Design and Construction
The hull is built predominantly of fiberglass, with structural integrity achieved through what Hunter described as a bonded, full-length internal frame and stringer system that stiffens the hull without adding weight. The keel is a bulbed-wing type drawing just under five feet, a choice that trades ultimate righting moment for shoal-draft access and a wide, stable stance. Ballast sits at 7,700 pounds against a displacement of 24,000 pounds, placing the ballast-to-displacement ratio at roughly 32 percent — respectable for a cruiser of this era and type, though not in the same league as a dedicated blue-water passage-maker. The internally mounted spade-type rudder controlled by a wheel gives responsive steering, and the 14-foot beam delivers the interior volume that is central to the boat's identity.
Above deck, the signature element is the structural stainless steel Hunter arch spanning the cockpit. It is strong enough to carry the mainsheet and traveler, keeping the cockpit clear of lines and hardware at head height — a practical benefit that also doubles as a mounting structure for electronics, solar panels, or a bimini frame. The raked stem and reverse walk-through transom with swim platform were forward-looking choices for a production boat of the late 1980s.
Rig and Handling
The Passage 42 carries a B&R masthead sloop rig on a mast rising 60 feet above the waterline. Total reported sail area of 949 square feet — which includes the standard 130-percent furling genoa — gives a sail-area-to-displacement ratio solidly in the cruising-capable range. The I dimension of 55.5 feet and a J of 16 feet produce a moderate foretriangle; the mainsail luff of 48 feet keeps the sail plan manageable for short-handed crews. Two self-tailing winches simplify sail handling, and the roller-furling headsail means tacks and sail reductions can be handled from the cockpit. An electric windlass at the bow takes some of the labor out of anchoring. The comfort ratio of just over 28 places the hull at the upper edge of the coastal cruiser band, and the capsize screening figure of roughly 1.95 indicates a boat that is marginally outside the traditional threshold for offshore passages but is well suited to extended coastal and bluewater-adjacent work in practiced hands. Hull speed calculates to approximately 8.26 knots, which the long waterline of 38 feet supports on a consistent basis in open water.
Accommodations
Below decks is where the Passage 42 makes its strongest argument. The aft stateroom has a private bath with tub and standup shower, and the forward stateroom has its own private head with shower — an arrangement rarely found on production boats of this size from any era. The saloon wraps a full-length settee on the port side that, combined with an oval dining table and a facing settee to starboard, converts to provide sleeping for two additional guests. A dedicated navigation station sits just aft of the saloon. The galley is fitted with a gimbaled three-burner LPG stove, broiler-oven, microwave, refrigerator, and freezer. Yacht broker Richard Jordan, reviewing the design, observed that the interior's centerline queen aft and the saloon's open proportions represent what every cruiser lusts for in a boat of this footprint. The boat carries 150 gallons of fresh water and 70 gallons of diesel, giving reasonable range under power between replenishment stops. Headroom of 6 feet 6 inches throughout makes the below-decks living genuinely comfortable for standing adults.
Known Issues and What to Inspect
The Passage 42's service record has been relatively clean of serious complaints and recalls. Owners have reported leaky chain lockers, minor electrical gremlins, and occasional difficulties with onboard appliances — most of which were addressed by Hunter Marine under warranty. The oldest hulls are well over three decades old, which means a qualified marine survey is essential rather than optional. A careful inspection of deck hardware, standing rigging, chainplates, and the condition of through-hulls is prudent on any example. The chain locker leak history is worth probing directly during any survey. Because the wing keel's bulb takes on significant stress in grounding situations, a diver's inspection of the keel-hull joint is advisable before purchase.
Refit Considerations
Factory options at the time included in-mast mainsail furling, air conditioning, and an electric halyard winch, and many original owners specified these. Boats without in-mast furling often benefit from a retrofit if the rig wire is aging anyway, since the mast replacement and furling system can be bundled into a single haul. The Hunter Cruise Pac — a factory package that standardized sails, winches, running rigging, fire extinguishers, and life jackets — was popular, and sourcing the original equipment list helps identify what may have been upgraded or neglected. Given the 62-horsepower Yanmar 4JH2TE diesel, a common and well-supported engine, parts availability remains good and a competent rebuild is practical on older units. The easy engine access noted in Hunter's original design brief simplifies routine maintenance and more involved repairs alike.
The Verdict
The Hunter Passage 42 CC is a thoughtfully specified family cruiser that prioritizes liveaboard habitability without entirely abandoning sailing performance. Its 14-foot beam, dual-stateroom layout with private heads, and a galley more capable than most boats of comparable length make it a serious option for sailors who intend to live aboard or undertake extended passages in relative comfort. The structural arch, walk-through transom, and wide side decks reflect a design philosophy centered on ease of use rather than speed records. It is not a passage-maker in the offshore-purist sense — the capsize screening figure and moderate ballast ratio locate it firmly in coastal cruiser territory — but in the hands of experienced sailors it has proven capable of far more. Hulls have been in demand among those who consider it among the best boats Hunter ever built, and that loyalty says something meaningful about the design's durability and livability.
Pros
- Dual private staterooms each with their own head — rare at this size
- Structural cockpit arch clears the working area of mainsheet and traveler clutter
- Long 38-foot waterline supports consistent hull speeds under sail and power
- Well-supported Yanmar diesel engine with good access for servicing
- Generous 150-gallon fresh water and 70-gallon fuel capacity for extended passages
- Wide side decks and walk-through transom aid safe crew movement
Cons
- Ballast-to-displacement ratio limits ultimate stiffness compared to dedicated blue-water designs
- Capsize screening figure sits marginally above the threshold for unrestricted offshore use
- Chain locker leaks are a documented recurring issue requiring inspection and possible repair
- Wing keel limits anchorage options in some shallow areas despite the modest draft figure
- Older electrical systems and appliances on early hulls can require comprehensive updating
