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49data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this GOLDEN WAVE 42 buyer’s report
GOLDEN WAVE 42

GOLDEN WAVE 42

Cheoy Lee Shipyard Ltd.🇭🇰· Design: Robert Perry
$95,000 avg$95,000 – $95,000 (1 listings)1981–198322 built
$3.0K – $8.0K est. annual maintenance
Bluewater CruisermonoMasthead SloopFin
Cheoy Lee Association Web Site

Specifications

Hull

LOA42 ft
LWL34.33 ft
Beam12.67 ft
Draft6.2 ft
Displacement25,000 lb
Ballast9,485 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL7.9 kn

Rig & Sails

Iforetriangle height57 ft
Jforetriangle base17 ft
Pmainsail luff51.2 ft
Emainsail foot16 ft
FLforestay17 ft
Mainsail926.9 sq ft
Jib (100%)484.5 sq ft
Spinnaker823.7 sq ft

About the GOLDEN WAVE 42

Sailpages Buyer's Take

Designed by Robert Perry and built by Cheoy Lee Shipyard Ltd.(HK) between 1981 and 1983, the Golden Wave 42 is a rare, heavy-displacement cruising sloop with only 22 hulls produced. Its substantial 25000.0 lb displacement and 9485.0 lb ballast reflect a design philosophy prioritizing seakindliness and stability over speed.

Best for:
This boat is best suited for serious bluewater cruisers and offshore passagemakers who value a solid, motion-dampened ride and are prepared to manage the maintenance demands of a heavy, fin-keel vessel from the early 1980s.
Bluewater capability:
With a capsize ratio of 1.74 and a displacement/length ratio of 275.85, the Golden Wave 42 exhibits strong inherent stability and heavy-weather resilience, making it well-regarded for offshore passages despite its age.
Comparables:
Comparable boats include the Cal 40 and O'Day 42, which share similar heavy-displacement characteristics and coastal/offshore cruising roles, though the Golden Wave 42 distinguishes itself with Robert Perry's performance-oriented hull form and Cheoy Lee construction quality.

Performance

Comfort35.9
Capsize1.74
SA/Disp16.8
Disp/Len276
Bal/Disp37.9

Market Price

Low
$95,000
Average
$95,000
High
$95,000
Based on 1 listings across 1 marketplace

Estimated Cost of Ownership

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

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$3.0K – $8.0K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Annual Insurance
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Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

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

8 critical6 major6 minor
Structural6Rudder5Deck3Hull2Engine1Rigging1Keel1Electrical1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a GOLDEN WAVE 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 20 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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Which engine powers your GOLDEN WAVE 42?

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

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Used sails that fit the GOLDEN WAVE 42

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