The Rustler 42 Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The Rustler 42 cutter was designed by Stephen Jones and built in the UK by Rustler Yachts Ltd.

Designed by Stephen Jones, this cutter rigged Rustler 42 sailboat is designed and equipped for ocean cruising.

Note the hanked-on staysail on this Rustler 42 which enables a storm jib to be set when needed.

Published Specification for the Rustler 42

Underwater Profile: Fin and skeg-supported rudder

Hull Material: GRP (Fiberglass)

Length Overall: 42'0" (12.8m)

Waterline Length: 33'5" (10.2m)

Beam: 13'4" (4.1m)

Draft: 6'2" (1.9m)

Rig Type: Cutter

Displacement: 26,000lb (11,794kg)

Designer: Stephen Jones

Builder: Rustler Yachts Ltd (UK)

Year First Built: 1999

Published Design Ratios for the Rustler 42

1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 17.4

Less than 16 would be considered under-powered;
16 to 20 would indicate reasonably good performance;
Over 20 suggests relatively high performance.

2. Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 40.0

Under 40: less stiff, less powerful
Over 40: stiffer, more powerful

3. Displacement/Length Ratio: 309

Under 100: Ultralight
100 to 200: Light
200 to 275: Moderate
275 to 350: Heavy
Over 350: Ultraheavy

4. Comfort Ratio: 35.4

Under 20 indicates a lightweight racing boat
20 to 30 indicates a coastal cruiser
30 to 40 indicates a moderate offshore cruising boat
40 to 50 indicates a heavy offshore boat
Over 50 indicates an extremely heavy offshore boat

5. Capsize Screening Formula: 1.8

Under 2.0 (the lower the better): Better suited for ocean passages
Over 2.0: Less suited for ocean passages

Summary Analysis of the Design Ratios for the Rustler 42

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1. A Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of 17.4 suggests that the Rustler 42 will, in the right conditions, approach her maximum hull speed readily and satisfy the sailing performance expectations of most cruising sailors.

2. A Ballast/Displacement Ratio of 40.0 means that the Rustler 42 will initially stand up reasonably well to her canvas in a moderate breeze, but she'll need a reef in the main to avoid heeling excessively in a gust.

3. A Displacement/Length Ratio of 309, tells us the Rustler 42 is clearly a heavy displacement cruising boat. You can load her down with all your cruising gear and equipment and it will hardly affect her waterline. Not an ideal choice for coastal sailing, but she'll come into her own on an offshore passage in testing conditions.

4. Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio of 35.4 suggests that crew comfort of a Rustler 42 in a seaway is similar to what you would associate with the motion of a moderate bluewater cruising boat - a predictable and acceptable motion for most seasoned sailors.

5. The Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) of 1.8 tells us that a Rustler 42 would be a safer choice of sailboat for an ocean passage than one with a CSF of more than 2.0.