VAGABOND 42
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 42 ft |
| LWL | 34 ft |
| Beam | 12.83 ft |
| Draft | 5.5 ft |
| Displacement | 32,000 lb |
| Ballast | 12,000 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.8 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 48 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 19.5 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 42 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 14.25 ft |
| PYmizzen luff | 24.3 ft |
| EYmizzen foot | 8.37 ft |
| FLforestay | 19.5 ft |
| Mainsail | 791.2 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 468 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 795.6 sq ft |
About the VAGABOND 42
Also called WESTWIND 42.
Designed by George H. Stadel III and built by Vagabond/Blue Water Yacht Builders in Taiwan from 1978–1990, the Vagabond 42 is a robust staysail ketch known for its heavy displacement of 32000.0 lb. While the exact hull count is unspecified, the fleet is characterized by a D/L ratio of 363.47, indicating a solid, motion-dampening platform favored by serious cruisers.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for bluewater cruisers and those seeking a stable, heavy-displacement vessel for long-range offshore passages, particularly those who value the balance and sail plan of a staysail ketch.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.62 and a comfort ratio of 45.41, the Vagabond 42 demonstrates strong offshore suitability, offering excellent stability and sea-keeping performance for extended passages.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Hallberg-Rassy 42 and the O'Day 42, as they share similar heavy-displacement characteristics, ketch or cutter rig options, and a reputation for solid offshore construction from the late 1970s and 1980s.
Performance
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 42ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
16 reported issues across 5 systems for the VAGABOND 42, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a VAGABOND 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 16 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
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Used sails that fit the VAGABOND 42
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