Design and Construction
Frers designed the 42F in 1991 as a contemporary cruising yacht that reflects the builder’s experience without chasing regatta gimmicks. The Mk II measures 43' 4" overall, with a 12' 11" beam and a displacement of 27,558 lbs. A 10,360 lbs lead-on-deep-bilge keel provides ballast.
The hull is hand laid up using isophthalic resin and insulated above the waterline with PVC foam. Lloyds inspected each boat during construction and issued a certificate at delivery. På Kryss & Till Rors praised the extensive grid structure at floor level and the hull-and-deck lamination, saying that both inspired confidence. The publication also noted that a craftsman personally trials every piece of equipment on extended cruises before it enters production.
The deck prioritizes correct function over appearance, with clean, wide teak decks and a hull-to-deck joint heavily glassed on the inside. Period testers did, however, express reservations about the deck-stepped mast and the stainless steel bolts in the lead-ballast fin on a bluewater cruiser. Stainless steel tanks also worried the same reviewer.
Rig, Sailing, and Handling
The Mk II’s mast rises 60' 8" above the water. Standard draft is 6' 7", while a 30 cm shallower encapsulated-lead version was also available. Sail area is 958 sq ft with the jib and 1,087 sq ft with the genoa.
In a 14-knot breeze, test sailors found the boat pointing well and making a healthy 6.6 knots. That performance supports the design’s balance of offshore cruising ability and respectable speed.
A 76 HP Volvo Penta TMD22 provides auxiliary power. The 42 powers well, turns within its own length, and steers positively in reverse. Its steering system uses cables, and the rudder is supported by ball bearings. Emergency tillers are conveniently placed. Bronze seacocks are fitted to all thru-hulls.
Accommodation and Stowage
Below, the Mk II has a beautifully finished mahogany interior. Full carpeting covers the teak-and-holly soles, and curtains are fitted to the windows and hatches.
The saloon on the tested boat had the optional layout, with very plush easy chairs to starboard. In the aft cabin, the tester preferred the comfortable settee to port over the extra berth fitted in the 46.
Stowage is generous. Large lockers and a bow locker divided by a plywood partition swallowed six large fenders. The lazarette is shallower than the 46’s, but the boat also has a good cockpit locker and a gas-bottle locker to starboard.
The fully equipped galley includes a gimballed stove that swings to a steep angle, a safety rail, a deep double sink, a backup hand pump, and generous storage. A moderately sized electric refrigerator sits abaft the chart table.
The navigator gets a workable sit-down chart table with room for instruments and a readily accessible electrical panel outboard. The aft head includes an excellent stall shower with a seat, while the forward head has a spacious combined w.c. and shower.
Equipment and Systems
Webasto cabin heaters serve the interior. Ventilation comes from dorades, opening ports, four to five hatches, and saucer-type electric vents. An optional hard dodger was available, with a centre cutout that closes with canvas.
The 12-volt DC system separates the engine-starting batteries from the ship’s-power batteries. Tankage comprises 420 litres of diesel and 685 litres of fresh water, supporting the boat’s long-passage role.
Verdict
The Hallberg-Rassy 42F Mk II is a confident, well-finished ocean cruiser that combines Frers’ performance emphasis with the builder’s disciplined inspection process. It sails readily in a moderate breeze and handles assuredly under power. Buyers should, however, weigh the period testers’ reservations about the deck-stepped mast, stainless steel tanks, and stainless steel bolts in the lead fin.
Pros
- Frers hull with a CE Category A ocean rating
- 6.6-knot pace in 14 knots during testing
- Lloyds-inspected, foam-insulated, isophthalic-resin hull with an extensive grid structure
- Plush, practical interior with deep stowage and a fully equipped galley
- Positive steering in reverse and the ability to turn within its own length
Cons
- Deck-stepped mast on a bluewater design, according to a period tester
- Stainless steel bolts in the lead fin and stainless steel tanks worried the same reviewer
