Westwind 42 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Westwind 42 is defined by its heavy-displacement hull and a 3/4 length full keel, a combination that prioritizes directional stability and comfort over raw speed. With a displacement-to-length (D/L) ratio exceeding 320, the boat is a classic "momentum sailer" that excels in heavy weather. Once the 28,500-pound hull is up to speed, it tracks with remarkable precision; owner anecdotes frequently mention the boat's ability to hold a course for extended periods with minimal helm correction, a trait attributed to the balanced design of the skeg-hung rudder and keel.

Most Westwind 42s were delivered with a ketch rig, though cutter and sloop configurations exist. The ketch rig provides a versatile sail plan for short-handed crews, allowing for a "jigger and staysail" configuration in high winds that keeps the center of effort low and manageable. However, the relatively low sail area-to-displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 12.9 indicates that the boat can be sluggish in light air. Under power, the vessel is typically equipped with a Ford Lehman diesel engine, which provides the necessary torque to push the heavy hull through head seas, though the long keel makes maneuvering in tight marinas a task that requires practice and careful use of prop walk.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Westwind 42 is a showcase of traditional Taiwanese craftsmanship, characterized by extensive use of solid teak and multi-cabin layouts that utilize the center-cockpit design to its full potential. The primary advantage of this configuration is the private aft master stateroom, which is separated from the forward guest quarters by the main salon and a pass-through galley. This separation provides a level of privacy rarely found in 40-foot boats of the era.

In the main salon, the Westwind 42 features high-quality joinery, often including hand-carved details on locker doors and a solid teak-and-holly sole. Headroom is generous throughout most of the vessel, typically exceeding 6'4", which contributes to a spacious, airy feel despite the dark wood finishes. The galley is generally located in the starboard passageway, providing a secure, braced position for cooking while underway. While the 42 is the most common variant, it is part of a larger family of hulls; the Westwind 47 (a William Garden design) offered a significantly larger platform, while the Westwind 38 (designed by George H. Stadel III) provided a similar aesthetic in a more compact, cutter-rigged package.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

• Teak Deck Integrity: Like many Taiwanese builds from this era, the Westwind 42 originally featured thick teak decks fastened with thousands of screws. Over time, the bedding compound can fail, allowing moisture to penetrate the fiberglass laminate and the plywood core. Prospective buyers should inspect the decks for soft spots and look for interior water staining on the overheads.
• Stainless Steel Tankage: The original fuel and water tanks were often fabricated from stainless steel or iron and glassed into the hull structure. Replacing these tanks is a major undertaking that often requires cutting away parts of the interior cabinetry or the cockpit sole.
• Chainplate Corrosion: The chainplates on these vessels are often difficult to access for inspection. Given the age of the fleet, "crevice corrosion" in the stainless steel where it passes through the deck is a primary concern for offshore safety.
• Engine Maintenance: The Ford Lehman engines are famously reliable but may suffer from aging heat exchangers or cooling system leaks. Buyers should check the engine mounts and the condition of the Peugeot-based blocks found in some later "Lehman-Peugeot" marinized versions, as parts for the latter can be more difficult to source than the standard 80hp Lehman.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Westwind 42 often find common ground with the broader community of "Taiwanese Traditional" boat owners. Technical support and historical documentation are frequently shared through the Perry Rendezvous and various owner-led technical wikis. While no longer in production, the legacy of the Westwind 42 is maintained by cruising associations that specialize in the seaworthiness of 1970s heavy-displacement designs.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Exceptional tracking and sea-kindliness in offshore conditions.
• High-quality traditional teak interior with excellent privacy.
• Robust construction capable of circumnavigation.
• Timeless aesthetic appeal that commands respect in any harbor.

Cons:

• Poor light-wind performance due to high displacement.
• Difficult to maneuver in reverse and tight quarters.
• High maintenance requirements for exterior teak and aging systems.
• Potential for costly deck and tank repairs.