The Hunter 42 Passage Sailboat
Specs, Performance Analysis & Cruising Characteristics

Key Takeaways

The Hunter Passage 42 is a typical mid-nineties centre-cockpit cruiser that prioritises internal volume and liveaboard comfort over speed. Known for its cavernous aft cabin and user-friendly deck layout, it offers a moderate displacement profile that provides a stable, predictable ride in most coastal and offshore conditions. While it is not a light-air specialist, its robust construction and sensible design ratios make it a reliable choice for long-term cruising couples who value comfortable living aboard.

A Hunter 42 Passage

Design & Construction

When the Hunter Passage 42 first hit the water in the late 1980s, it represented a bold step for Hunter Marine, the American builder known for mass-producing accessible cruisers. Designed by Cortland Steck, the yacht was conceived to bridge the gap between a coastal hopper and a genuine blue water home. Built primarily of solid fibre glass below the waterline and balsa-cored laminate above, the hull was designed to be stiff and durable. Hunter's use of a structural grid system provided the necessary rigidity to handle the loads of a larger rig without the weight penalties of traditional heavy-timber framing.

The defining feature of the Passage 42 is undoubtedly its centre-cockpit configuration. Unlike aft-cockpit yachts of similar length, the centre cockpit elevates the helm station, providing excellent visibility and a much drier ride when punching through a head sea. However, the most significant practical implication of this design is the creation of a massive owner's stateroom beneath the cockpit. For sailors transitioning from a house to a boat, this layout makes the "Passage" series feel less like a vessel and more like a floating apartment.

Throughout its production run from 1989 to approximately 1998, the yacht saw several variations to suit different cruising grounds. While the masthead sloop rig remained the standard, owners could choose between a deep fin keel for better upwind performance or a shoal-draught wing keel. The latter proved exceptionally popular in areas like the Bahamas and the Chesapeake Bay, where the ability to tuck into shallow anchorages is a prized asset. Internally, while the two-cabin layout was the staple, various minor refinements to the galley and navigation station were implemented over the years to improve ergonomics.

While Hunter became famous for the B&R rig (no backstay), the Passage 42 typically employs a more traditional masthead sloop rig with a backstay. This is often preferred by blue water traditionalists for its perceived simplicity and robustness.

Sail Areas & Rig Dimensions

Rig Dimensions

Rig Dimensions

• I (Height of Foretriangle): 53'0"
• J (Base of Foretriangle): 16'4"
• P (Mainsail Hoist): 47'0"
• E (Mainsail Foot): 15'4"

Calculated Sail Areas

• Mainsail Area: 360.33 ft² (33.48 m²)
• Foretriangle Area (100% Jib): 432.83 ft² (40.21 m²)
• Total Sail Area (100% Foretriangle): 793.16 ft² (73.69 m²)

Published Specification: The Hunter Passage 42 Blueprint

Performance Analysis: Understanding the Design Ratios

To truly understand how the Hunter Passage 42 behaves at sea, we must look past the sleek lines and examine the mathematical DNA of the hull. These ratios provide an objective lens through which we can compare her to other yachts in the 40' to 45' range.

The Sail Area / Displacement ratio of 15.77 tells us that the Passage 42 is not a light-air rocket. She carries enough canvas to move comfortably in 12 to 15 knots of wind, but in lighter conditions, you will likely find yourself reaching for the ignition key. Conversely, the Displacement / Length ratio of 195.26 is surprisingly low for a boat that looks so substantial, which is a testament to Steck’s ability to keep the hull lines efficient.

The Capsize Screening Formula of 1.94 is particularly interesting. For an American-built production boat with such high topsides, staying under the 2.0 mark is an achievement. This indicates that despite her volume, the weight is distributed low enough to offer a decent margin of safety in offshore conditions. For more context on these metrics, you may find our guide on Understanding Boat Performance & Design Ratios helpful.

Structural Integrity & Stability Dynamics

The choice of fibre glass (GRP) as the primary hull material for the Hunter Passage 42 was a pragmatic decision based on cost, ease of repair, and longevity. While aluminium hulls offer superior impact resistance for high-latitude sailing, GRP is far easier to maintain in the tropical or temperate regions where most Passage 42s reside. The key maintenance concern for a boat of this age is the balsa-cored deck. If deck hardware is not re-bedded periodically, water can ingress and soften the core, leading to expensive repairs.

The defining centre cockpit and wing keel combination significantly impact her stability profile. The wing keel, found on many Passage 42s, concentrates the ballast lower than a traditional shoal-draught keel, which helps compensate for the high windage of the centre cockpit. Because the cockpit is situated higher and further forward than an aft-cockpit design, the motion felt by the helmsman is slightly more pronounced, but this is a trade-off many are willing to make for the dry, panoramic view and the luxurious aft cabin it allows.

Configuration, Layout & Cruising Characteristics

Step below deck, and it is immediately clear why the Hunter Passage 42 was a commercial success. The interior volume is nothing short of vast. The "sunken" galley to starboard is a chef’s dream, featuring deep sinks, ample refrigeration, and a layout that allows the cook to remain secure even when the boat is heeled. It is a functional space that does not feel like an afterthought, which is often a complaint on smaller cruisers.

The saloon is equally impressive, with a large U-shaped settee and a high-quality wood finish that has aged remarkably well on most well-kept examples. The master cabin aft is the "piece de resistance," featuring a walk-around queen-sized berth, cedar-lined hanging lockers, and an en-suite head that famously includes a small bathtub in some configurations. This level of luxury was revolutionary for a 42' yacht in 1990.

From a practical cruising standpoint, the tankage is generous, with approximately 150 gallons of water and 70 gallons of fuel, providing a solid range for coastal hops or island jumping. The engine access is also noteworthy; the companionway stairs and side panels remove to provide near-total access to the Yanmar diesel, making routine maintenance less of a chore. The cockpit itself is well-protected by a sturdy wraparound windscreen, which serves as an excellent foundation for a full bimini and dodger enclosure, effectively adding another "room" to the boat when at anchor.

Impressed?

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Summing Up

The Hunter Passage 42 is a yacht of compromises that lean heavily in favour of the liveaboard sailor. It is not the boat for someone looking to win regattas or to beat upwind in a gale for days on end. However, as a platform for comfortable cruising, it is hard to beat. The design ratios reveal a vessel that is stable and safe enough for offshore work, while the interior configuration offers a quality of life that few modern boats of the same length can match. Its performance is best described as steady and reliable; once she finds her groove, she eats up the miles with a minimum of fuss. For a couple seeking a spacious, capable cruiser that won't break the bank, the Passage 42 remains a compelling contender on the pre-owned market.

If you'd like to compare this boat with others in this size range, take a look at Cruising Boats from 40' to 45' overall....

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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