Design and Construction
The Venezia's hulls are built with vacuum-bagged PVC foam cores and hand-laid fiberglass using isophthalic polyester resin, with the same resin used in the gelcoat to resist osmosis. The fiberglass work is superb, filled with compound curves and almost entirely free of stress cracks, while the molded nonskid is intricate and effective. A stout aluminum thwart supports the hulls forward, with a channel running aft between the trampolines as a lead for ground tackle. The interior relies heavily on molded composite components—a practical weight-saving measure—but the result can feel sterile down below, despite mahogany panels. The sloping bows and less pronounced deck sheer are typical of Joubert/Nivelt's 1990s aesthetic, and the coachroof is larger than its predecessors thanks to more vertical sides and front.
Rig and Handling
Under sail, the Venezia is a steady performer. The fractional rig carries a big, roachy, full-batten mainsail with 968 square feet of working sail area, and the mainsheet traveler runs the full width of the cockpit—a feature that makes trimming the powerful main easy. Roller furling was standard on the headsail, with slab reefing on the main. Upwind, a flat, high-cut 105-percent No. 3 jib works well, and an asymmetrical chute is far more effective than an overlapping genoa. The boat can carry more sail than many expect; one experienced delivery skipper found he didn't need to reef the main until the wind reached nearly 20 knots. In heavy weather, a deeply reefed main allowed the Venezia to forereach comfortably at 3–4 knots, riding over confused 15- to 20-foot seas with the autopilot steering from inside the saloon. The twin Yanmar saildrives—typically 28-horsepower models, often upgraded to 37 hp—make maneuvering in tight quarters a genuine pleasure, allowing the boat to turn in its own length. Motoring at moderate rpms in smooth water yields 8 knots, and the 90-gallon fuel tank provides about 60 hours of range.
Accommodations and Layout
The deck and cockpit are enormous—42 feet of length and 23 feet of beam translate into a huge living space. The wraparound cockpit seats a crowd, though the shallow seats and straight backs can be tiring on long passages. The helm is mounted to starboard on a bulkhead, with a high fighting-chair-style seat that favors taller helmsmen. Down below, the galley-up layout places the two-burner stove, single sink, and small 12-volt fridge to port; despite limited counter space, the galley functions well. The saloon features a large oval table and wraparound settee, with the nav station to port and a less-than-state-of-the-art electrical panel opposite. Most Venezias have four double cabins and two heads, though some charter versions fit forward single berths, bringing the total to six cabins. The rare owner's version converts one cabin into an office. The two aft cabins have athwartship double berths with large hanging lockers, while the forward staterooms offer full-width berths. Engines are mounted in aft lazarettes rather than under the berths, which improves both storage and quietness when motoring.
Known Issues and Refits
Several areas demand attention on any Venezia 42. The escape hatches in each head protrude beyond the hulls and are prone to leaking; the plastic handles and latches are often over-tightened and can fail. One delivery crew experienced a hatch giving way, requiring a broom handle to lash it shut. The forward trampolines should be checked for droopy nets and worn lashings. The Yanmar diesels are not convenient to work on when the lazarettes are full, though the saildrive configuration simplifies removal. High engine hours are a concern, and replacing two engines doubles the cost. The saildrives themselves should be inspected for corrosion, and the small cooling filters and seals need careful attention. Many ex-charter boats will have tired cushions, so budgeting for new foam and fabric is wise.
The Verdict
The Venezia 42 is a well-built, thoughtfully designed cruising catamaran that has proven itself in offshore conditions. It offers enormous living space, easy twin-engine handling, and a solid construction pedigree. While some details—the dated deck layout, the slamming between hulls, and the ergonomic compromises at the helm—show its 1990s origins, the overall package remains a capable and affordable family cruiser.
Pros
- Robust vacuum-bagged foam-core construction with excellent gelcoat
- Huge cockpit and deck space; comfortable interior for extended cruising
- Twin engines make docking and maneuvering a breeze
- Engines in lazarettes keep sleeping quarters quiet
- Proven offshore capability; rides heavy weather well with reefed main
Cons
- Shallow cockpit seats and high helm position are less comfortable on long passages
- Slamming between hulls in a seaway can be intrusive
- Escape hatches are prone to leaking and hardware failures
- Engine access is limited when lazarettes are stowed
- Interior finish can feel sterile due to extensive use of molded composites
