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77data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this HYLAS 42 buyer’s report
HYLAS 42

HYLAS 42

1985–199022 built
$2.9K – $7.6K est. annual maintenance

Specifications

Hull

LOA42.08 ft
LWL33.5 ft
Beam13 ft
Draft7 ft
Displacement17,600 lb
Ballast8,800 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL7.8 kn

Rig & Sails

Iforetriangle height55.5 ft
Jforetriangle base16.84 ft
Pmainsail luff49 ft
Emainsail foot14.65 ft
FLforestay16.8 ft
Mainsail854.9 sq ft
Jib (100%)467.3 sq ft
Spinnaker794.4 sq ft

About the HYLAS 42

A shoal draft version draws 6.21'. Thanks to Bill Hall for prividing information on this yacht.

Sailpages Buyer's Take

Designed by German Frers and built by Queen Long Marine Co, Ltd. in Taiwan, the Hylas 42 is a substantial cruising sloop with a production run of 22 hulls constructed between 1985 and 1990. This limited series represents a specific era of heavy-displacement offshore design, with owner reports highlighting the prevalence of Perkins engines and Hood sails within the fleet.

Best for:
This boat is best suited for experienced coastal and offshore cruisers who prioritize seakeeping and comfort over high-speed performance, particularly those willing to manage a heavier, fin-keel vessel with a 7.0 ft draft.
Bluewater capability:
With a displacement of 17600.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.0, the Hylas 42 demonstrates strong offshore stability and seakeeping ability, supported by owner reports of watermaker and davit installations indicating active bluewater use.
Comparables:
Comparable vessels include the Hallberg-Rassy 42 and the O'Day 42, as they share similar eras, heavy displacement characteristics, and a focus on safe, comfortable offshore passage-making rather than racing pedigree.

Performance

Comfort24.8
Capsize2.00
SA/Disp19.6
Disp/Len209
Bal/Disp50.0

ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)

Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.

Polar Diagram

2468100°30°60°90°120°150°180°WIND
6kn8kn10kn12kn14kn16kn20kn24knbeat VMGrun VMG

Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC

Racing Ratings

GPH606.0 s/miOSN586.5

Triple Number

LowMedHighOffshore0.86421.11721.2547Inshore0.67480.91751.0664

ORC Measured

Displacement7987 kg (17611 lb)Wetted surface32.3 m² (347 ft²)Stability index-1.0

Sail Areas (ORC)

Main40.8 m² (439 ft²)Genoa53.0 m² (571 ft²)Spinnaker119.9 m² (1290 ft²)

Speed Table (kn)

TWA \ TWS68101214162024
52°5.56.57.17.47.67.77.87.8
60°5.86.77.27.57.77.88.08.0
75°6.06.87.37.77.98.18.38.4
90°5.86.87.37.77.98.28.58.8
110°5.76.87.57.98.28.58.99.2
120°5.56.77.47.88.28.69.29.8
135°5.06.27.07.68.08.39.110.0
150°4.25.46.37.17.68.08.79.4
Beat VMG3.64.45.05.35.55.65.75.7
Run VMG3.74.75.56.26.87.38.18.7

Pricing

We don't have market pricing data for the HYLAS 42 yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.

Estimated Cost of Ownership

Based on 42.08ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$2.9K – $7.6K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Annual Insurance
N/A
No price data available

Articles & Reviews

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

4 reported issues across 4 systems for the HYLAS 42, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

2 critical1 major1 minor
Deck1Structural1Rudder1Hull1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a HYLAS 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 4 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

Which engine powers your HYLAS 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 HYLAS 42

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