The J/42 represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of the J/Boats lineup, serving as a refined successor to the J/40 and a benchmark for the "performance cruiser" category. Introduced in 1996 and designed by Rod Johnstone, the vessel was engineered to provide a balanced sailing experience that prioritized speed and ease of handling without sacrificing the amenities required for extended offshore passages. Built primarily at TPI Composites using the patented SCRIMP resin-infusion process, the J/42 benefited from a high strength-to-weight ratio, ensuring a stiff hull that could withstand the rigors of blue-water sailing. According to the J/Boats official archives, the model was specifically intended for couples who wanted a boat they could manage alone while still being capable of competitive performance in offshore races like the Newport-Bermuda.
J-Boats J/42 Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview

- Make
- J-Boats
- Model
- J/42
- Builder
- J Boats Tillotson Pearson
- Designer
- Johnstone
- Number Built
- 77
- Production Year(s)
- 1995 - 2006
Below are the most recent J-Boats J/42 sailboat listings (up to 10).
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| Source | Year | Make | Model | Price | Cabins | Heads | City | Country | Listing Date |
|---|
DISCLAIMER: We are not affiliated with any external listing websites in any way. We simply aggregate publicly available listings to make it easier for buyers to find sailboats for sale. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the listings, so please verify all information with the seller before making any decisions.
Market Overview
Price & Volume Trends
Median Price by Country
Listings by Country
| Model | LOA | Median Price (USD) | Listings | Recent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bavaria Yachts Cruiser 42 | 42.62' | $115,583 | 87 | 32 |
| Bavaria Yachts C42 | 40.62' | $314,270 | 55 | 13 |
| Beneteau First 42 | 42.92' | $69,900 | 39 | 20 |
| Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42.2 | 41.99' | $90,661 | 24 | 8 |
| Palmer Johnson J/42 | $134,000 | 15 | 7 | |
| Dehler 42 | 42.13' | $341,677 | 14 | 6 |
| Sabre 42 | 41.75' | $109,900 | 11 | 5 |
| J Boats J/46 | 46' | $285,000 | 10 | 2 |
| Jeanneau 34.2 | 33.75' | $57,208 | 9 | 4 |
| X-Yachts X-442 | 44.33' | $190,303 | 8 | 5 |
| Young J/37 | 37.42' | $49,500 | 6 | 1 |
| Country | Median Price (USD) | Listings (past 12 months) | Recent (90d) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $129,000 | 11 | 4 |
| Australia | $191,979 | 2 | 2 |
| French Polynesia | $134,000 | 1 | 0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a used J-Boats J/42 cost?
- The median asking price for a used J-Boats J/42 over the past 12 months is $134,000. Prices vary by condition, year, equipment, and location.
- How many J-Boats J/42 sailboats are for sale?
- We have tracked 15 J-Boats J/42 listings over the past 12 months, with 7 listed within the last 90 days.
- Are J-Boats J/42 prices going up or down?
- The median asking price for the J-Boats J/42 has increased by 26.12% over the last 3 months compared to the 12-month average.
- Where is the cheapest place to buy a J-Boats J/42?
- United States currently has the lowest median asking price at $129,000, while Australia is the most expensive at $191,979 — a 49% difference.
- What are similar sailboats to the J-Boats J/42?
- Comparable models include the Bavaria Yachts Cruiser 42, Bavaria Yachts C42, Beneteau First 42. See the comparison table above for pricing and availability.