Salona 42 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

On the water, the Salona 42 is characterized by its high-aspect-ratio rig and a deep, efficient T-keel that provides significant righting moment. With a displacement-to-length ratio that leans toward the lighter side of the cruising spectrum, the boat is exceptionally responsive in light airs, yet the stiffness provided by the internal steel frame ensures it remains composed as the breeze freshens. According to editorial testing by Yachting World, the Salona range distinguishes itself through a "solid feel" that many production cruisers lack, particularly when punching through a chop.

The steering is typically precise, often utilizing a large-diameter single wheel or twin-wheel configuration in later iterations, providing the helm with excellent feedback. Because the boat carries its beam well aft, it tracks reliably on a reach, though it requires active mainsheet trimming to keep the rudder from loading up in heavy gusts. The sail area-to-displacement ratio (often exceeding 22 depending on the rig choice) confirms its status as a boat that prefers to be sailed actively rather than left to its own devices on autopilot.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The Salona 42 was primarily offered in a three-cabin, two-head layout, though a two-cabin "owner’s version" provided an expansive stowage locker and a more generous galley area. The interior aesthetic reflects a functional, "boat-like" atmosphere with high-quality woodwork—often mahogany or cherry—contrasting against white headliners. Unlike many modern "flat-bottomed" cruisers, the Salona 42 maintains a traditional deep-bilge feel near the companionway, necessitated by the internal steel grid.

Headroom is generous throughout the saloon, typically exceeding 6'3", and the L-shaped galley is well-equipped for offshore passages with deep sinks and secure bracing points. Sibling models, such as the Salona 40 and the larger Salona 45, share this design language. While the 40 is more nimble for club racing, the 42 offers a significant upgrade in tankage and waterline length, making it the preferred choice for sailors looking to transition from coastal hopping to blue-water voyaging.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Salona 42 gained international recognition during the mid-2000s for its success in ORC and IRC racing circuits across Europe. It was frequently highlighted in technical reviews by European outlets like Yacht Magazin (Germany) and Voiles et Voiliers (France) for its innovative use of the stainless steel structural cage. While it has not been the subject of a specific high-profile book, it remains a staple in "best of" performance cruiser lists from the era, often compared favorably to the X-Yachts and Grand Soleils of the same vintage.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their inspections on the specific engineering highlights that make the Salona 42 unique:

• Stainless Steel Frame: While the frame is a structural asset, the points where the keel bolts pass through the steel should be inspected for any signs of galvanic corrosion or movement, though such issues are rare.
• Rudder Bearings: Like many performance boats with high-aspect rudders, the bearings can experience wear if the boat has been campaigned heavily in regattas. Any "play" in the wheel should be addressed.
• Teak Deck Wear: Many Salona 42s were delivered with vacuum-bonded teak side decks. If the boat has spent its life in high-UV environments (like the Mediterranean or Caribbean), check for thinning or failed caulking, as these decks are typically thinner than traditional screw-down planks.
• Electrical Systems: Owners on various technical forums have occasionally noted that the wiring looms in earlier models can be difficult to access behind the high-quality cabinetry.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Salona 42 often coordinate through the Salona Owners Group or through regional Salona dealers who maintain close ties with the factory in Solin. Technical support is frequently facilitated by the builder's long-term consistency; because AD Boats still utilizes many of the same construction philosophies today, parts and structural advice for older 42s are often obtainable directly from the manufacturer.

The Verdict

The Salona 42 remains a standout choice for the sailor who refuses to accept the sluggish handling of a pure caravan but requires more amenities than a stripped-out racer.

Pros:

• Exceptional structural rigidity due to the stainless steel sub-frame.
• Point-and-shoot handling with excellent upwind pointing ability.
• High-quality interior joinery that feels more "nautical" than modern modular interiors.

Cons:

• The deep keel (standard on many) may limit access to shallow cruising grounds.
• The deck layout is optimized for a crew; shorthanded sailors may need to lead more lines aft to the helm.
• The stainless steel frame adds weight, which requires a more powerful sail plan to stay competitive in very light air.