If money wasn't an object(it is) and you could buy a new 42 Passage(you can't) or 420, which way would you go? I know changes have been made, but are they all for the better? I'd like to buy a 420, but only want to pay for a 42. You know, the old beer budget thing. Bob Idler H34 s/v Cheers(sold)
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42!
Of course I'm prejudiced. My 42 is a 97 model, close to the end of the production run. Actually there are a couple of features I like more on the 420 but overall, I think the 42 is a better boat. At least compared to the 420s I've seen at boat shows, the woodwork is better on the 42, the heads are nicer, the rear stateroom is nicer, real toerails. The 420 appears to have better engine access.
Of course I'm prejudiced. My 42 is a 97 model, close to the end of the production run. Actually there are a couple of features I like more on the 420 but overall, I think the 42 is a better boat. At least compared to the 420s I've seen at boat shows, the woodwork is better on the 42, the heads are nicer, the rear stateroom is nicer, real toerails. The 420 appears to have better engine access.
6 of one...
The 420 has some improvements, to be be sure: the volume of the aft cabin, the newest generation of B and R rig (bigger roach, no backstay, older electrical, and other systems). I haven't sailed a 420, but the 450 sails circles around the old 42. BUT... that said, the 42 was in production longer than any boat Hunter's ever built, and that's no accident. The 42 is a boat people fall in love with. I sure did. maybe it's the proportions, or the lines, the layout, but it's a very special boat. I'd probably opt for the 42 over the 420. Now, if you put the 42 up against the 460, I'm not so sure...
The 420 has some improvements, to be be sure: the volume of the aft cabin, the newest generation of B and R rig (bigger roach, no backstay, older electrical, and other systems). I haven't sailed a 420, but the 450 sails circles around the old 42. BUT... that said, the 42 was in production longer than any boat Hunter's ever built, and that's no accident. The 42 is a boat people fall in love with. I sure did. maybe it's the proportions, or the lines, the layout, but it's a very special boat. I'd probably opt for the 42 over the 420. Now, if you put the 42 up against the 460, I'm not so sure...
Isn't the 420..
only a 40 foot boat? I"ve seen both at different boat shows, and the old 42 seemed larger than the 420. Just my impression. Perhaps one of the current owners can answer that question.
only a 40 foot boat? I"ve seen both at different boat shows, and the old 42 seemed larger than the 420. Just my impression. Perhaps one of the current owners can answer that question.
Thanks!
Great responses guys. Just the type of info I was looking for. I've got appointments to look at 3 P42's weekend after next. Are there any major weaknesses that I should be looking for? Maybe something I would see prior to a survey? Thanks again, Bob Idler
Great responses guys. Just the type of info I was looking for. I've got appointments to look at 3 P42's weekend after next. Are there any major weaknesses that I should be looking for? Maybe something I would see prior to a survey? Thanks again, Bob Idler
Oh yeah
_Always_ check the forward head. Make sure the intake thru-hulls are open and the bowl does not fill to the top. Also check the flush on that head. the forward heads are prone to some weird siphoning effect that can be the devil to solve. Check the black plastic ports in the saloon for leaks. Otherwise, I think the ordinary survey points will do just fine.
_Always_ check the forward head. Make sure the intake thru-hulls are open and the bowl does not fill to the top. Also check the flush on that head. the forward heads are prone to some weird siphoning effect that can be the devil to solve. Check the black plastic ports in the saloon for leaks. Otherwise, I think the ordinary survey points will do just fine.
P42 or 420
In response as to which boat I would prefer, I choose the P42. When I was looking at the P42 verses the 420 I noticed that on the 420 the tanks were smaller,there were no corian counter tops,the heads were manual not electric,stainless steel arch was not made as well...I can go on and on about the quality and design of the boat and come to one conclusion...Hunter wanted to make the boat cheaper. Of coarse I opted to buy a P42 and have no regrets.
In response as to which boat I would prefer, I choose the P42. When I was looking at the P42 verses the 420 I noticed that on the 420 the tanks were smaller,there were no corian counter tops,the heads were manual not electric,stainless steel arch was not made as well...I can go on and on about the quality and design of the boat and come to one conclusion...Hunter wanted to make the boat cheaper. Of coarse I opted to buy a P42 and have no regrets.
Thanks
Thanks everyone for the input. In spite of the overwhelming support of the P42, looks like we'll be ordering a new P420.
Thanks everyone for the input. In spite of the overwhelming support of the P42, looks like we'll be ordering a new P420.
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