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Sailboat Specifications

Hallberg Rassy 42 Frers

Masthead Sloop · Fin W/Rudder On Partial Skeg

Designed by German Frers · Built by Hallberg-Rassy (Swe) · First built 1990

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LOA 43.37 ft  ·  Beam 12.96 ft  ·  Displacement 27,558.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 958.00 ft²  ·  Masthead Sloop  ·  Fin W/Rudder On Partial Skeg
About the Hallberg Rassy 42 Frers Sailboat

Renowned Swedish builder Hallberg-Rassy collaborated with acclaimed Argentine designer German Frers to create this sophisticated 43-foot cruising yacht, produced from 1990 to 2001 with 181 hulls launched. The HR 42 Frers represents a perfect marriage of Scandinavian build quality and Frers' elegant design philosophy, resulting in a yacht equally capable of extended offshore passages and comfortable coastal cruising. Built with Hallberg-Rassy's legendary fiberglass construction standards, this masthead sloop features a fin keel with rudder mounted on a partial skeg, providing excellent directional stability while maintaining good performance. The generous displacement of 27,558 pounds and substantial ballast ratio create a reassuringly stable platform in challenging conditions, while the moderate sail area delivers respectable performance without being overpowering. With a comfort ratio of 38.19, the design prioritizes seaworthiness and crew comfort over pure speed, making it an ideal choice for serious cruising couples or families planning extended voyages. The low capsize screening value of 1.72 indicates excellent stability characteristics suited for offshore work. Frers' influence is evident in the yacht's balanced proportions and sea-kindly hull form, characteristics that have earned this model a strong reputation among discerning cruising sailors seeking both performance and safety.

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Known Issues View all 10 issues →
High
The chainplate knees on the HR 42 Frers are glassed into the hull liner; moisture trapped between the liner and the hull shell in this area can cause hidden delamination and liner separation that is difficult to detect without moisture metering across the side decks and chainplate zones.
High
The lead keel is attached with stainless steel keel bolts; boats from the early 1990s production have shown crevice corrosion on the bolts within the keel-to-hull interface, sometimes with weeping rust staining in the sump. Keel bolt condition should be assessed by a surveyor, ideally with removal of the interior sole to inspect nut and washer condition.
1990–1995 models
High
The partial skeg-hung rudder uses an internal stainless steel rudder shaft; on boats with high hours or poor maintenance history, the lower rudder bearing in the skeg can wear, causing rudder slop. This is often masked at survey if the boat is only checked at the helm; physically grab the rudder blade and check for play at the skeg exit point.
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Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 43.37 ft / 13.22 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 33.96 ft / 10.35 m
Beam 12.96 ft / 3.95 m
Max Draft 6.56 ft / 2.00 m
Displacement 27,558.00 lb / 12,500 kg
Ballast 10,362.00 lb / 4,700 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 958.00 ft² / 89.00 m²
Headroom 6.56 ft / 2.00 m
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/rudder on partial skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer German Frers
Builder Hallberg-Rassy (SWE)
First Built 1990
Last Built 2001
Number Built 181
Related Sailboats Oyster 435 · Sweden Yachts 42 · Swan 431 · Oyster 43 · Oceanis 430 Beneteau
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Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Volvo Penta
Engine Model TMD 22
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 76
Fuel Capacity 111 gals / 420 L
Water Capacity 181 gals / 685 L
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hallberg Rassy 42 Frers's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Hallberg Rassy 42 Frers has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 16.87. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Hallberg Rassy 42 Frers's comfort ratio?

The Hallberg Rassy 42 Frers has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 38.19. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Hallberg Rassy 42 Frers safe for offshore sailing?

The Hallberg Rassy 42 Frers has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.72. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Hallberg Rassy 42 Frers?

The theoretical hull speed of the Hallberg Rassy 42 Frers is 7.81 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Hallberg Rassy 42 Frers weigh?

The Hallberg Rassy 42 Frers has a displacement of 27,558.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 43.37 ft.

Who designed the Hallberg Rassy 42 Frers?

The Hallberg Rassy 42 Frers was designed by German Frers, first built in 1990.

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