Centurion 42 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Centurion 42 is frequently described by owners and testers as a "powerhouse" upwind, a trait largely attributed to its deep-draft elliptical keel and Ed Dubois's expertise in hull hydrodynamics. With a displacement-to-length ratio that places it firmly in the performance-cruising bracket, the 42 carries enough momentum to punch through a heavy head sea without the "hobby-horsing" common in lighter modern production boats. The yacht was typically offered with a deep draft of 2.10 meters or a shallow draft of 1.75 meters, with the former being highly prized for its superior lift and reduced leeway.

Under sail, the boat feels stiff and responsive. According to editorial reviews and technical archives from Wauquiez Heritage, the boat was designed to be driven hard; its high ballast ratio ensures that it stands up to its canvas well beyond the point where contemporary cruisers would require a first reef. The large diameter steering wheel provides excellent mechanical advantage and feedback, though some sailors noted that the original cable steering requires regular maintenance to remain "finger-tip" sensitive. Its tracking is exceptional, a result of the balanced rudder and a long-chord fin keel that allows the helmsman to leave the wheel for brief moments even in a breeze.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Centurion 42 is a showcase of Wauquiez’s traditional craftsmanship, utilizing extensive solid teak or cherry joinery that is rarely seen in modern mass-production vessels. Two primary configurations were offered: the "Owner’s Version" and the "Three-Cabin Version." The Owner’s Version typically features a massive forward master suite with a centerline island berth and private en-suite head, while the Three-Cabin variant utilizes two symmetrical aft cabins to accommodate larger crews or charter groups.

A notable feature is the longitudinal or L-shaped galley (depending on the specific hull number and year), which provides secure bracing for the cook while at sea. Headroom is generous throughout, often exceeding 1.95 meters in the main salon. The cabin sole is typically teak and holly, and the overheads are finished with high-quality liners that have generally stood the test of time better than those of its competitors. Sibling models built during this era include the Centurion 40 and the Centurion 47; while the 40 was more compact and manageable for couples, the 42 is often cited as the "sweet spot" in the range, offering the waterline length necessary for serious ocean passages without the heavy docking loads of the 47.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Centurion 42 should focus their survey on a few high-signal areas typical of late-80s European builds:

• Teak Deck Integrity: Like many Wauquiez yachts of this era, the teak decks were typically screwed and glued. After three decades, the balsa core may be at risk of moisture ingress if the caulking or screws have failed. A percussion test and moisture meter reading are essential.
• Grid Structure: The internal fiberglass grid (the "matrix") is bonded to the hull to provide stiffness. In boats that have suffered a hard grounding, this bond can fail. Inspectors should look for "crazing" or separation in the bilge areas near the keel bolts.
• Rudder Bearings: The large spade rudder exerts significant force on its bearings. It is common to find play in the original bushings, which may require replacement with modern self-aligning bearings.
• Engine Access: While the Perkins or Volvo Penta engines installed were generally reliable, access for major service can be tight, particularly for the heat exchanger and raw water pump.
• Chainplates: The stainless steel chainplates are robust, but the sealant at the deck level should be checked for leaks to prevent "crevice corrosion" where the plate passes through the deck.

Community & Resources

The Wauquiez community is particularly active, supported by the Wauquiez Owners Association, which maintains a repository of technical manuals and rigging diagrams. Another vital resource is Wauquiez Forever, a non-profit organization that celebrates the heritage of Henri Wauquiez’s designs and organizes rendezvous in Europe and North America. These groups provide a wealth of "tribal knowledge" regarding specific modifications and spare parts sourcing for the Ed Dubois-era Centurions.

The Verdict

The Wauquiez Centurion 42 remains a premier choice for the offshore-bound sailor who refuses to compromise on build quality or aesthetic elegance. While it requires more maintenance than a modern "flat-bottom" cruiser, its reward is a level of sea-kindliness and speed that few contemporary boats can match.

Pros

• Superior Build Quality: Hand-laid hulls and exquisite interior joinery that far exceed modern standards.
• Timeless Aesthetics: The Ed Dubois lines remain elegant and do not look dated in a modern marina.
• Offshore Performance: Exceptional upwind capability and stability in heavy weather.

Cons

• Maintenance Intensive: Teak decks and aging systems require a dedicated budget.
• Weight: Heavier than modern performance boats, requiring a significant breeze to "get moving" in light air.
• Layout: The deep cockpit is very safe at sea but can feel cramped compared to modern wide-transom designs.