Ocean Passages, would you take H42 round the world

[Dave C]

Hi all!I read Mark Wolcott's submission "Best Ocean Going Cruisers" and responses with interest. I'm glad this forum exists as I am considering purchasing a Passage 42 in the next 2 years. I plan to make a 3 or 4 year circumnavigation and then settle down to some serious time wasting in the Carribean. Of all of the boats in this price range, the Hunter 420 has by far the best design from a comfort and interior layout perspective (imho , my question relates to it's strength and seaworthiness for long passages. A few immediate concerns I have is with stowage, water/fuel capacity, handling in extreme conditions (righting from knock-downs, effects of the 42's high windage, etc.), hull strength, and buoyancy in the case of a capsize. Any experiences or information you can supply would be most appreciated. Again, I'm pretty close to making up my mind to join the Hunter customer base and am really looking to bolster my confidence in that decision.Cheers!Dave

 

[Bill Sheehy]

Great Boat

We got our Passage 42 last year. As far as living aboard I don't think we could find a better boat. There is alot of storage and if needed you can add more. With a watermaker you will have more than enough water. You can add a extra fuel tank on the port side across from the holding tank.How the boat will hold up out in the open ocean I can't tell you. There are afew people here who have been offshore that can talk about it. I know someone who sailed all around the South Pacific on a 43 which uses the same hull. The boat held up fine except losing the mast. We would like to go offshore but thats afew years away. Are there better boats, sure there are but you can't beat the price for what you get. E-mail me if you want to know anything about the Passage 42. I have taken everything apart more than once.

 

[Phil Herring]

42 or 420?

I like 'em both (although I must admit my heart prefers the 42) but you might want to clarify which boat you're interested in. Different owner will have differing reviews, no doubt.ph.

 

[George Fletcher]

Passage is not a misnomer

I had a Passgae 42 for several years and thoroughly enjoyed the boat. Handling, space and "liveability" and a fair price for a well made production boat make her a great choice.I am into a Passage 450 now but I believe the 42 is a great choice to circle the globe!We are having a rendezvous next week on Santa Catalina and one of our guests circumnavigated in a 42. He is also now into a 450.If I get his "E" mail address you may want to correspond with someone who really knows the boats capabilities. I'll post it to you after next weeks meeting.Both boats a floating apartment buildings when it comes to living and storage space.

 

[Paul Akers]

Additional Input

There was just a "used boat" review in the regional publication named OFFSHORE that addressed the Passage 42. OFFSHORE represents Northeast Boating. If you can't find it (magazine), re-post a request here and I'll try to get contact info for you.BTW, their primary comment about the boat, beside how great it is, is that it is one of the only boats that has appreciated in value, that is on the market today. Unfortunately, because of their popularity, they are difficult to find.

 

[Justin Wolfe]

Here's a 42 that's been there...

Check out www.passagemaking.com. This is a site by Chris Oldham who sailed his 42 from San Diego to the east coast and then some. Lots of info about bluewater cruising in a 42 & 450.A couple in a nearby marina are planning on starting a circumnavigation on a 42 this fall.