The Vagabond 42 is a quintessential representative of the "Taiwanese ketch" era, designed by naval architect George H. Stadel III and produced by Bluewater Yacht Builders (Taiwan) between 1978 and 1990. Characterized by its romantic, traditional lines—including a clipper bow, trailboards, and a heart-shaped transom—the 42 was built for long-distance cruising and live-aboard comfort. While it is often associated with the larger Vagabond 47 designed by William Garden, the 42 was a distinct design aimed at providing a more manageable platform for a couple while retaining the "pirate ship" aesthetic that defined the brand. According to editorial research by Jordan Yachts, the model was born out of a desire for a stout, heavy-displacement vessel that prioritized seaworthiness and aesthetics over racing performance.
Vagabond 42 Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview
- Make
- Vagabond
- Model
- 42
- Builder
- Vagabond/Blue Water Yacht Builders (TAIWAN)
- Designer
- George H. Stadel III
- Number Built
- Production Year(s)
- 1978 - 1990
Below are the most recent Vagabond 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) |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 2026 | 2 | $67,000 |
| Mar 2026 | 1 | $45,000 |
| Apr 2026 | 1 | $45,000 |
| Model | LOA | Median Price (USD) | Listings | Recent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tayana Vancouver 42 | 41.75' | $106,330 | 30 | 7 |
| Vagabond 47 | 46.58' | $96,065 | 24 | 8 |
| Whitby 42 | 42' | $62,783 | 16 | 5 |
| Valiant 42 | 42' | $299,999 | 14 | 9 |
| Formosa 41 | 40.92' | $64,425 | 9 | 1 |
| Moody 42 | 41.79' | $66,102 | 8 | 3 |
| Formosa 47 | 46.42' | $100,437 | 6 | 1 |
| Passport 42 | 42' | $155,000 | 5 | 2 |
| William Garden 41 | 40.25' | $38,500 | 5 | 1 |
| Vagabond 42 | $45,000 | 4 | 4 | |
| Valiant 40-2 | 39.88' | $65,789 | 3 | 0 |
| Country | Median Price (USD) | Listings (past 12 months) | Recent (90d) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $45,000 | 4 | 4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a used Vagabond 42 cost?
- The median asking price for a used Vagabond 42 over the past 12 months is $45,000. Prices vary by condition, year, equipment, and location.
- How many Vagabond 42 sailboats are for sale?
- We have tracked 4 Vagabond 42 listings over the past 12 months, with 4 listed within the last 90 days.
- Are Vagabond 42 prices going up or down?
- The median asking price for the Vagabond 42 has remained stable over the last 3 months compared to the 12-month average.
- What are similar sailboats to the Vagabond 42?
- Comparable models include the Tayana Vancouver 42, Vagabond 47, Whitby 42. See the comparison table above for pricing and availability.