Outremer 42 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The performance of the Outremer 42 is dictated by its slender hull forms and an impressive power-to-weight ratio. With a light displacement of approximately 6.2 to 7 tons, it is roughly half the weight of many contemporary 40-foot cruising catamarans. This low mass, combined with a generous sail plan, allows the 42 to remain responsive in light airs where heavier boats would be forced to motor. The inclusion of deep, retractable daggerboards is the "secret sauce" of its handling; they allow the boat to point much higher than fixed-keel catamarans and provide a significant safety margin when running before a storm, as they can be raised to "slide" down wave faces and prevent tripping on the leeward hull.

In an editorial test conducted by Multihulls World, the boat was noted for its ability to maintain double-digit speeds with ease, often reaching 10 to 12 knots in moderate conditions. The steering experience is frequently cited as a highlight, particularly on versions equipped with the brand's signature carbon fiber tillers. While most cruisers utilize the bulkhead-mounted wheel for convenience, the tillers provide a level of tactile feedback rarely found on multihulls, allowing the helm to feel the boat’s trim and balance through their fingertips.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Outremer 42 reflects a "performance-first" philosophy, where weight management is paramount. While later models like the Outremer 45 and 51 introduced more luxury, the 42 remains somewhat minimalist. The woodwork is typically light-colored to enhance the sense of space within the narrow hulls. The layout was generally offered in two primary configurations: an Owner’s version, featuring a dedicated master suite in the starboard hull with a large head and separate shower, and a four-cabin version intended for families or high-speed chartering.

Headroom is generous in the hulls, though the salon area is more compact than one might expect from a 42-foot catamaran. This is a deliberate trade-off to keep the coachroof profile low and windage to a minimum. The galley is functional and designed for use at sea, featuring secure bracing points for the cook. Sibling models, such as the Outremer 40 and 43, used essentially the same hull moldings but with different transom extensions; the 42, however, benefited from a dedicated mold that optimized the waterline length and buoyancy distribution for the heavier loads associated with modern blue water cruising equipment.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

The Outremer 42 is a robustly built vessel, but its performance nature means it attracts a specific set of maintenance requirements and potential issues.

• Weight Sensitivity: The most common "issue" with a used Outremer 42 is not a factory defect but owner-induced weight. Excessive additions of heavy lithium banks, oversized watermakers, and washing machines can significantly degrade the boat's performance and safety. Buyers should check the waterline against original factory marks.
• Daggerboard Trunks: High-speed sailing puts significant lateral stress on the daggerboard trunks. It is essential to inspect the sacrificial "bearing" strips and look for any signs of stress cracking or weeping around the trunk-to-hull joints.
• Rigging Tension: Given the boat’s performance potential, the standing rigging is often pushed harder than on a typical cruiser. Owners frequently upgrade to synthetic (Dynex Dux) rigging; if the boat still has wire, a rigorous swage inspection is mandatory every 5–7 years.
• Delamination Checks: While Outremer’s vacuum-bagging process is high-quality, early 2000s models should be checked for core integrity, particularly in areas where owners may have retrofitted deck hardware without properly sealing the balsa core.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Outremer 42 benefit from one of the most dedicated manufacturer-supported communities in the yachting world. The "Outremer Academy" provides training specifically for owners on performance sailing and maintenance. Furthermore, the Grand Large Services division offers dedicated refit and technical support specifically for legacy models like the 42, ensuring that parts and technical drawings remain accessible long after the model has left production. Many owners also participate in the Outremer Cup, an annual rally in the Mediterranean that emphasizes camaraderie and performance tuning.

The Verdict

The Outremer 42 is not a boat for the casual weekend entertainer who prioritizes interior square footage above all else. It is a serious tool for the experienced voyager who values the safety of speed and the joy of a well-balanced helm.

Pros

• Speed and Safety: Capable of high average speeds, allowing for shorter passage times and the ability to outrun weather.
• Upwind Capability: Retractable daggerboards offer superior pointing ability compared to nearly all production cruising cats.
• Resale Value: Due to their limited production and high demand, Outremer 42s hold their value exceptionally well.

Cons

• Living Space: Narrow hulls and a smaller salon mean less interior volume than a Lagoon or Fontaine Pajot of the same length.
• Load Sensitivity: Performance drops off sharply if the boat is overloaded with heavy cruising gear.
• Complexity: Retractable daggerboards and high-performance rigging require more active management than a standard fixed-keel cruiser.