Whitby 42 Information, Review, Specs

The Whitby 42 was in production from 1972 until 1988, built initially by Whitby Boat Works in Ajax, Ontario, Canada, and later under license by Ft. Meyers Yacht and Shipbuilding. During this era, Whitby Boat Works earned a reputation for producing solid, well-built fiberglass cruising sailboats that prioritized seaworthiness and comfort. Designer Ted Brewer's philosophy, often characterized by full keels and robust construction, heavily influenced the Whitby 42, emphasizing stability and long-distance cruising capabilities. The Whitby 42 was notable as one of the first boats to incorporate a walk-through design between the aft cabin and the main saloon, a feature that proved highly popular and influential in later designs.

The model offered versatility, being available from the factory as a sloop, ketch, or staysail ketch, typically featuring a bowsprit. Over its production run, variations emerged; later iterations built in Fort Myers were known as the Brewer 12.8 or Brewer 42, often distinguished by an updated keel and rudder configuration and a cutter rig. Further modifications led to the extended Brewer 44, which featured a reverse transom and a slightly different keel and sailplan. These later models, while sharing the Whitby 42's fundamental hull and deck, presented distinct differences, including a slightly wider beam on the Brewer 12.8 and 44 compared to the original Whitby 42.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Whitby 42 is characterized as a heavy, traditional cruiser, as indicated by its displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 301. This substantial displacement contributes to its renowned seaworthiness and comfortable motion. With a ballast-to-displacement ratio of around 0.34, the Whitby 42 demonstrates moderate stability, capable of standing up to a good amount of wind. Its sail area-to-displacement ratio, calculated at approximately 13.72 for the ketch rig, suggests a boat with moderate performance in lighter airs, excelling more as the wind picks up.

Anecdotal evidence from owners often describes the Whitby 42 as a "great heavy air boat," performing well in demanding conditions, while still being "not too bad a light air boat." She is generally considered reasonably fast and easy to handle for a vessel of her size and type. Overall, the Whitby 42 is celebrated as a capable shoal draft cruiser, exhibiting good tankage and solid sailing characteristics, especially when well-maintained or with thoughtful enhancements.

Accommodations and Layout

The design of the Whitby 42 prioritizes interior volume and liveaboard comfort. Its high freeboard allows for a commodious and expansive interior, making it an excellent choice for long-term cruising and liveaboard lifestyles. The typical layout features good-sized staterooms both forward and aft. A defining characteristic of the Whitby 42 is its innovative walk-through design, providing direct access between the aft cabin and the main saloon.

While specific details on finish quality and materials vary, the emphasis was on practicality and durability befitting a bluewater cruiser. The interior generally includes a well-appointed galley and a spacious salon, designed to offer comfort and ample storage for extended voyages.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Whitby 42 consistently praise its solid construction and the comfortable motion it provides in a seaway, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable bluewater cruiser. The vessel's robust build quality is frequently highlighted as a major strength. The active Whitby Brewer Sailboat Association serves as a vital community for owners, fostering shared knowledge, mutual support, and a collective appreciation for these classic yachts.

While generally well-regarded, some owners have noted that early Whitby models utilized screwed and glued hull-to-deck joints. Discussions within owner communities often revolve around common maintenance issues and effective fixes, demonstrating a proactive approach to preserving these enduring vessels. Some later variations, such as the Brewer 12.8, are occasionally perceived as having slightly improved build quality.