1978 DeFever 42

$79,500

Used

Boat in Seattle, WA 98117 US

builtBuilt in 1978
Year the boat was built
model

42

Boat model
engine

2 Engines (2x Lehman)

Engine type and count
length

46 feet

Overall boat length
fuel

--

Fuel type
material

Fiberglass/Reinforced

Hull material
Length Overall
46ft
Length on Deck
39ft
Beam
14ft
Dry Weight
26000lb
Cruising Speed
8kn
Max Speed
8kn
Cabins
2
Heads
2
Fresh Water Tanks
150gal
Fuel Tanks
400gal
Holding Tanks
35gal
Hull Material
fiberglass
Engine 1
Engine Make
Lehman
Engine Model
135
Total Power
135hp
Engine Hours
5500
Engine Type
inboard
Engine Year
1978
Drive Type
direct
Engine 2
Engine Make
Lehman
Engine Model
135
Total Power
135hp
Engine Hours
5500
Engine Type
inboard
Engine Year
1978
Drive Type
direct
Summary
One of the cleanest Defever's on the market, This is one you do not want to miss out on always professionally maintained. Very clean Lehman 120's. perfect NW boat
Accommodations

Unity has a huge interior, a large private V-Berth forward with a separate head, marble countertop, sink and shower. The main salon has a convertible dinette to a large double berth. The Owner's cabin has a large double pullman berth, tons of storage, a private desk, and a large hanging locker. The ensuite head features a marble countertop, SS sink, new manual head and a large shower.


  • Large V-Berth with private head
  • Ample storage drawers, hanging locker, cupboards and elevated shelves
  • Convertible Dinette to Double Berth
  • Electric Heat
  • Owner's Cabin Pullman Queen Bed
  • Massive storage
  • Writing Desk
  • Emergency Exit Door


Galley
  • U-Shaped Galley to Stbd
  • Deep, Double SS Sinks
  • Hot & Cold Pressure Water
  • Large Fridge with Freezer
  • Additional In-Counter Ice Box
  • General Electric 3 Burner Propane Stove w Oven - NEW 2024
  • 8 Storage Cupboards
  • 6 Storage Drawers
  • All Teak Construction
Recent Engine Work

Starboard Engine

  • New pistons, rings, heat exchanger, oil cooler, transmission
  • cooler, exhaust elbow, starter. Rebuilt fuel injectors

 

Port Engine:

  • New heat exchanger, oil cooler, fresh-water pump, exhaust elbow, rebuilt fuel injectors.

 

-Engine room refurbish – grated fiberglass floor, very nice!

-New sea strainers (3), new Racors (2)

-Fuel tanks cleaned, new inspection port in port tank, fuel cleaned.

-Prop shafts serviced, new cutlass bearings, new shaft seals.

-NEW Garmin Electronics

Electronics

NEW Garmin Electronics Package Including:


  • Chartplotter at Inside Helm
  • Autopilot
  • Autopilot Remote
  • Multifunction Instrument
  • Radar
  • AIS
  • VHF Radio
  • Stereo Sound System
Electrical
  • NEW Onan 6kw Genset
  • 2 new battery chargers (1 house, 1 engine)
  • 2 new batteries (1 engine, 1 house)
  • Engine room camera, bluetooth salon and aft deck camera 
  • 12V marine system with circuit breaker panel and master switches. 
  • 110AC shore power system 
Hull & Deck
  • NEW Bottom Paint
  • NEW Thru Hulls
  • NEW Engine Controls & Cables
  • NEW LED Running Lights
  • Teak rails refinished 2024
  • Fly bridge Bimini
  • Teak Furniture
  • Propane BBQ w/ Tank
  • Electric windlass
  • Nonskid Decks
Misc.
  • Fully found galley (silverware, dishes, etc)
  • Bedding for both berths
  • Ample spare parts
  • Crab pots (2)
  • Dinghy and OB engine.
  • Contents of dockbox.
  • Shilshole Marina slip available for 1 yr sublet
Exclusions
  • sword in forward berth, 
  • Ryobi power tools, 
  • open -end wrench set
  • Personal gear - starboard locker in aft stateroom
Disclaimer

The company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change or withdrawal without notice.

Price History

DateEventPrice
12/9/25Price decreased$79,500(-11.2%)
10/16/25Price increased$89,500
6/26/25Initial pricePrice on request

Overview from around the web 1978 DeFever 42

Customers appreciate the 1978 DeFever 42 for its classic trawler design, sturdy construction, and spacious interior layout

Many highlight its reliable performance and comfortable accommodations, making it ideal for long-range cruising. Owners often praise the quality craftsmanship typical of DeFever yachts from that era, noting the solid fiberglass hull and functional pilothouse. While some mention the need for updates in certain areas due to its age, overall, the 1978 DeFever 42 is valued for its timeless appeal and dependable seakeeping abilities.

The Biggest Pros and Cons

The 1978 DeFever 42 is a classic trawler-style yacht known for its sturdy construction and timeless design. Here are some of the pros and cons of this model:

Pros

Solid Build Quality: The DeFever 42 is renowned for its robust fiberglass hull and quality craftsmanship, ensuring durability and longevity.

Spacious Interior: With a well-laid-out interior, the boat offers generous living space, including comfortable cabins and ample storage.

Fuel Efficiency: Designed for long-range cruising, the DeFever 42 typically features efficient diesel engines that provide good fuel economy.

Seaworthiness: Its heavy displacement and full keel design contribute to excellent stability and smooth handling in various sea conditions.

Classic Aesthetics: The traditional trawler styling appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate timeless boat designs.

Cons

Older Systems: Being a 1978 model, some mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems may be outdated and could require upgrading or regular maintenance.

Speed: The heavy displacement and hull design prioritize comfort and efficiency over speed, resulting in modest cruising speeds compared to modern yachts.

Maintenance: Older vessels often need more upkeep, including potential issues with wood trim, gelcoat, and engine components.

Limited Modern Amenities: Compared to newer models, the 1978 DeFever 42 may lack some contemporary conveniences and technology found in current production boats.

Made For

The 1978 DeFever 42 is ideal for cruising enthusiasts seeking a classic, sturdy trawler with timeless design and reliable performance. Perfect for sailors who appreciate spacious interiors, comfortable accommodations, and a vessel built for long-range voyages, this boat suits those looking to explore coastal waters or embark on extended liveaboard adventures with confidence and style.

Contact Seattle Yachts

7001 Seaview Ave NW, STE 150, Seattle, WA, 98117

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Address

7001 Seaview Ave NW
STE 150
Seattle, WA 98117
Other Information about Seattle Yachts

Seattle Yachts was formed by the merging of Northwest Yachts which was founded in 1992 and Seattle Yachts which was founded in 1983. We have a great opportunity to serve you better, with locations in Washington, California, Florida, Maryland, Canada, and the Philippines! We represent 15 lines of new boats for you to choose from, as well as a fleet of previously owned vessels.

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