1978 Westsail 42

$59,000

Used

Boat in Middle River, MD 21220 US

builtBuilt in 1978
Year the boat was built
model

42

Boat model
engine

1 Engine (Perkins)

Engine type and count
length

42 feet

Overall boat length
fuel

Diesel

Fuel type
material

Fiberglass/Reinforced

Hull material
Nominal Length
42ft
Length Overall
42ft
Beam
13ft
Dry Weight
31500lb
Cabins
1
Fresh Water Tanks
300gal
Fuel Tanks
180gal
Hull Material
fiberglass
Hull Shape
long-keel
Engine 1
Engine Make
Perkins
Engine Model
4208
Total Power
44hp
Engine Hours
900
Engine Type
Inboard
Fuel Type
diesel
Engine Year
1975
Drive Type
direct
Propeller Material
bronze-alloy
Anchor
Bbq Grill
Bench Seat
Bimini
Bow Ladder
Bow Rail
Cleats Fixed
Cockpit Seating
Propane Tanks
Steering Wheel
Swim Ladder ( Stern )
Transom Closed
Cabin Lighting
Cabinets
Dinette
Head
Heat
Ice Box
Microwave
Mirror
Port Holes
Pressurized Water System
Shower
Sink Galley
Stateroom Aft
Stove / Oven
V Berth
Washer / Dryer
110v Ac Outlets
Ac Electric Panel
Battery Switch
Circuit Breaker Panel
Docking Lights
Fuel Gauge
Fuse Panel
Hour Meter
Shore Power
Solar Panel
Stereo
Tachometer
Volt Meter
Water Heater
Backstay
Boom
Boom Vang
Forestay
Lifelines
Mast
Rigging Hardware
Running Rigging
Standing Rigging
Winches Manual
Dodger
Main Sail
Roller Furling Jib
Bilge Blower
Holding Tanks
Rudder
Compass
Covers Display
Gps / Plotter
Masthead Light:
Navigation Lights
Single Side Band Radio
Vhf
Vhf Speaker
Carbon Monoxide Detector
Fume Detector
High Bilge Water Alarm
Tagline
Nice Westsail Cruiser! These boats have sailed all over the world. New Captain wanted!
Condition detail
All of the features and amenities work as designed according to the seller. The canvas enclosure covering the cockpit is only a year old and is in excellent condition. This boat has been a live aboard for the past couple of years so will need to be cleaned. Great bones on this boat, no soft spots detected when walking around the boat.
Selling reason
Not Using it.
Generators
Generator 1
Detail
N/A

Price History

DateEventPrice
6/16/25Initial price$59,000

Overview from around the web 1978 Westsail 42

Customers consistently praise the 1978 Westsail 42 for its exceptional build quality and seaworthiness

Many highlight its robust construction with heavy-duty fiberglass and solid teak interiors, making it a reliable choice for long-distance cruising. Owners appreciate the boat's classic design, spacious layout, and comfortable living quarters, which provide ample room for extended voyages. The Westsail 42 is also noted for its impressive stability and ability to handle challenging sea conditions, giving sailors confidence on open waters. While some mention that the boat's traditional design may result in slower speeds compared to modern yachts, most agree that its durability and comfort outweigh this factor. Overall, the 1978 Westsail 42 is celebrated as a timeless cruiser that combines safety, comfort, and classic style.

The Biggest Pros and Cons

The 1978 Westsail 42 is a classic cruising sailboat known for its sturdy construction and traditional design. Here are some of the pros and cons of this model:

Pros

Robust Construction: Built with a heavy, solid fiberglass hull, the Westsail 42 is renowned for its durability and ability to handle rough seas.

Seaworthy Design: Its full keel and heavy displacement provide excellent stability and comfort in offshore conditions.

Spacious Interior: The boat offers a roomy cabin layout with ample storage, making it suitable for extended cruising.

Traditional Aesthetics: Classic lines and a timeless design appeal to sailors who appreciate a vintage look.

Simple Systems: Mechanical and rigging systems are straightforward, which can be easier to maintain and repair at sea.

Cons

Heavy Displacement: The boat’s weight can result in slower speeds, especially in light wind conditions.

Outdated Layout: While spacious, the interior design may feel dated compared to more modern yachts, with less emphasis on contemporary ergonomics.

Limited Sail Plan Efficiency: The traditional rig may not perform as efficiently as newer designs, requiring more effort to sail optimally.

Maintenance: Being an older vessel, it may require ongoing upkeep and potential upgrades to systems and equipment.

Maneuverability: The full keel design, while stable, can make tight maneuvering in marinas more challenging.

Made For

The 1978 Westsail 42 is ideal for sailors who value classic design, solid construction, and dependable offshore capability. It’s perfect for those seeking a sturdy, comfortable cruiser built to handle extended voyages and challenging sea conditions. Whether you're planning long-distance cruising or liveaboard adventures, this boat appeals to sailors who appreciate traditional craftsmanship and a spacious, seaworthy vessel designed for safety and reliability.

Contact Pop Yachts

5717 Bessie Drive, Sarasota, FL, 34233

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Address

5717 Bessie Drive
Sarasota, FL 34233

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