Hunter 42 Passage CC Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Hunter 42 Passage CC are defined by its B&R (Bergstrom & Ridgway) rig, a design that eliminates the backstay by using swept-back spreaders and a wide shroud base. This configuration allows for a large, high-roach mainsail which provides most of the boat's power. According to editorial analysis from Cruising World, the boat performs surprisingly well in light to moderate air, thanks to a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 17.5. This suggests a boat that is not over-canvased but efficient enough to move without the engine in double-digit breezes.

With a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of roughly 215, the 42 Passage sits in the "moderate displacement" category. This provides a balance between the sea-kindliness required for offshore work and the buoyancy needed for a comfortable ride. Handling is generally described as predictable, though the high freeboard and large center-cockpit enclosure create significant windage. This can make low-speed maneuvering in tight marinas a challenge, often leading owners to retrofit bow thrusters. Under sail, the boat tracks well due to its bulb wing keel, which keeps the center of gravity low while maintaining a modest 4'11" draft on shoal models, making it an ideal choice for the thin waters of the Bahamas or the Chesapeake Bay.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The primary draw of the Hunter 42 Passage CC is its cavernous interior, which maximizes the center-cockpit configuration. The layout is centered around a massive aft master stateroom that features a centerline queen-sized berth, a private head with a bathtub—a rarity in a 42-footer—and extensive hanging locker space. The forward guest cabin also features an island V-berth and a private head, ensuring maximum separation and privacy for two couples.

The salon is characterized by a massive U-shaped settee and a high-gloss teak-and-holly sole, which reflects the builder’s shift toward a more luxurious aesthetic in the early 90s. The galley is a standout feature, designed for use at sea with deep sinks, a three-burner stove, and significant refrigeration capacity located in the starboard "walk-through" to the aft cabin. While the 42 Passage was the core model, Hunter later introduced the Hunter 430, which shared some hull characteristics but catered to the aft-cockpit market, and the Hunter Passage 450, which served as the larger, more refined successor to the 42, offering more sophisticated systems and an even larger galley.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Hunter 42 Passage CC should focus their inspections on several areas common to Hunter builds of this era:

1. Compression Post: The load from the B&R rig is transferred through a compression post to the hull grid. In some units, moisture at the base of the post or settling of the structural grid can lead to "Hunter smile" (hairline cracks at the leading edge of the keel) or door misalignment.
2. Chainplate Attachments: Because the B&R rig puts high tension on the shrouds, the chainplate attachment points and the integrity of the stainless steel tangs should be scrutinized for signs of stress or crevice corrosion.
3. Portlight Leaks: The large, wrap-around salon windows and the numerous opening ports are known for developing leaks over time as the original bedding compounds dry out.
4. Steering Linkage: Center-cockpit boats have longer steering cable runs. Buyers should check for cable fraying and Ensure the Edson radial drive is properly lubricated and free of play.
5. Deck Core: While Hunter used end-grain balsa core for stiffness, any unsealed deck hardware penetrations can lead to localized delamination. Tapping the deck with a phenolic hammer is a necessary part of any pre-purchase survey.

Community & Resources

Owners of the 42 Passage are supported by one of the most robust brand-specific networks in the sailing world. The Hunter Owners Association provides a massive technical library including original manuals, wiring diagrams, and a dedicated forum where owners share specific modifications for the 42 Passage. This community is a vital resource for sourcing replacement parts for the original Lewmar or Maxwell equipment and for advice on repowering the Yanmar engines that were standard for the model.

The Verdict

The Hunter 42 Passage CC remains one of the best values on the pre-owned market for sailors seeking a liveaboard platform that doesn't sacrifice sailing dignity. While its high-volume design targets comfort over racing performance, its robust construction and clever rigging make it a capable coastal cruiser.

Pros:

• Exceptional Liveability: The aft cabin and bathtub are legendary for a boat of this size.
• Ease of Handling: The B&R rig and cockpit arch simplify sail management for shorthanded couples.
• Shallow Draft: The wing keel allows access to cruising grounds that many 40-plus-footers cannot enter.

Cons:

• Windage: The high profile can make the boat difficult to handle in high-wind docking situations.
• Aesthetic: The "bubble-top" styling is polarizing compared to more traditional cruisers.
• System Complexity: The plumbing and electrical runs in the center-cockpit layout can be difficult to access for maintenance.