Chance 42/36 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

In the water, the Chance 42/36 exhibits the distinct characteristics of a 1970s-era IOR powerhouse. Its hull features the characteristic "tumblehome" (the inward curve of the hull sides above the waterline) and a narrow entry that transitions into a significantly wide beam amidships. This geometry was engineered to provide a favorable rating, but it also dictates a specific handling profile. According to historical design analyses found in archives of Yachting Magazine, Chance designs of this period were noted for their exceptional pointing ability; the 42/36 can sail closer to the wind than many contemporary cruisers, making it a formidable opponent on a beat.

However, the aggressive IOR shaping—particularly the pinched stern—can make the boat challenging to handle when running downwind in heavy seas. Owners and period reviewers often note a tendency toward "rolling" if the boat is over-canvased on a broad reach. The high displacement-to-length ratio ensures a powerful, momentum-driven ride that can punch through a chop without losing speed, but it requires an active hand on the helm and a crew that understands how to trim for stability rather than just raw velocity.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Unlike the stripped-out racing machines of the modern era, the Chance 42/36 was designed at a time when offshore racers were still expected to provide reasonable accommodations for a delivery crew or a racing team. The interior is typically characterized by a traditional "sea-going" layout, featuring high-quality joinery—often in teak or mahogany—and a focus on functionality while underway.

The cabin usually includes a large navigation station, essential for the offshore navigation of its era, and a galley positioned near the companionway for ventilation and ease of use at sea. Sleeping arrangements often prioritize pilot berths in the main saloon, which provide the most secure stowage for bodies in a seaway. While the 42/36 is the primary hull form, it shares DNA with the Chance 37 and the slightly later, more refined Chance 39. Some custom versions of the 42/36 were modified with different keel configurations (including "bustle" skegs) to further refine the tracking and trim, which in turn slightly altered the floor timber arrangements and bilge depth in the interior.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners of a Chance 42/36 must contend with the realities of a half-century-old performance hull. The primary concern is the integrity of the deck-to-hull joint and the core material. Many of these vessels utilized balsa-cored decks to save weight; if hardware has not been meticulously re-bedded over the decades, moisture ingress can lead to widespread delamination.

The "IOR bump" or the complex curves of the tumblehome can also be areas of stress. Inspect the chainplates and the mast step thoroughly, as the high rig tensions required to make these boats perform can lead to structural fatigue in the underlying fiberglass or metal reinforcements. Furthermore, many 42/36 models were originally fitted with underpowered or now-obsolete engines (like the Perkins 4.108 or early Volvos); buyers should verify if a modern repower has been performed, as the engine engine space can be cramped, making retrofits a labor-intensive endeavor.

Community & Resources

Owners of Chance-designed yachts often find technical support and historical documentation through the broader community of classic IOR enthusiasts. While there is no dedicated "Chance 42/36 Association," the Wauquiez Owners Association serves as a vital repository for information on Britton Chance Jr.’s design philosophy and construction methods, as many of the engineering solutions used in the 37 were carried over to the 42/36. Technical drawings and original design notes are occasionally archived by the Mystic Seaport Museum’s Daniel S. Gregory Ships Plans Library, which holds a significant collection of Britton Chance Jr.'s professional papers.

The Verdict

The Chance 42/36 is a "sailor’s sailboat" that rewards technical skill and offers a window into a pivotal era of naval architecture. It is not an ideal choice for a casual coastal cruiser seeking maximum interior volume, but for the purist who values windward performance and a pedigree of innovation, it remains a striking and capable ocean-goer.

Pros:

• Superior upwind performance and pointing ability.
• Robust construction capable of serious offshore work.
• Classic, purposeful aesthetics that stand out in a modern harbor.
• Highly technical rig and sail plan for those who enjoy "tweaking" for speed.

Cons:

• Demanding downwind handling characteristics due to IOR hull shape.
• High maintenance requirements for aged, cored decks.
• Interior volume is less than modern 42-footers due to the narrow stern and tumblehome.
• Significant draft can limit access to some shallow-water cruising grounds.