Beneteau Oceanis 42 CC Sailboat Review, Specs, and Listings

Design and Hull Form

The most distinctive visual element of the 42 CC is her enormous rear end — a high counter stern that initially reads as retro styling but in fact conceals the yacht's most talked-about feature. The central part of the aft deck slides back to reveal steps, and a hydraulically operated transom panel folds down to form a bathing platform operated by a remote handset. The engineering is genuinely clever: the same arrangement that creates the platform also yields deep locker space either side of the aft deck. The trade-off is visual. The twin-spreader rig appears set very far forward as a result of the hull's stern volume, giving the profile chunky lines that divide opinion. Below the waterline, the hull is high-volume by design — Beneteau's intent was always a boat for sea lovers who want to feel at home everywhere at sea, and the beam and freeboard reflect that brief rather than a racing pedigree.

Rig and Sailing Performance

The 42 CC is no thoroughbred under canvas, and Beneteau never claimed otherwise. In a steady ten-knot breeze she felt easy to handle on all points of sail, returning around 6.5 knots on a shy reach and pushing to windward at just above five knots — promising given the light conditions and the size of the hull. Performance under sail is not outstanding, but that assessment sits within the context of a 19,845-pound boat designed for comfortable passage-making rather than racing. The deck layout rewards that mission: small bulwarks make it safer to walk around the deck, and the centre cockpit itself is surprisingly deep, adding to security offshore.

Steering and Handling

The hydraulic steering system is standard across the entire CC range and has had few reported problems, but it warrants attention at the survey stage. The test yacht exhibited lifeless, imprecise steering at low speeds — a characteristic that was later traced to air in the hydraulic plumbing of that particular yacht, a fault that purging the system appeared to resolve. Worth noting is that there is no option for cable steering due to the complexity of running lines through to the quadrant, so hydraulic is what you have. The wheel placement on the bulkhead — a consequence of the centre-cockpit layout — felt very strange to a reviewer accustomed to conventional aft-cockpit helming, though the arrangement is reportedly popular with owners transitioning from motor cruisers. A conventional-position helm at the aft end of the cockpit is available as an option and makes handling the main track considerably easier.

Accommodations

Interior space below is divided between two cabins, with the saloon necessarily feeling like a stopping-off point between the aft and forward areas — a characteristic common to all centre-cockpit designs. The aft cabin is the highlight: a spacious berth, good cupboard stowage, a dressing table, and an ensuite head run along the starboard side of the cockpit moulding, making it a genuine owner's stateroom. The galley occupies the port side of the cockpit moulding as a competent longitudinal arrangement with enough stowage for a reasonable cruise. A forward-facing navigation station on the port side of the saloon features a long hull port that provides plenty of natural light. The forward cabin, offset to starboard, is compact rather than generous, but the arrangement puts the forward head on the centreline in the bows with good brace points either side — a practical benefit on passages sailed at an angle of heel.

Engine Access and Mechanical Space

One of the 42 CC's genuine surprises is the engine compartment. Initial access via the companionway steps appears limited — the rams that support the steps nearly took the reviewer's chin off when undone — but a large panel in the aft cabin reveals crouching headroom, nearly enough space to swing a cat, and room for every add-on you could think of. A watermaker, generator, or air-conditioning unit would all fit without difficulty, and the space allows proper working access for engine maintenance. With the standard 55 hp Volvo, the 42 CC peaks at 8.8 knots at 3,000 rpm and cruises comfortably at just under eight knots above 2,000 rpm, pleasantly quiet below decks at that tempo.

The Verdict

The Beneteau Oceanis 42 CC is a boat that rewards buyers who are honest about priorities. If centre-cockpit security, owner-cabin comfort, and the ability to cruise comfortably with a small crew rank higher than sailing pace or sleek aesthetics, she delivers convincingly on her promise. She is a big, comfortable boat, easily handled by a small crew, and the innovative bathing platform — novel at her introduction — remains a practical asset. Her limitations are equally clear: the saloon is modest, the bulkhead helm position takes adjustment, and the hydraulic steering demands careful pre-purchase inspection.

Pros