Swanson 42 Sailboats for Sale

Ron Swanson·1974·~20 hulls·Swanson Brothers
Approximate drawing

Hover a measurement to read its value

Hull Type
Monohull · full
Rig
Cutter
LOA
41.99' · 12.8 m
Disp.
30,865 lbs · 14,000 kg
First year
1974

The Swanson 42 stands as the definitive expression of the Swanson Brothers’ design philosophy: a rugged, doubleended "sea warrior" built to withstand the rigorous conditions of the Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean. Designed by Ron Swanson and produced in Sydney, Australia, during the 1970s and 80s, the 42 is a heavydisplacement, fullkeel cruiser that prioritizes ultimate seaworthiness and directional stability over lightair speed. Its iconic canoe stern is not merely a stylistic choice but a functional design element intended to part following seas and prevent the boat from being "shunted" off course by large swells. While many contemporary designs from that era have faded into obscurity, the Swanson 42 remains a coveted vessel for "bluewater" purists who value a boat that can be steered with one finger while the gale howls outside.

Market snapshot

Median asking · 12 mo
$42,000
Asking price · 5 listings
Recent listings · 90 d
2
5 tracked · 12 mo
3-month price trend
+147.6%
vs. 12-mo median
Countries with listings
2
Australia (60.0%) · United States (40.0%)

Recent Listings

3 for sale · showing 10 newest

Swanson 42 Buyer's Guide

Where they're listed

Swanson 42 listings appear across 2 countries. Australia has the most listings with 3 (60.0%), followed by United States.

Median ask by country
USD
Share of listings
Count · past 12 months

Country view

5 listings · 2 countries
CountryMedian askListings · 12 moActive · 90 dShare
Australia$49,4953260.0%
United States$39,5002040.0%

Comparable models

Similar length, displacement, and era. Open a row to compare that model's market page.

Similar boats to compare

8 similar designs
ModelLOAMedian askListings · 12 moActive · 90 d
Tayana Vancouver 4241.75'$ 119,9485012
Valiant 4242'$ 299,999184
Tartan 4242'$ 89,0001311
Moody 4241.79'$ 62,045121
Comfortina 4242.19'$ 196,932114
Rustler 4242'$ 475,11093
Oyster Yachts 4241.83'$ 201,59372
Swanson 42You are here$ 42,00052

Frequently asked questions

01How much does a used Swanson 42 cost?+
The median asking price for a used Swanson 42 over the past 12 months is $42,000. Prices vary by condition, year, equipment, and location.
02How many Swanson 42 sailboats are for sale?+
2 Swanson 42 listings have gone live in the last 90 days, and 5 have been tracked across the past 12 months.
03Are Swanson 42 prices going up or down?+
The median asking price for the Swanson 42 is up 147.6% over the last 3 months compared with the 12-month median.
04Where are Swanson 42 sailboats for sale?+
The top markets for used Swanson 42 listings over the past 12 months are Australia (60.0%), United States (40.0%).
05What should I look at instead of a Swanson 42?+
Comparable models include Tayana Vancouver 42, Valiant 42, Tartan 42. Use the comparison table above to check pricing and availability.