Beneteau 42 CC Sailboat Review, Specs, and Listings

Design and Construction

Originally intended to replace the more conventional 40CC, the 42 CC entered production with a new hull and several innovative deck features that distinguished her from her predecessor. Beneteau planned to build 80 boats a year.

The hull measures 43ft (13.25m) LOA and carries a high counter stern. Yachting World noted that this detail gives the boat a retro look, but it also provides the practical benefit of extra locker space aft. The centre-cockpit layout contributes to safety, while small bulwarks help make moving forward safer underfoot.

Below decks, the high-volume hull provides plenty of space. Iron ballast of 5,556 pounds contributes to a lightship displacement of around 19,621 pounds. That gives a ballast-to-displacement ratio near 28 percent, lending the boat steadiness without making her taut.

Rig, Sailing and Handling

The twin-spreader rig sits noticeably far forward, as does the centre cockpit. The standard sail plan carries roughly 793 square feet on the 100 percent foretriangle, giving a sail-area-to-displacement ratio of about 17.4.

In a steady 10-knot breeze, test sailors found the 42 CC easy to handle on all points of sail. She made her best speed—around 6.5 knots—on a shy reach and punched to windward at a shade over 5 knots, given the hull’s size and relative heaviness.

The Yachting World tester raised concerns about manoeuvrability at lower speeds, with lifeless and imprecise hydraulic steering. Cable steering wasn’t available because of the complexity of running lines through to the quadrant. The bulkhead-mounted wheel struck the tester as strangely placed. The forward helm position is unusual and initially disorienting.

Under power, the standard 55hp Volvo produced 8.8 knots at 3,000 rpm and cruised happily at just under 8 knots above 2,000 rpm. It remained pleasantly quiet below, even at speed. A 75hp Yanmar was offered, but the tester considered it unnecessary.

Accommodation

The saloon is a small square with plenty of headroom. It feels more like a passage between cabins than a grand living area, but the limited central space is offset by two large cabins in the tested layout.

The spacious aft cabin has a generous berth, good cupboard stowage, a dressing table and an ensuite head along the starboard side. Forward, the cabin is offset to starboard and contains a good-size berth. Its centreline head in the bows provides brace points on either side.

The port side of the cockpit moulding carries a competent longitudinal galley with family-scale stowage. Farther forward, the chart table sits ahead of the port settee and receives light from a long hull port. Stowage throughout is good, the galley is decent, and the aftercabin is spacious. Overall, the arrangement is clearly aimed at couples or small families spending extended periods aboard.

Deck and Cockpit

A hard windscreen shelters the companionway. On deck, the boat has a fold-down boarding platform and steps. The central section of the aft deck slides back to reveal steps, while a remote handset connected to a hydraulic powerpack lowers the transom to create a bathing platform.

The large aft deck has room for a couple of sunworshippers. Deep lockers on either side add useful cruising stowage and make practical use of the high counter stern.

Engine Access and Cruising Systems

A large panel at the back of the engine compartment opens from the aft cabin. Crawling in on all fours reveals crouching headroom and nearly enough room to swing a cat. The compartment also has space for almost any likely addition: a watermaker, generator and air-conditioning system would all fit without a problem. That room makes the 42 CC a forgiving platform for refits intended to add off-grid capability.

The standard installation is the 53hp Volvo D2-55. Documented capacities are 128 gallons of water and 53 gallons of fuel, supporting long stretches away from the dock.

Verdict

The Beneteau 42 CC is a considered answer to the centre-cockpit cruising brief. She gives up sparkling sailing performance in return for volume, quiet motoring and a layout that shelters a small crew in comfort. Handling under sail is undemanding, engine access is exceptional for the class, and the hydraulic transom adds a private floating platform at anchor.

The compromises are real but predictable. Hydraulic steering lacks feel and precision at low speed, while the saloon serves circulation better than lounging. For couples or small families who value accommodation, stowage and manageable cruising over lively performance, those trade-offs are clear.

Pros