Pacer 42 Information, Review, Specs

The yacht is characterized by its sleek, low-profile coachroof, twin-wheel configuration, and a powerful fractional rig. While the Pacer 42 remains a rare sight outside of South Africa and select European racing circuits, it is highly regarded by competitive sailors for its ability to punch well above its weight class in both PHRF and IRC divisions.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Pacer 42 is fundamentally a light-displacement speedster, with a displacement of approximately 17,600 lbs (8,000 kg) and a generous sail area of over 1,000 square feet. This combination yields a Sail Area/Displacement ratio in the mid-20s, placing it firmly in the category of high-performance yachts. According to technical assessments by Simonis Voogd Design, the hull was optimized for a balanced feel, ensuring the boat remains controllable even when pushed hard under a large asymmetric spinnaker.

On the water, the boat is known for its "fun and easy" handling characteristics, as noted in various sea trials conducted in the challenging conditions of Table Bay. The twin-wheel setup provides excellent visibility and a tactile connection to the large spade rudder, allowing for precise tracking and responsiveness. With a lead torpedo bulb keel providing a high ballast ratio (roughly 31%), the Pacer 42 exhibits significant stiffness, allowing it to maintain a high narrow-angle pointing ability during upwind legs. In offshore conditions, the boat is capable of sustained double-digit speeds, with some owners reporting bursts of over 20 knots when surfing downwind in heavy air.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Unlike many dedicated racing yachts of its era, the Pacer 42 features a surprisingly refined interior that accommodates extended cruising. The standard layout typically includes three double cabins and a single head, though the design emphasizes weight savings through the use of lightweight composite bulkheads and an open-plan feel. Instead of heavy traditional doors, many units utilize innovative bulkhead apertures and fabric screens to maintain privacy while minimizing mass.

The central salon is airy and functional, featuring a drop-leaf table and longitudinal settees that double as excellent sea berths. The galley is "L-shaped" and positioned to starboard, equipped with a two-burner stove, oven, and deep refrigeration—ample for coastal hops or week-long regattas. A notable design choice is the inclusion of large hull ports and coachroof windows, which flood the cabin with natural light, a feature specifically highlighted in Simonis Voogd's design portfolio as a means to improve the "liveability" of their performance hulls.

Sibling models in the Pacer range include the highly successful Pacer 376 (often referred to as the 376R), which shares the same build philosophy but in a smaller footprint, and the Pacer 27 Sport, a dedicated one-design sportsboat. The Pacer 42 itself saw a "Leisure" variant, which typically featured more traditional wood finishes and additional cruising amenities like larger water tanks and more robust anchor handling systems.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Pacer 42 with the understanding that it is a high-performance machine requiring diligent maintenance.

• Epoxy Hull & Core Integrity: Because these boats are built using vacuum-bagged epoxy sandwich construction, a professional moisture and percussion test of the hull and deck is mandatory. Look for signs of "print-through" or delamination, particularly around high-load areas like the chainplates and the mast step.
• Sail Drive Maintenance: Most units are powered by 30HP Yanmar or Lombardini engines paired with sail drives. Common issues include rapid anode depletion if the boat's electrical system is not perfectly grounded, and the condition of the rubber hull seal (diaphragm), which should be replaced every 7–10 years.
• Rudder Bearings: The high-aspect spade rudder puts significant stress on its bearings. Check for any lateral "slop" or play in the steering system; many owners have upgraded to Jaffa or similar high-performance bearings to maintain steering precision.
• Keel Attachment: Given the performance nature of the boat, the keel-to-hull joint should be inspected for any "smile" or movement. While Pacer Yachts addressed many of the structural concerns seen in earlier South African designs (like the original Fast 42), any boat that has been campaigned heavily on the racecourse should have its floors and keel bolts verified by a structural engineer.
• Rigging and Spars: Many Pacer 42s were fitted with Selden triple-spreader rigs. Given the age of the original fleet (mostly 2005–2010), a full standing rigging replacement is likely due if it hasn't been performed recently.

Community & Resources

The primary resource for technical data and design heritage for the Pacer 42 is the Simonis Voogd Design archive. While a formal "Pacer Owners Association" is no longer active in a central online hub, the South African sailing community, particularly through the Royal Cape Yacht Club, remains the best source for localized knowledge and historical performance data for the fleet.

The Verdict

The Pacer 42 is an exceptional choice for the sailor who refuses to choose between a podium finish and a weekend cruise. It is a sophisticated, "driver's boat" that rewards a skilled hand and offers a level of speed rarely found in boats with a full interior.

Pros:

• Exhilarating performance with high surfing potential.
• Modern, vacuum-bagged epoxy construction for a light and stiff hull.
• Dual-purpose layout that is genuinely comfortable for a family of six.
• Exceptional value compared to European-built equivalents like the X-Yachts or Grand Soleil ranges.

Cons:

• Light displacement can lead to a "flighty" motion in steep, choppy seas.
• Interior finishes are functional and minimalist rather than luxurious.
• Limited availability on the international second-hand market.
• Requires active sail management; not a "set and forget" cruising boat.