1978 Westsail 42 Cutter Sold Boat in St. Marys, GA 31558 US
42 Cutter
1 Engine (Yanmar)
42 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
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1978 Westsail 42 Cutter | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $69,000 | $65,500 | $74,900 | $77,500 | $60,000 |
| Location | St. Marys | Savannah | Saint Simons Island | Saint Marys | Saint Marys |
| Nominal Length | - | 48' | 42' | 41' | 38' |
| Beam | 13' | - | - | - | - |
| Draft | 6' | - | - | - | - |
| Engine Make | Yanmar | Perkins | Yanmar | Beta Marine | Volvo |
| Total Engine Power | 75 hp | 102 hp | 62 hp | 60 hp | 50 hp |
| Days on Market | 691 | 522 | 164 | 105 | 353 |
| Get in touch |
MASSIVE $15,000 USD PRICE DROP TO $79,000 ASKING PRICE
I, as broker, visited this boat in person recently and found her to be very well setup and updated for offshore cruising with all the right things done In all the right ways, the big money has been spend in all the right ways, and her low price is to represent her need for a paint job to look first rate, which is well deserving of her first rate outfitting and setup. Contact me for full photos and my impressions.
The "Sea Rat" is a 1978 Westsail 42 cutter, hull #100, with unique history. Originally stored unfinished in California for 30 years, its sails and rigging remain in excellent condition, making it a "low mileage" boat only commissioned in 2008. With a tall rig, 2-spreader mast, new standing rigging, new chainplates, and a Yanmar 4JH4-TE diesel engine with just 700 hours, it's ready for long voyages with water maker, solar power, 12 volt Air Conditioning, Monitor Windvane, Feathering Prop and so much more! Despite its 46-year age, it has only been actively used for about 15 years, showing far less wear than expected. Currently located in a DIY marina in St. Mary's, GA, it's ideal for hands-on owners. Known for its ultimate seaworthiness, stability, and comfort, the Westsail 42 can sustain you over ocean passages, yet also performs well in lighter winds, and offers a comfortable ocean cruising experience for the wise sailor.
BVI Yacht Sales, with deep expertise in the Westsail brand, is proud to offer this finely finished boat for sale. As the leading Caribbean brokerage specializing in world-class cruising vessels, wherever in the world they are, we are eager to help find the perfect new owner for "Sea Rat."
Interior Comfort and Accommodations:
- Refrigeration: Frig-O-Boat, 12v, installed 2022
- Freezer: Frig-O-Boat, 12v, installed 2022
- Stove and Oven: Propane Cooktop, Toaster Oven
- Propane Shut off Valve: Electronic solenoid
- Fume Detector: Dual propane leak detector alarms
- Vented Propane Locker: Yes, at stern of boat
- Propane Tanks: 2x 20lb cylinders
- Watermaker: Rainman, 30gph, installed 2023
- Water System: Triple element drinking water filters
- Air Conditioner: Aft cabin AC, 12v DC, can run all night
- Headroom min/max: 6.5' minimum
- Length of bunks min/max: 6.5' minimum
Electronics and Navigation Equipment:
- CPT autopilot, installed 2023
- Garmin primary chart plotter
- Depth sounder, with spare installed in hull
- Primary VHF radio
- Dual handheld VHF radios
- 32” flatscreen smart TV
- Digital Yachts AIS receiver
- LED deck lights, white (installed 2023)
- Monitor windvane, all new bearings, shims, lines (2023)
Electrical System:
- 12 Volt DC direct current system
- 110 Volt AC alternating current power system
- 720ah solar panels
- 2000w Xantrex Freedom Marine 20 inverter
- 2000w Xantrex Freedom Marine 20 battery charger
- Xantrex battery monitor
- Balmar 110a alternator
- Victron 30a charge controller (2023)
- Victron 30a DCDC charger (2023)
Batteries:
- House: LiFEPo4, 3x 100ah bank (2023)
- Engine: 2x lead acid start batteries + spare
Mechanical Systems:
- Manual bilge pumps: Gusher Whale pump in cockpit
- Electric bilge pumps: Multi-depth, dual pump system
- Steering type: Cable & quadrant
- Emergency tiller: Yes, located in aft head
- Bilge blowers: Yes
- Spare propeller: Stored beneath forward head pan
- PSS dripless shaft seal (2022)
- Fuel polishing system
Deck and Hull Systems:
- Primary anchor: Rocna with 200ft 3/8” BBB chain
- Secondary anchor: 45lb CQR with 50' 3/8” BBB chain and 100' 3/4” 3 strand rode
- Anchor windlass: Lofrans Tigres (2023)
- Bow anchor roller: Custom-built stainless steel
- Bimini top: Sunbrella with stainless tubing, 5'10” headroom
- Dodger/sprayhood: Sunbrella with stainless tubing
- Cockpit table: Folding wooden table
- Swim ladder: Folding, telescoping
- Navigation lights: LED, red, green, and white (12v)
- Deck wash down system: 12v high-flow with coil hose in PVC deck tube
- 2-step dinghy boarding platform, starboard side
Sails and Rigging Systems:
- Main mast: Lafiel, same for the boom
- Standing rigging: Replaced in 2023
- Chain plates: Replaced in 2023
Winches:
- Mast: 1 self-tailing for mainsail halyard, 2 standard
- Cockpit: 2 self-tailing, 2-speed winches
Sails:
- Mainsail: 2 reef, 4 batten, in great condition
- Jib: 110% yankee on furling, in great condition
- Staysail: Hank-on, in great condition
Engine Info:
- Manufacturer: Yanmar
- Model: 4JH4-TE
- Year: 2018 (?)
- Horsepower: 75
- Engine Type: Inboard Diesel
- Engine Cycle: 4
- Drive Type: Direct
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- Propeller Type: Maxprop Folding
- Propeller Material: Bronze
- Engine Hours: 700
- Engine Alarms: Yes, 2
- Fuel Filter: Duel, switchable Racors
- Emergency Stop: Yes
- Raw Water Sea Strainer: Yes, bronze
- Fresh Water Cooling: Yes, new impeller yearly
- Fuel Shut Off: Yes
Owners Comments:
Our sailboat "Sea Rat" is a 1978 Westsail 42 cutter, hull #100. She has the tall rig, 2-spreader mast, great sails, new standing rigging, new chainplates, a barrier-coated hull, and a reliable Yanmar 4JH4-TE diesel engine with only 700 hours. You could literally launch this boat next week and begin a circumnavigation. One unique fact about "Sea Rat" is that although she’s 46 years old, she has seen far less use than you'd expect. For 30 years, she was stored unfinished in California, with the sails and original rigging stored indoors. Because of that, the sails are in fantastic condition, despite being original. Essentially, the boat has only been in use for about 15 years of its life, making it feel like finding a classic car that's been stored in a barn for decades. "Sea Rat" is currently on the hard in St. Mary's, GA, at one of the last DIY marinas on the East Coast. It’s the perfect spot if you like doing your own work, and they even allow you to stay on the boat overnight. We've already set her up with an air conditioner, keeping things cool and dehumidified while she’s on the hard. Contrary to popular belief, the Westsail 42 is a fast sailboat, regularly sustaining speeds over 8 knots. She typically sails at about half the windspeed and performs surprisingly well even in lighter winds. While she’ll point closer than 45 degrees to the wind, she will slip if pushed much further. She’s a heavy displacement, full-keel boat that’s fast, capable, safe, and incredibly comfortable on the ocean.
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.
1978 Westsail 42 Cutter Video Tours
Overview from around the web 1978 Westsail 42 Cutter
Customers praise the 1978 Westsail 42 Cutter for its exceptional sturdiness and classic design, highlighting its reputation as a reliable bluewater cruiser
Many appreciate the solid construction and heavy displacement, which provide a smooth and stable ride even in challenging sea conditions. The spacious interior and ample storage make it well-suited for extended voyages, offering comfort and practicality. Owners often mention the cutter rig as versatile and manageable, allowing for efficient sail handling. While some note that the boat’s traditional design results in slower speeds compared to modern yachts, the overall consensus is that the Westsail 42 Cutter is a trustworthy and durable vessel ideal for serious sailors seeking adventure on the open ocean.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1978 Westsail 42 Cutter is a classic bluewater cruiser known for its sturdy construction and traditional design. Here are some of the pros and cons of this iconic sailing vessel:
Pros
Solid Construction: Built with heavy-duty fiberglass and robust framing, the Westsail 42 offers exceptional durability and strength, making it well-suited for long ocean passages.
Seaworthy Design: The full keel and cutter rig provide excellent stability and balance, enhancing safety and handling in challenging sea conditions.
Spacious Interior: Despite its rugged exterior, the Westsail 42 features a roomy and comfortable interior with ample storage, suitable for extended cruising.
Classic Aesthetics: Its traditional lines and timeless design appeal to those who appreciate classic cruising yachts.
Reliable Performance: While not the fastest sailboat, it performs reliably and predictably, ideal for sailors prioritizing safety over speed.
Cons
Heavy Displacement: The boat's weight results in slower speeds, especially in light wind conditions, which may not satisfy sailors seeking swift passage.
Outdated Systems: Being a 1978 model, some onboard systems and equipment may require upgrades or modernization.
Maintenance Intensive: The robust build and age can mean more regular maintenance and upkeep to keep the vessel in prime condition.
Limited Maneuverability: The full keel design can make tight maneuvering in marinas or crowded anchorages more challenging compared to modern fin-keel boats.
Less Modern Amenities: Interior layouts and features reflect the era's standards and may lack some conveniences found on newer cruising yachts.
Made For
The 1978 Westsail 42 Cutter is ideal for sailors seeking a robust, ocean-ready cruising yacht. Designed for long-distance voyaging, it appeals to adventurers who prioritize safety, durability, and classic design. Its spacious interior and sturdy construction make it perfect for liveaboards and those looking to explore coastal and offshore waters with confidence.
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BVI Yacht Sales is the leading Caribbean yacht brokerage, selling the most boats every year from BVI to Trinidad to Panama to Belize and all around the Caribbean Basin! We provide a stress-free buying and selling experience, which produces the best deals for the right prices- whether you're looking for a hurricane damaged boat for sale, or a nearly new yacht, we have you covered. 100% focus on the selling of used yachts, you can be sure we are focused on your goals!
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Nanny Cay Marina, Nanny Cay, Tortola, VG1120
































