Ocean Cruising 42 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Ocean Cruising 42 is characterized by a "stiff" and predictable motion, a direct result of its high Motion Comfort Ratio of 37.8. This figure, as noted in technical assessments by Mahina Expeditions, places the vessel in the upper tier of offshore cruisers for sea-kindliness, suggesting a hull that resists the jarring accelerations often found in lighter production boats. The design typically utilizes a masthead rig and a fin keel with a balanced spade rudder, providing a blend of directional stability and modern maneuverability.

While its Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 15.1 (standard) to 18.2 (with a 135% genoa) indicates a boat that requires a decent breeze to reach hull speed, it is optimized for the steady winds of ocean passages rather than light-air coastal racing. The Capsize Screening Formula of 1.69 confirms its suitability for serious offshore work, meeting the rigorous standards for transoceanic competition. Some owner anecdotes found in community discussions suggest that while the boat is exceptionally stable, its draft—varying between 5.7 and 6.0 feet—and relatively slim 3.40 Length-to-Beam ratio make it a capable upwind performer compared to the "tubby" cruisers of the same era.

Interior Comfort & Variations

True to its Maine origins, the interior of the Ocean Cruising 42 is defined by hand-finished teak and a layout designed for functional living at sea. Most hulls feature a two-stateroom configuration with a generous aft cabin and a dedicated navigation station. The galley, often located to port, was designed with a deep U-shape to provide security for the cook in heavy weather—a design element so successful it reportedly influenced the galley layouts of several early cruising J/Boats.

A notable variation in the model line is the Ocean Cruising 42 Pilothouse Ketch. This version extends the cruising season and provides an inside steering station, protected from the elements by large, heavy-duty windows. The craftsmanship on these boats is often compared to the highest standards of the Hinckley and Morris yards, featuring solid wood joinery and custom-built tankage. With a freshwater capacity of 150 gallons and fuel reserves typically around 56 gallons, the boat is well-equipped for long-range independence.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of an Ocean Cruising 42 should focus their inspections on several high-signal areas common to semi-custom builds from the 1980s:

• Core Integrity: The hulls were constructed using a fiberglass composite with an Airex closed-cell foam core. While highly durable and providing excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, any history of improper hardware mounting can lead to localized delamination. A professional moisture survey of the deck and hull is essential.
• Engine Maintenance: Many original models were fitted with the Perkins 4.108 diesel engine. While these are "bulletproof" workhorses, buyers should check for typical oil leaks and cooling system scale. Some early units may have used Mercedes diesels; if so, parts availability can be a significant hurdle for modern owners.
• Keel Bolts: The OC42 utilizes an external antimony lead keel secured with 1-inch silicone bronze bolts. These should be inspected for any signs of "smile" at the hull-keel joint or weeping in the bilge, though the construction is generally regarded as exceptionally robust.
• Standing Rigging: Given that many of these vessels have spent decades in salt-heavy environments like the Caribbean or the Maine coast, a thorough rig inspection is required to ensure the chainplates and swage terminals have not reached their fatigue limits.

Community & Resources

Owners of these rare vessels often find community and technical support through the broader Hinckley and Maine boatbuilding networks. Technical specifications and historical context are frequently maintained by Hank Hinckley & Co., which continues the family legacy of boat service and custom construction in Maine.

The Verdict

The Ocean Cruising 42 is a connoisseur’s sailboat, offering the prestige and build quality of a Downeast heritage vessel in a package purpose-built for the open ocean.

Pros:

• Exquisite Maine craftsmanship and high-quality teak joinery.
• High motion comfort makes for an easy ride in heavy seas.
• Extremely rare, semi-custom nature ensures strong pride of ownership.
• Proven blue-water design with a low capsize risk.

Cons:

• Limited production makes finding one on the used market difficult.
• Performance in light winds can be sluggish without oversized headsails.
• Maintenance of the high-end brightwork requires significant time or expense.
• Potential parts availability issues for non-standard original engines.