CENTURION 42
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 42.42 ft |
| LWL | 33.17 ft |
| Beam | 13.3 ft |
| Draft | 7.8 ft |
| Displacement | 24,300 lb |
| Ballast | 9,600.9 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.7 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 57 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 17.3 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 51 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 15.4 ft |
| FLforestay | 17.3 ft |
| Mainsail | 917.2 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 493.1 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 838.2 sq ft |
About the CENTURION 42
Designed by Ed Dubois and built by Henri Wauquiez (FRA) from 1985–1990, the Centurion 42 is a rare vessel with only 52 hulls produced. Its substantial displacement of 24300.0 lb and beam of 13.3 ft reflect a robust, heavy-displacement cruising design intended for serious offshore passage-making.
- Best for:
- This boat suits experienced bluewater cruisers and offshore passagemakers who prioritize seakeeping and comfort over speed, particularly those willing to manage the maintenance demands of a heavy, fin-keel sloop.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a D/L ratio of 297.25, a capsize ratio of 1.84, and a comfort ratio of 33.29, the Centurion 42 is well-suited for offshore cruising, offering stability and motion comfort in heavy weather.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other heavy-displacement French cruisers from the late 1980s such as the Oyster 42 or Hallberg-Rassy 42, due to similar build quality, displacement ratios, and focus on offshore durability rather than racing performance.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 5.4 | 6.4 | 7.1 | 7.4 | 7.5 | 7.6 | 7.7 |
| 60° | 5.7 | 6.7 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.7 | 7.8 | 7.9 |
| 75° | 5.9 | 6.9 | 7.4 | 7.7 | 7.9 | 8.1 | 8.3 |
| 90° | 6.0 | 7.1 | 7.6 | 7.9 | 8.1 | 8.3 | 8.6 |
| 110° | 5.8 | 6.9 | 7.5 | 7.9 | 8.2 | 8.5 | 9.0 |
| 120° | 5.5 | 6.7 | 7.4 | 7.8 | 8.2 | 8.5 | 9.1 |
| 135° | 5.0 | 6.1 | 7.1 | 7.6 | 8.0 | 8.3 | 9.0 |
| 150° | 4.2 | 5.3 | 6.3 | 7.1 | 7.6 | 7.9 | 8.6 |
| Beat VMG | 3.6 | 4.3 | 4.8 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.4 | 5.5 |
| Run VMG | 3.7 | 4.6 | 5.4 | 6.2 | 6.8 | 7.4 | 8.1 |
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 42.42ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
25 reported issues across 9 systems for the CENTURION 42, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CENTURION 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 25 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
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