing. Her calculated performance ratios reflect her design as a heavy, stable cruiser rather than a light-air racer.

With a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 353.25, the Stevens 42 falls into the category of a heavy, traditional cruiser, suggesting a powerful and comfortable motion, particularly in a seaway. Her Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of around 14.21 indicates moderate performance, implying she will perform well in a breeze but is not optimized for very light wind conditions. The Ballast to Displacement ratio, at approximately 0.197, is on the lower side for a modern performance cruiser, but the design provides a righting moment that is robust for its class, contributing to its stability and ability to stand up to wind. Overall, the Stevens 42 is described as a "true blue water cruiser capable of comfortable ocean passages" with "excellent seakeeping," reflecting her design intent for safe and predictable handling in varied conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior details for the Stevens 42 are not extensively documented in widely available specifications, the boat is known for offering "spacious accommodations" befitting a substantial cruising yacht of its size. Given its blue-water cruising intent, the interior layout typically prioritizes comfort, storage, and functionality for extended periods at sea.

Drawing parallels from similar designs and the "little sister" Stevens 40, which featured a "Plan A layout with two staterooms and two heads," it is reasonable to infer that the Stevens 42 would offer a well-arranged living space. This likely includes a comfortable V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a dining area, a functional galley for meal preparation, and private sleeping quarters, often with a dedicated head and shower. The finish quality, typical of Queen Long Marine, would have utilized quality materials, likely featuring ample wood trim and joinery, designed for both aesthetics and durability in a marine environment. Sufficient storage for provisions and gear, along with good ventilation, would be key considerations in its design for long-distance cruising.