Nicholson 42 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Nicholson 42 is a definitive "heavyweight" in the cruising world, characterized by a displacement-to-length (D/L) ratio of approximately 403. This puts it firmly in the ultra-heavy cruiser category, a trait that translates to exceptional sea-kindliness in rough conditions. According to technical assessments found in Giornale della Vela, the vessel was designed as a "bluewater ante-litteram," engineered to maintain a steady pace through a seaway where lighter modern yachts would be forced to seek shelter.

The hull features a fin keel and a substantial skeg-hung rudder, a configuration that Raymond Wall utilized to improve tracking while maintaining a degree of maneuverability in port. With a ballast-to-displacement ratio of nearly 40%, the 42 is remarkably stiff. It carries its sail area—usually configured as a masthead ketch—with minimal heel, providing a stable platform for the crew. While it may struggle in light airs due to its significant wetted surface, it excels on a reach, where the split rig allows for fine-tuning the balance and reducing the helm's load in heavy weather. Owners often note that the boat "finds its groove" in 15–20 knots of wind, providing a predictable and secure motion that minimizes crew fatigue.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The Nicholson 42 was built primarily in a center-cockpit configuration, allowing for a private and spacious owner’s suite aft. The interior is a showcase of the joinery standards that defined the Gosport yard during the 1970s, utilizing extensive teak and high-quality veneers. The layout typically features two heads, a linear or U-shaped galley depending on the specific hull number, and a warm, bright saloon.

The sibling relationship between the 42 and the larger Nicholson 48 is evident in the hull’s volume; the 42 feels considerably larger than its 12.75-meter length would suggest. Most units were delivered as ketches to provide more manageable sail sizes for short-handed couples, though a few sloop variants exist. The center-cockpit design provides excellent protection from the elements, often augmented by the era's signature "hard" windscreens or high-set dodgers that make the boat an ideal candidate for year-round cruising.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Nicholson 42 must navigate the typical "maintenance legacy" of 1970s GRP construction. High-signal technical areas identified by owner groups and surveyors include:

• Osmosis: Camper & Nicholsons yachts from this era are known for having thick hulls, but many used resin types prone to blistering. A thorough hull survey is essential, specifically looking for historical treatments or active moisture.
• White Metal Bearings: The stern tubes on many Nicholsons of this vintage used a "white metal" bearing rather than a standard modern cutless bearing. These are robust but require specialized knowledge to replace if they develop excessive play.
• Teak Deck Condition: Many 42s were launched with teak-laid decks. At 50 years old, these decks are often at the end of their life unless they have been previously replaced. Leaks from the thousands of fastening screws can lead to moisture ingress in the cabin woodwork.
• Rudder Pintle and Stuffing Box: Similar to the Nicholson 35 and 38, the 42’s rudder assembly can suffer from crevice corrosion in the pintle or wear in the stuffing box. This often requires the rudder to be dropped for a full inspection of the stock.
• Rigging Hardware: Some early production runs used BSF (British Standard Fine) threads for standing rigging turnbuckles and fasteners, which can be difficult to source in North America or outside specialized UK riggers.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical knowledge is the Nicholson Owners Association (NOA), which maintains archives for the various Raymond Wall designs. While the 42 has a smaller footprint than the ubiquitous Nicholson 31 or 32, it shares many mechanical and structural components with its siblings, making the Nicholson Owners Association resources invaluable for part sourcing and engineering diagrams.

The Verdict

The Nicholson 42 is a "character boat" for the serious traditionalist. It offers a level of build quality and offshore security that is rarely found in modern production yachts, provided the owner is willing to manage the maintenance requirements of a 50-year-old vessel.

Pros:

• Exceptional heavy-weather stability and comfort.
• High-grade interior craftsmanship with a sought-after aft cabin layout.
• Proven blue water pedigree from one of the world's most prestigious yards.
• Split ketch rig allows for versatile sail plans in high winds.

Cons:

• Sluggish performance in light breeze and upwind.
• Limited production numbers make finding a well-maintained unit difficult.
• Potential for high-cost "legacy" maintenance (osmosis and teak decks).
• Challenging maneuverability in tight marinas due to the long keel profile.