Whitby 42 Sailboat Review, Specs, and Listings

Design and Construction

Construction of the Whitby 42 is generally sound for a coastal cruiser. The hull is a composite of alternate layers of fiberglass mat and woven roving with polyester resin, and a balsa wood core runs from just below the sheer to about a foot below the static waterline. Decks are fiberglass cloth and mat with balsa core, fastened to the hull on an inward flange. Whitby made liberal use of pop-rivets as a means of fastening structural components, and even the deck-to-hull joint of most boats is held with pop-rivets, fiberglass and resin. Some 42s were built with the deck-to-hull joint completely through bolted, offered by Whitby as an option at extra cost. With fairly round hull sections, a 5-foot draft, and a ballast-to-displacement ratio of.34 on 23,000 pounds of displacement, the hull form favors volume and stability over racing finesse.

Rig and Handling

Under sail the Whitby 42 is a bit sluggish through tacks in light air, and her windward performance is acceptable but not outstanding. She is, however, a very respectable performer on reaches and runs particularly in moderate to heavy air. A mizzen stay sail and spinnaker will help light air downwind performance. Some boats were built with an optional bow sprit, and others have had one retrofitted, reportedly improving the balance and weatherly performance of the boat significantly. The ketch rig and modest draft suit a cruising couple, though the boat asks for patience in light-air maneuvers.

Accommodations

The Whitby 42 is justifiably regarded as one of the most livable production boats to be found in this size range. There are good sized staterooms forward and aft, both with large adjoining heads and showers. The U-shaped galley is spacious and perfectly positioned to keep the cook out of the way of passengers and crew. A large saloon, comfortable navigation station, and even a work bench along the passageway between the navigation station and after stateroom round out a practical interior layout.

Mechanical and Service Access

Auxiliary power is a 67 HP Ford Lehman diesel installed beneath the cockpit deck, and the engine room is easily accessed for service. If engine replacement or major overhaul is ever necessary, the cockpit sole is removable. The engine room is also large enough to accommodate a small auxiliary generator along the port side. The 200-plus gallon fuel tank provides a cruising range of more than 1,200 miles without refueling, a generous figure for a 42-foot cruiser.

Known Issues

The pop-riveted fastenings are prone to work loose over time. Compression failures under the mizzen mast step result from the balsa wood core and inadequate structural support. The forward water tank seems to develop persistent leaks around the lid. For offshore use the boat lacks good sea berths, and extra hand-holds are strongly advised if you plan to sail offshore.

The Verdict

The Whitby 42 stands as a thoughtfully laid-out cruiser with a strong liveaboard pedigree and enough range to wander far from fuel docks. Her construction is sound for a coastal cruiser, though buyers should respect the known fastening and core-related weaknesses. She rewards a relaxed sailing style rather than aggressive light-air racing, and her interior remains a benchmark for the size.

Pros