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Talking about price,
if you’re thinking that low figure comes courtesy of substandard
workmanship and materials, think again. The 42’s wiring is well marked,
wrapped, and loomed. Wherever it passes through a bulkhead or the possibility
of chafe exists, it’s padded and protected. All ancillary machinery
such as macerator, bilge pumps, and compressors are accessible through
one centrally located hatch. The engine room, accessed through the aft
deck, has tons of space for maintenance or repair. The engine room sole
is commercial-grade aluminum diamond plate, and the Aquamet shafting is
protected with dripless seals.
The easy-living department
is well conceived, too. The galley is a two-step down from the main saloon
(I do wish there were a handrail there), but the cook is still very much
in the social circle while he or she is working on Corian countertops,
surrounded by solid cherry cabinetry with the kind of stowage often seen
on larger boats. The saloon windows slide up and down with the touch of
a switch, and the head offers separate toilet and shower compartments,
both roomy and both with separate entrances. The shower even sports a
frosted glass insert in its solid wood door.
The forward master stateroom
includes a queen-size marinized innerspring mattress, and the port-side
guest cabin has an equally comfortable double. Marble insteps in the doorways
add a touch of elegance that goes well with the marble strips inlaid in
the yard-built, all-cherry saloon table. That table, by the way, is not
convertible, but the saloon sofa is, providing room for two more people
to sleep.
That group you plan
to take cruising will really enjoy the 42’s flying bridge. With bench-type
wraparound seating, it’s as much a social center as it is the operational
focus of the boat. The whole gang–at least eight–can hang out
there without getting in each other’s way or the skipper’s,
who has excellent 360-degree sight ranges. The wide, comfortable, diamond-cut
nonskid staircase–not a ladder–that leads up here from the cockpit
has sturdy handrails, so you won’t have trouble handling your own
lines when you’re single-handed.
With wide, well-railed
side decks and a foredeck completely covered in nonskid, there’s
nowhere you can’t go safely on this boat. However, when hanging around
the bow, make sure the circuit breaker for the windlass is off, as the
flimsy plastic cover for the deck switch is not enough to prevent an inadvertent
step from accidentally activating it.
Despite her conservative
nature, the 42 was a real pleasure to drive. She came up on plane quickly
and tracked well, with just an occasional nudge needed to keep her on
course. Dockside handling and maneuvering were effortless as well. In
short, if you’re moving up from a 20- or 30-footer, your learning
curve on this boat will be about as long as it takes to get yourself settled
into her comfortable (and adjustable) skipper’s seat.
According to Silverton,
more than 20 42s had been sold by test day, and more are reportedly being
snapped up as soon as they’re off the line, which just proves that
there’s nothing stupid about keeping it simple.
Silverton Marine
Corporation Phone: (856) 825-4117. Fax: (856) 825-1824.
www.silverton.com.
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