Huntingford conceived the 42'6" hull as a capable bluewater cruiser with adequate performance rather than sparkling speed in light air. It draws 6'4" and combines a fin keel with a skeg-hung rudder.
Design and Construction
The fiberglass hull displaces 28,104 lbs and carries 9,000 lbs of lead ballast. Its 32.0% ballast-to-displacement ratio is described in the design data as providing a moderate level of stiffness. A displacement-to-length ratio of 272.8 places the boat at the upper end of the moderate-displacement range.
The comfort ratio of 37.7 points to the reasonably sedate motion expected of a cruising boat in this class, while the capsize screening value of 1.70 is rated suitable for bluewater sailing.
The Slocum 43 has an Airex foam-cored hull in both the topsides and underwater sections, distinguishing it from related designs such as the Passport 42 and Formosa 42. The deck and superstructure use a balsa-cored fiberglass sandwich. The Passport 42 was itself based on the same Huntingford design as the Slocum 43, making the two close cousins.
Rig, Performance, and Handling
The Slocum 43 carries a cutter rig. Its sail plan is based on a foretriangle measuring 53'0" high (I) with an 18'0" base (J), along with a mainsail luff of 47'0" (P) and a 15'0" foot (E).
A sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 14.0 is explicitly characterized as somewhat underpowered. That figure is consistent with a design that trades sparkling acceleration for offshore composure. It also reflects a rig tuned for manageable loads offshore rather than maximal canvas. With a 35'10" waterline, the boat has a theoretical hull speed of 8.02 knots.
The pilothouse version adds an enclosed steering station, offering better protection from the elements than the original open-cockpit arrangement. That’s a meaningful distinction for high-latitude or trade-wind cruising.
Accommodations and Cruising Capacity
Both the standard aft-cockpit boat and the pilothouse version share the same basic cruising purpose, although the pilothouse’s enclosed steering station substantially changes the command position. Of the two configurations included in the 60-hull production run, the pilothouse remains the more specialized.
A 12'11" beam provides the basis for the interior. Tankage comprises 150 gallons of water and 120 gallons of diesel, suggesting a boat provisioned for extended autonomous stretches. The relatively modest 14.0 SA/D also reflects a rig intended to keep offshore loads manageable rather than carry the maximum possible sail area.
Known Issues
The balsa-cored deck sandwich is the principal construction vulnerability. Water can enter through teak fasteners or failed caulking, leading to hidden deterioration of the core.
The chainplates present another inspection problem. They’re encapsulated within the hull laminate, so moisture migrating down through deck joints can cause concealed crevice corrosion. Inspecting them fully requires cutting away fiberglass.
Original black-iron fuel tanks are also a weak point. They’re prone to internal rust and to external pitting where condensation collects between the tanks and their molded GRP enclosures.
Refit and Ownership Considerations
The tight interior joinery that defines the boat’s period appearance also makes plumbing, wiring, and mechanical runs labor-intensive to access on these Taiwan-built examples.
Although the Airex-cored hull below the waterline is more forgiving than the balsa deck core, any survey must prioritize the condition of the deck, the encapsulated chainplates, and the fuel tanks.
With only 60 boats built, knowledgeable owner networks are small. Spares for the period diesel are also a consideration rather than a catalog item.
The Verdict
The Slocum 43 is a moderately stiff bluewater cutter with sedate motion, a scarce production history, and clear construction weaknesses in its balsa-cored deck and encapsulated chainplates. Its pilothouse variant extends the design’s appeal to sailors who value a sheltered helm, while the somewhat underpowered sail plan confirms its role as a passage-maker first.
Pros
- Moderate stiffness and a bluewater-suitable capsize screening value, based on a 32.0% B/D ratio and 1.70 CSF
- Airex foam-cored hull, distinct from closely related Taiwan-built designs
- Optional pilothouse with an enclosed steering station
- 150 gal of water and 120 gal of fuel for extended autonomy
Cons
- Balsa-cored deck vulnerable to hidden water ingress
- Encapsulated chainplates cannot be inspected without cutting away fiberglass
- Somewhat underpowered rig, with a 14.0 SA/D ratio
- Original black-iron tanks vulnerable to rust and pitting
