← Browse all sailboats
104data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this CASCADE 42 buyer’s report
CASCADE 42

CASCADE 42

Yacht Constructors Inc./Cascade Yachts🇺🇸· Design: Robert A. Smith
$123,000 avg$119,500 – $126,500 (2 listings)from 1964
$3.2K – $8.4K est. annual maintenance
Offshore CruisermonoCutterFin

Specifications

Hull

LOA42 ft
LWL34 ft
Beam11.92 ft
Draft6 ft
Displacement18,000 lb
Ballast6,179.4 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL7.8 kn

Rig & Sails

Iforetriangle height49.5 ft
Jforetriangle base14.42 ft
Pmainsail luff44.12 ft
Emainsail foot20 ft

About the CASCADE 42

Sailpages Buyer's Take

The Cascade 42 is a classic American cruiser designed by Robert A. Smith and built by Yacht Constructors Inc./Cascade Yachts (USA) in 1964. With a production run limited to a single year and an unknown total hull count, this vessel represents a specific era of American yacht construction characterized by its 42.0 ft LOA and 18000.0 lb displacement.

Best for:
This boat suits experienced coastal cruisers and those seeking a classic, heavy-displacement cutter rig who are prepared for significant mechanical and structural maintenance. It is less ideal for novice owners due to the age of the hull and the critical nature of common failure points.
Bluewater capability:
With a D/L ratio of 204.45 and a Capsize ratio of 1.82, the Cascade 42 possesses the heavy displacement and stability characteristics suitable for offshore passage making, provided the critical structural integrity of the keel and rudder is verified.
Comparables:
Comparable vessels include other 1960s American heavy-displacement cutters such as the O'Day 38 or Pearson 36, which share similar build eras and maintenance challenges regarding aging fiberglass and teak decks. These boats are comparable due to their similar displacement ratios and fin keel configurations from the same decade.

Performance

Comfort28.2
Capsize1.82
Disp/Len204
Bal/Disp34.3

Market Price

Low
$119,500
Average
$123,000
High
$126,500
Based on 2 listings across 2 marketplaces

Estimated Cost of Ownership

Based on 42ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$3.2K – $8.4K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
Enter zip code
Pick a country or enter a US zip for local rates
Annual Insurance
Enter zip code
For location-adjusted rates

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

18 reported issues across 8 systems for the CASCADE 42, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

6 critical6 major6 minor
Engine4Structural3Keel2Rigging2Deck2Rudder2Hull2Electrical1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a CASCADE 42? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.

  • ✓ All 18 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
  • ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
  • ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep

One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep

Similar Sailboats

OYSTER 39
40.68ft · Oyster Marine, Ltd.🇬🇧
HELMSMAN 43
42.98ft · Helmsman Yachts🇩🇰
TASWELL 43
42.83ft · Ta Shing Yacht Building (TAIWAN)🇹🇼
NORTHEAST 400
42ft · Cabo Rico🇨🇷
TASWELL 43 RS
42.83ft · Ta Shing Yacht Building (TAIWAN)🇹🇼
OVNI 400
42.32ft · Alubat🇫🇷

Which engine powers your CASCADE 42?

We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.

Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Perkins — is it one of these?

Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.

Used sails that fit the CASCADE 42

Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…