Designed during the golden era of American sailboat manufacturing, this 42-footer represents Carter Marine's commitment to building capable offshore cruising vessels. The Carter 42 emerged from a design philosophy that prioritized seaworthiness and comfort over pure speed, making it an attractive choice for serious cruising sailors seeking a reliable platform for extended voyages. Built with a substantial construction that reflects the robust boatbuilding standards of its era, the Carter 42 features the kind of solid engineering that appeals to sailors planning blue-water adventures. The design incorporates a moderate displacement hull form that strikes a balance between stability and performance, while the spacious interior layout provides the comfort and storage capacity essential for extended cruising. While detailed specifications remain elusive, the boat's reputation among the sailing community suggests it handles well in a variety of conditions. Owners often praise its predictable sailing characteristics and ability to maintain course in challenging weather. For sailors seeking a traditional cruising boat with proven offshore capabilities, the Carter 42 offers the kind of time-tested design that has earned respect among experienced cruising sailors who value reliability over flash.
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What is the Carter 42's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Carter 42 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 20.08. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Carter 42's comfort ratio?
The Carter 42 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 27.15. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Carter 42 safe for offshore sailing?
The Carter 42 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.95. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Carter 42?
The theoretical hull speed of the Carter 42 is 7.52 knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Carter 42 weigh?
The Carter 42 has a displacement of 18,078.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 42.00 ft.
Who designed the Carter 42?
The Carter 42 was designed by Dick Carter, first built in 1977.