The Swanson 42 stands as the definitive expression of the Swanson Brothers’ design philosophy: a rugged, double-ended "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 heavy-displacement, full-keel cruiser that prioritizes ultimate seaworthiness and directional stability over light-air 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 "blue-water" purists who value a boat that can be steered with one finger while the gale howls outside.
Swanson 42 Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview
- Make
- Swanson
- Model
- 42
- Builder
- Swanson Brothers
- Designer
- Ron Swanson
- Number Built
- Production Year(s)
- 1974 - ??
Below are the most recent Swanson 42 sailboat listings (up to 10).
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| Source | Year | Make | Model | Price | Cabins | Heads | City | Country | Listing Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DISCLAIMER: We are not affiliated with any external listing websites in any way. We simply aggregate publicly available listings to make it easier for buyers to find sailboats for sale. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the listings, so please verify all information with the seller before making any decisions.
Market Overview
Price & Volume Trends
Monthly breakdown
| Month | Listings | Median Asking Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2026 | 2 | $121,335 |
| Mar 2026 | 1 | $42,000 |
Median Price by Country
Listings by Country
| Model | LOA | Median Price (USD) | Listings | Recent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tayana Vancouver 42 | 41.75' | $106,330 | 30 | 7 |
| Valiant 42 | 42' | $299,999 | 14 | 9 |
| Hinckley Sou'wester 42/43 | 42.75' | $259,000 | 11 | 1 |
| Moody 42 (Dixon) | $135,000 | 10 | 2 | |
| Robertson and Caine 42 / Moorings 4200 | 41.57' | $658,772 | 10 | 8 |
| Moody 42 | 41.79' | $66,102 | 8 | 3 |
| Comfortina 42 | 42.19' | $206,163 | 7 | 3 |
| Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 | 41.01' | $93,068 | 7 | 2 |
| Passport 42 | 42' | $155,000 | 5 | 2 |
| Swan 55-S&S-1970 | 54.63' | $559,585 | 4 | 0 |
| Swanson 42 | $49,393 | 3 | 1 |
| Country | Median Price (USD) | Listings (past 12 months) | Recent (90d) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | $121,335 | 2 | 0 |
| United States | $42,000 | 1 | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a used Swanson 42 cost?
- The median asking price for a used Swanson 42 over the past 12 months is $49,393. Prices vary by condition, year, equipment, and location.
- How many Swanson 42 sailboats are for sale?
- We have tracked 3 Swanson 42 listings over the past 12 months, with 1 listed within the last 90 days.
- Are Swanson 42 prices going up or down?
- The median asking price for the Swanson 42 has decreased by 14.97% over the last 3 months compared to the 12-month average.
- Where is the cheapest place to buy a Swanson 42?
- United States currently has the lowest median asking price at $42,000, while Australia is the most expensive at $121,335 — a 189% difference.
- What are similar sailboats to the Swanson 42?
- Comparable models include the Tayana Vancouver 42, Valiant 42, Hinckley Sou'wester 42/43. See the comparison table above for pricing and availability.