US 42 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The US 42 benefits significantly from its Doug Peterson pedigree, a designer renowned for his success in the IOR (International Offshore Rule) racing circuit. Unlike the smaller, high-freeboard Buccaneer models that prioritized interior volume over sailing mechanics, the US 42 features a more balanced, performance-oriented hull form. With a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, the boat tracks with notable stability, a characteristic often praised in early reviews of the US Yachts performance line.

The boat’s Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio places it firmly in the category of a moderate-to-heavy cruiser, which provides a comfortable motion in a seaway. Owners and historical testers note that while the boat requires a decent breeze to overcome its wetted surface area, it excels in reaching conditions and maintains its momentum well through chop. The rig is typically a high-aspect masthead sloop, providing enough sail area to keep the vessel moving in light air, though it remains stiff enough to avoid premature reefing as the wind climbs toward 20 knots.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the US 42 reflects Bayliner’s "lifestyle-first" philosophy, translated into a large-scale offshore platform. The layout was designed for extended coastal cruising and live-aboard comfort, featuring a wide beam that is carried well aft to maximize cabin space. Most hulls were configured with a traditional two-cabin layout, featuring a large V-berth forward and a generous master cabin aft, often utilizing the vessel's 42-foot length to provide a level of privacy uncommon in smaller production boats of that time.

Materials inside the US 42 typically consist of teak veneers and solid teak trim, which, while not as intricately joined as high-end European yachts, provided a warm and functional environment. The salon is notably spacious, often featuring a U-shaped dinette to port and a long settee to starboard. This model was the "big sister" to the US 30 and the US 335 (also a Peterson design), and it shares many of the same design cues, such as the emphasis on a functional, sea-going galley and a dedicated navigation station. Some variations in the production run included different cabinetry finishes, though the fundamental structural layout remained consistent across the fleet.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a US 42 should approach the vessel with an understanding of late-70s production fiberglass techniques. While the hull is generally robust, several specific areas require a professional survey:

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the US 42 utilizes a balsa-cored deck. Over decades, hardware bedding (stanchions, cleats, and tracks) can fail, allowing moisture to reach the core. Use a phenolic hammer to check for "dead" thuds and a moisture meter to identify delamination.
• Osmotic Blistering: Early US Yachts models were produced before the widespread use of vinylester resins. Many examples have a history of gelcoat blisters. It is essential to inspect the hull during a haul-out for signs of previous repairs or active "chickenpox."
• Chainplate and Bulkhead Tabbing: In some US Yachts models, the tabbing that secures the bulkheads to the hull was known to be less substantial than in dedicated blue-water boats. Check for signs of movement or cracking where the bulkheads meet the hull, especially near the chainplate attachments.
• Rigging and Spars: Given the age of these vessels, the standing rigging is likely beyond its service life unless recently replaced. Pay close attention to the mast step and the condition of the original aluminum spars for signs of corrosion.

Community & Resources

Owners of the US 42 often find technical support through broader Bayliner and US Yachts enthusiast groups. While there is no longer a dedicated factory resource for these out-of-production sailboats, the Bayliner Owners Club remains a primary hub for historical documentation and owner discussions regarding the US Yachts line. Technical specifications and original marketing materials are often preserved in the archives of the Mariners' Museum and Park, which holds significant records for American boat builders of the 20th century.

The Verdict

The US 42 is a hidden gem for sailors seeking a Doug Peterson-designed hull without the premium price tag of a more "prestigious" brand. It offers a compelling mix of performance heritage and massive interior volume.

Pros:

• Excellent hull design by Doug Peterson provides better-than-expected sailing performance.
• Immense interior volume makes it an ideal candidate for a budget-friendly live-aboard.
• The flagship status of the model means it received better appointments than smaller Bayliner-built siblings.

Cons:

• Potential for significant deck core and blister issues typical of its production era.
• The "Bayliner" brand association can negatively impact resale value among sailing purists.
• The large size and age of the vessel can lead to high maintenance costs if systems have not been modernized.