Hi Howard, we looked at both before choosing...
the P42. It is not the same boat. As I understand it the 420 is built on the H41 hull mold, whereas the P42 is built on the H43 mold. This design makes the P42 about two tons heavier in displacement with a bit more interior room. We also prefer the SS arch. Even though it is a P42, it measures just under 45 feet with a 40 pound Danforth anchor.IMHO I think the P42 is a sturdier boat than the 420 for the reasons mentioned above, plus more sail area. We've had our 1991 for going on three years and just love it. Aft cabin, layout, handling, etc. Of course we've never sailed a 420 so do both and then decide.Ours has an eight kilowatt Genset, dual heat pumps, dual reefers, microwave, TV/VCR, etc. We recently added a cruising spin with sock and replaced the original inverter with an Xantrex Freedom 25.TerryP.S. This boat really needs midship cleats. Just finished adding them today.