whitby 42 sailboat

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• By Tom Zydler
• Updated: January 12, 2009

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Whitby 42 368

Ted Brewer designed the Whitby 42 in 1971 for Whitby Boat Works in Canada. She has a 13-foot beam, 32-foot 8-inch waterline, and a moderate 5-foot draft. High freeboard allows a commodious interior, which in one of the two available cabin layouts boasts two swiveling armchairs, a spacious engine room, and a very comfortable aft cabin. Ample water tankage of 290 gallons provides for showers in two heads, and a 210-gallon fuel capacity assures good range under power. A cavernous refrigerator/freezer keeps perishables during an extended cruise, a locker for wet oilskins abuts the main companionway ladder, and a handy workbench sits in the passage aft by the engine room.

Some specifications listed a Volvo MD30A engine, but most Whitby 42s had a Ford Lehman 254 or Perkins 4-236, typically turning a propeller between 16 and 18 inches in diameter. This combination gives plenty of power for motorsailing, although with a generous sail area of 875 square feet, a long waterline, and well- designed underbody, these ketches sail remarkably well – several owners report speeds of 7.5 to 8 knots on a close reach. In the 1970s, the Whitby 42 Revelation collected a number of firsts while racing under PHRF in California.

Comfortable, seaworthy, and forgiving of a novice sailor, the Whitby 42 found a receptive clientele, and Whitby Boat Works sold 233 of them before ceasing production in 1987. In 1979, Fort Myers Yacht and Ship Building in Florida obtained a license to the design and built 32 boats of reportedly high quality. Fort Myers changed the design in 1983 to a 4-foot draft with centerboard and named it the Brewer 12.8. In 1987, it was again modified into the Brewer 44, which was produced until 1991.

Joe Cordoba has owned and cruised Eugenia, his Whitby 42 (hull number two) for seven years. In 1993, on a passage from Isla Mujeres Mexico, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Joe – an experienced sailor with a green crew – ran into the “Storm of the Century.” His engine quit; he continued to tack northward under reduced sail. After the reefed main blew out, Eugenia sailed on under storm jib and reefed mizzen, eventually making Key West. Joe’s improvements reflect his experience. He fitted a sturdy gooseneck on the mainmast to take a mainsail roller-furling system and can now reduce the mainsail and mizzen areas more than the old slab reefs allowed. Nevertheless, he retained the trysail track for good measure. Crew can clip their harnesses onto jackstays running along the side decks and across the stern. The mizzen sheets are now mounted farther inboard from the stern to avoid obstructing access to the dinghy and boarding ladder. Joe recently installed a robust stern arch combined with davits to hoist the dinghy high enough to clear the sea when the boat rolls or the bow climbs over a wave. The arch will also support antennas and three large solar panels. A permanent bimini roof rests on aluminum tubing, which also carries removable clear vinyl panels to enclose the cockpit. To provide more space for cruising paraphernalia, he located the forward tubes of the enclosure support and a new coaming a couple of feet forward of the original companionway coaming.

Monotonous hours at the wheel in the foaming Gulf Of Mexico revealed the importance of the mizzen as an aid to steering and tacking the boat in rough conditions. Eugenia’s mizzen withstood the storm, firmly supported by a triatic stay and runners, but three Whitby 42s that we’ve heard of have lost mizzen masts overboard. According to reports, in these earlier boats the bulkhead under the mizzen, which is stepped on the aft cabin roof, flexes enough in a seaway for the mast to jump out of its step. A taller, more substantial mizzen heel-fitting with a pin through the mast, additional rigging, and stiffening the floor support under the aft bulkhead should stabilize the mast.

Joe suspected during the storm that the rudder might need enlarging. At the next haulout he added 8 inches of laminate to the trailing edge. Steering improved dramatically.

I recently learned about two incidents of rudder stocks breaking after the recommended addition to the rudder area. The bronze rudder stocks sheared at the upper section where the stock enters the hull. Whitby 42 owners planning extended ocean cruises should examine the rudders and possibly replace the old rudder stocks with new ones fabricated from Aquamet 22, a highly corrosion-resistant propeller shaft stainless-steel alloy.

Eugenia’s interior has a classic look; Joe stripped the bulkheads, refinished them with semigloss varnish, and covered the factory-molded overhead liner with a high-density vinyl-coated foam attached with varnished battens. He converted the port transom seat in the main cabin to a slide-out double bunk and anchored new swiveling chairs to the floorboards. The varnished navigation table holds charts under the recently added hinged top, and across the cabin a new system runs the refrigeration in the U-shaped galley. Beneath shiny teak-and-holly floorboards are several water tanks. Most Whitby 42 owners report that original tank vents needed replumbing because of air locks. Joe had problems with water getting into the keel fuel tank (Whitby 42s have three fuel tanks), so he removed it, creating an accessible deep bilge that he fitted with a pump.

Losing electricity in the Gulf storm led Joe to install an independent generator in the engine room. Now he can run the new radar and not worry about discharging the batteries. He also installed an air conditioner, which makes life in the tropics more comfortable. Joe plans to cruise the West Indies, Venezuela, Colombia, and Panama, and on to Central America.

Prices for used boats vary – expect to pay at least $70,000. Add 50 percent of the purchase price for updating, and you will end up with a first-class cruising boat. The 175-member Whitby 42/Brewer Owners Associations publish bulletins packed with information about problems, fixes, and boats on the market. Contact: c/o Bernard C. Boykin, 1919 Ruxton Road, Baltimore MD 21204-3510; phone: (410)828-5690 and (410)296-4322.

LOA 42’0″ (12.8m) LWL 32’8″ (9.96m) Beam 13’0″ (3.96m) Draft 5’0″ (1.52m) Ballast 8,500lbs. Disp 23,500lbs. (10660 kg) SA 875 sq.ft. (81.3 sq.m.) Ballast/Disp 36.2% Disp/Length 301 SA/Disp 17.1 Fuel 210 gal. (795 ltr.) Water 290 gal. (1098 ltr.) Holding retrofit Auxiliary Volvo MD30A, Ford Lehman 254, or Perkins 4-236 Designer Ted Brewer

• More: 41 - 50 ft , before 2000 , Bluewater Cruising , Coastal Cruising , keelboat , monohull , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats , sailboats classic plastic
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The Whitby 42 Sailboat Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The Whitby 42 is a renowned sailboat, designed by the esteemed naval architect, Ted Brewer, and built by Whitby Boat Works in Ontario, Canada. The production of this model commenced in 1972 and concluded in 1988, during which period a total of 200 boats were produced.

The Whitby 42 was produced with or without a bowsprit, according to the owner's preference. However, it's worth noting that without a bowsprit, it is known to have a wicked weather helm. This means that the boat has a tendency to turn into the wind during sailing.

Adding a bowsprit moves the sailplan and thereby the center of effort forward, which can help balance the boat and reduce weather helm. So, while not all Whitby 42s were produced with a bowsprit, it could be added based on the needs and preferences of the owner.

No aft-cockpit versions were produced.

Published Specification for the Whitby 42

Underwater Profile:  Long keel

Hull Material:  GRP (Fibreglass)

Length Overall:  42'0" (12.8m)

Waterline Length:  32'8" (10.0m)

Beam:  13'0" (4.0m)

Draft:  5'0" (1.5m)

Rig Type:  Ketch

Displacement:  23,500lb (10,659kg)

Ballast:  8,000lb (3,629kg)

Performance Predictions based on the Design Ratios

• The Whitby 42 sailboat, with a Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of 17.1, suggests a moderate cruising speed.
• The Ballast/Displacement Ratio of 34.0 indicates a good stability and stiffness, enabling the boat to carry a reasonable amount of sail.
• The Displacement/Length Ratio of 301 implies a moderate performance, particularly in light wind conditions.
• The Comfort Ratio of 33.6 suggests that the boat has a comfortable motion at sea, making it suitable for long-distance cruising.
• Lastly, the Capsize Screening Formula of 1.82 indicates that the Whitby 42 has a relatively low risk of capsize, which is an important safety feature for offshore sailing.

Overall, the Whitby 42 is a reliable, stable, and comfortable cruising sailboat.

The Designer

Ted Brewer is a highly respected yacht designer known for his significant contributions to the sailing world. Apart from the Whitby 42, Brewer has designed numerous other sailboats that have gained popularity among sailing enthusiasts.

Some of his notable designs include the Aloha 28, the Brewer 44, and the Cape North 43. Additionally, he designed the Whitby 55, a larger sibling to the Whitby 42.

Brewer's designs are renowned for their stability, seaworthiness, and comfort, making them ideal choices for long-distance cruising and liveaboard lifestyles.

The Builder

Whitby Boat Works is a Canadian boatbuilding company that was established in the 1960s in Whitby, Ontario. The company was renowned for its production of sturdy and reliable cruising sailboats, which were designed by notable naval architects such as Ted Brewer.

Apart from the famous Whitby 42, the company also built other popular models like the Whitby 55 and the Alberg 30. Despite its significant contributions to the sailing world, Whitby Boat Works ceased operations in the late 1980s and is no longer in business.

However, not all boats in the Whitby or Brewer range were produced by this builder. The Whitby and Brewer sailboats were built at both Whitby Boat Works in Whitby, Ontario and Fort Myers Yacht and Shipbuilding in Ft. Myers, Florida from 1972 until 1990. This includes the Whitby 42 and 55, Ft. Myers' Whitby 42, Brewer 42, 44, and 12.8. So, while Whitby Boat Works did produce a significant number of these boats, they were not the sole builder.

In Summary...

The Whitby 42 is a spacious and sturdy cruiser. It features a 13-foot beam, a 32-foot 8-inch waterline, and a moderate 5-foot draft. The high freeboard allows for a commodious interior, which includes two swiveling armchairs, a spacious engine room, and a very comfortable aft cabin.

The Whitby 42 has been praised for its ample water tankage of 290 gallons, which provides for showers in two heads, and a 210-gallon fuel capacity that assures good range under power. It also features a cavernous refrigerator/freezer to keep perishables during an extended cruise.

In terms of performance, the Whitby 42 is described as having respectable speed on reaches and runs, particularly in moderate to heavy air. However, it can be a bit sluggish through tacks in light air. Its windward performance is acceptable but not outstanding. The addition of a mizzen stay sail and spinnaker can help improve light air downwind performance.

Owners have reported that the Whitby 42 sails remarkably well, with several reporting speeds of 7.5 to 8 knots on a close reach. They have also praised the boat's comfort and seaworthiness, as well as its forgiving nature for novice sailors.

Overall, the Whitby 42 is well-regarded as a solid bluewater cruiser with good room and middling sailing performance. It's an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable long-term cruiser that is safe, comfortable, and sails reasonably well.

I wrote this article using GPT-4, OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model, as a research assistant to develop source material. I wrote the final draft in its entirety and believe it to be accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Dick McClary, creator and owner of sailboat-cruising.com

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The Whitby 42 is a 42.0ft masthead ketch designed by Edward S. Brewer and built in fiberglass by Whitby Boat Works Ltd. (CAN) between 1972 and 1988.

300 units have been built..

The Whitby 42 is a heavy sailboat which is a reasonably good performer. It is reasonably stable / stiff and has a good righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a bluewater cruising boat. The fuel capacity is good. There is an excellent water supply range.

Whitby 42 for sale elsewhere on the web:

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Bluewater Sailboat – Whitby 42

The Bluewater Sailboat Whitby 42 designed by Ted Brewer is a heavy displacement cruiser with a full keel and a tough exterior, but she lacks the “Brewer bite” that enhanced the performance of her sisterships, the Brewer 12.8 and Brewer 44.

The Whitby 42 is not as hard as she might seem, despite being the most commercially successful of Ted Brewer’s designs and regarded as a good value liveaboard shoal water cruiser.

Despite having successfully completed challenging offshore voyages, she is not the first choice for proficient blue water sailors due to construction flaws. This centre cockpit cruiser isn’t known for its sailing prowess, but the accommodations and 5′ draught, which is ideal for shoal waters, and are possibly the real draws attraction.

• LOA:42′ 0″
• LWL: 32′ 8″
• Beam: 13′ 0″
• Draft: 5’ 0″
• Displacement: 25,500 lbs.
• Sail Area: 875 sq. ft.
• Fuel Tankage: 210 US Gal.
• Water Tankage: 290 US Gal.
• Designer: Edward S Brewer
• Year Introduced: 1973
• Year Ended: 1990

In 1973, the first Whitby 42 emerged from the yard in Ontario, Canada. Kurt and Doris Hansen’s Whitby Yachts went on to produce 200 hulls between 1973 and 1983. The Alberg 30 and Alberg 37 were previously created by Whitby Boat Works. The 42″s construction quality gradually improved until 1983.

The Brewer 12.8 and Brewer 44, along with an additional 32 of these ketches, were then constructed at Fort Myers Shipyard in Florida as the production line moved south. The Brewer 12.8 and Brewer 44, along with an additional 32 of these ketches, were then constructed at Fort Myers Shipyard in Florida as the production line moved south.

The topsides of the hull are balsa cored, much like most Canadian builders of this era. Below, layers of mat and woven roving with polyester resin are alternated. Pop rivets are most often used to secure the hull and deck. A molded liner that has been inlaid is used to reinforce the hull and offer interior structure, but at the price of hull access. Her ketch rig is there. A fantastic Ford Lehman engine with 67 HP supplied plenty of power.

Now you can also precisely calculate the expenses related to boat ownership to make smart choices based on your budget and sailing needs. Use this bluewater Sailboat Calculator to explore different options and make the best decision.

The versions made by Myers are known for their superior build quality. The 12.8 design added a centerboard, a Brewer bite to the full keel, and a cutter rig in place of the Whitby’s ketch rig. As a result of the hulls’ lighter and stronger construction, ballast and stability have been increased. A stretch version of the 12.8 is the Brewer 44.

The Bluewater Sailboat Whitby 42 features a walk-through arrangement in the contemporary centre cockpit aft stateroom. There is a big V-berth up front. A shared shower is located in the forward head. Two swivel chairs are placed opposite an L-shaped sofa dinette in the salon. The Whitby 42 was more of a liveaboard than a serious offshore cruiser, as evidenced by the swivel chairs. Aft to port is a galley with a U shape. The cockpit lockers cause the walkway to have a low headroom. The rear cabin has a full-width bunk and an attached bathroom.

 Performance

Although better than a Westsail 42, sailing performance is still a little bit of a drawback. In addition to having a somewhat full keel and a linked rudder, she also has more rounded buttocks, making her more delicate than her hard shell and substantial displacement might suggest. She possesses winter weather helm without a bowsprit. She is a sturdy Whitby boat for the trades anyway, and with to her shoal draught of 5 feet, she can enter even the smallest of harbors.

Quick Notes

The water tanks, which are bizarrely made of fibreglass with an aluminium top plate, are advised to be examined by buyers. The keel fuel tank, which is located deep within the bilge, is another issue. Although many chose via bolts, stainless steel rivets are frequently used to connect the hull to the deck. The mizzen mast is susceptible to compression and lacks a strong glass radius. In order to improve yacht performance and lessen weather helm, look for 42s with a bowsprit.

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Personal experience with a Whitby 42?

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Hopefully Jeff H will weigh in here for you, scove, he seems to have a lot of knowledge of these boats. There was a Vancouver Whitby 42 that did some extensive Pacific cruising in the '80s, it was called Feng Shui and was sailed by Jim (dammit, forget his last name - he works for the city now and was on the news during the Stanley Park storm coverage...) If you can track that story down you may get some more info.. it was covered in back issues of PY. I can only tell you anecdotally that AFAIK they are well regarded as serious blue water vessels assuming you get a good one. I understand there were variations produced as a Brewer 12.8 too.  

I don't meet ANY of your requirements scove but I did look at several when in the market some years ago as well as doing some research. Just a couple of things to help you out: 1. MOST of the Whitby's had screwed and glued hull to deck joints. Through bolting was an option. Look for an "option" boat! 2. The Brewer 42/2.8 is a very similar boat but built a bit better and a better keel. Look for those as well. 3. The boat is a solid bluewater cruiser with good room and middling sailing performance as one would expect. Hope this helps a bit. Condition will be the key of course. There is a whole thread on the boats here: http://www.sailnet.com/forums/buying-boat/22883-whitby-42-brewer-42-brewer-12-8-a.html#post102381  

Another variant is the Brewer 44, I believe, by Fort Meyer rather than Whitby. I've sailed a bit on the 44 version. Nice, solid boats, with a swim scoop added at the stern. They were offered with various keel and keel/centerboard options, as well as rig options (cutter, ketch, etc). They are a fair bit more expensive than the standard Whitby 42, though. Speaking as someone with similar requirements to you, I'm not sure the Whitby would be my first choice. I would be looking for a boat with a 3-cabin layout. A somewhat similar boat that occasionally is configured with 3 cabins is the C&C Landfall 43. Often you'll see the starboard pass-through between the main cabin and aft cabin configured with over/under bunks. Yet another one similarly configured, but a bit larger, is the Stevens 47.  

Hi Scove, We just purchased a Whitby 42 in August... looking forward to lifting the anchor in May this year and cruising full time. Our price point required purchasing a bit of a 'fixer-upper' so we have a lot of work to do before then! We too were impressed with the Whitby's credentials. I'm sure you have already searched for and found a number of positive reviews on the internet. Faster mentioned 'Jeff H' - some of his past postings on SailNet are quite favorable toward the Whitby so search the SailNet archives if you haven't already. Another positive review by Jack Horner can be found on the boatus website. Although he erroneously states (as did Camaraderie) that the hull/deck joint is not through-bolted. It is through-bolted on all Whitby 42s. Your absolute best resource will be Douglas Stephenson. He worked in the Canadian Whitby factory for many years and is currently a broker specializing in Whitbys. His wealth of knowledge and eagerness to share it really helped 'seal the deal' when it came time for us to make a decision. He even spent two days on the boat with us showing us everything about the systems and handling her. How many brokers will do that for you?? Doug has kept tabs on nearly the whole fleet of Whitbys and I am sure he would be able to put you in touch with somebody in Northwest US/Southwest Canada that could give you a tour. I vaguely recall, from when I was looking, there were one or two for sale in the Seattle area and another in the Alaskan panhandle. Doug can be reached at Yachts with Experience [email protected] Phone: (705) 527-0442 Fax: (705) 527-0967 Mail: Trawlers & Sailing Yachts Inc. PO Box 333, Midland, Ont., L4R 4L1 Doug can also verify for you, from his personal knowledge of the manufacturing process, the deck/hull joint is through-bolted. Another thing that drew us to the Whitbys was it's very active and friendly owners association. They have a new website that has come a long way in a very short time and is still improving - Whitby Brewer Sailboat Association . There is an annual owners reunion in Annapolis in Late September/early October. There is also a very active list server with many very knowledgeable owners. WhitbyBrewerSailboats : Whitby & Brewer Sailboat Group . As with any boat this age a good survey is paramount. Sorry, I can't speak to having kids on board but I'll do my best to answer any questions you have. Hope you find the Whitby to your liking and maybe we'll cross paths out there someday. Scott  

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Boat Gallery

Whitby 42 - A many-faceted boat known by many names

© Ed Lawrence This article originally appeared in the September / October 2005 issue of Good Old Boat magazine. 

E ver have one of those conversations during which you wonder if you and other participants are speaking the same language or discussing the same topic? Actually, those can be fun when you're speaking with someone whose pronunciation makes “hail" sound like the place in which sinners reside.

I recently endured such an experience while discussing the attributes and merits of the Whitby 42 with several owners.

“What I really like is the bowsprit and cutter rig," one says. “My boat doesn't have a bowsprit," another responds.

“Well, I really like the centerboard because it allows me to get into shallow anchorages and improves performance to weather," a third voice adds.

Brian Stewart's Whitby 42, Pilgrim, awaits the return of her crew, above.

“Centerboard! What centerboard? My boat has a full, shallow-draft keel that only draws 5 feet," adds a fourth.

These sailors were all singing from the same songbook, but they were on different pages. This sailboat, a 42-foot ketch designed by Ted Brewer, did have a bowsprit . . . or didn't, depending upon an owner's preference. Though in theory a production boat — one that initially was constructed at the Whitby Boat Works in Whitby, Ontario — if the orders were accompanied by a negotiable instrument (read: dollars), buyers were allowed some latitude in their boat's configuration. “If you want a bowsprit, we'll build a cutter ketch," the company's marketing materials said. Doug Stephenson was a member of the company's marketing team, also consisting of builder Kurt Hansen and his wife, Doris, president of the firm. Today Doug, who specializes in reselling Whitbys, says, “Ted Brewer chafed at the term 'cutter ketch,'" preferring that it be referred to as a double-headsail ketch. (For more on this subject from Ted's point of view, see the March 2005 issue.) Made in Canada Of the history of the boat, Doug says, “Hulls #1 to #200 and #301 to #333 were constructed in Canada and known as Whitby 42s." After hull #200 was completed, construction was moved to Fort Myers, Florida, where boats were built until 1990. Doug says, “Hulls #201 to #300 were built in Fort Myers, but there is some duplication in numbers. Hulls #301 to #307 were placed on boats built both in Canada and Florida, although the alpha part of the numbers differed," so owners of boats with those numbers may unknowingly have identical twins under sail. To confound amateur historians, the moniker attached to hull #234 (or thereabouts) through #307 of the boats built in Fort Myers was Brewer 12.8. “Some were built with a modified fin keel and skeg-hung rudder. Others, with an extended transom, were called the Brewer 44," Doug notes. The latter was 2 feet longer, significantly increasing the space in the aft cabin, narrowing the stern section, and having a reverse transom. “Other modifications were also in evidence, but many of the similarities are very apparent as being from the same tooling and builder-design concept," he adds. Right. Fort Myers also built maybe eight yachts with the mast moved aft and a tall sloop rig for a yacht club on Long Island, New York, which raced them as one-designs. We're not done yet. The vital statistics displayed on Page 6 are those of the original boat. Those built in Florida may have an additional foot or three of waterline and 6 inches of beam. Thankfully, the hull, deck, and accommodations of all models are essentially the same — except to the extent that an owner requested significant modifications during the building process. Tradition and technology There is one item of which reviewers have no doubt: the Whitby 42 (by any name) married new technology (fiberglass) to a traditional design. The result was a seaworthy yacht having a surfeit of space belowdecks that provides the offwatch with room in which to lounge or sleep and the galley slave and navigator spacious areas in which to operate. From an aesthetic standpoint, this boat fits well in the niche occupied by the likes of Garden, Alden, and Hinckley and will never be confused with a Farr 40. However, she carried a middle-class price sticker and was, therefore, well received in the marketplace. These days used Whitbys sell for $80,000 to $140,000, depending upon age and condition. When viewed from abeam she displays a sheer that tapers slightly downward to max beam. Newer boats have a dark sheer strake and two-tone decks that greatly enhance her appearance by softening an otherwise all-white shape. Ted Brewer managed to elevate the main cabin, center cockpit, and aft stateroom enough to produce voluminous space belowdecks without disrupting her appearance with an unappealingly high deck profile. To my eye, her tallish mast and mizzen balance her profile, in the process providing sections onto which 875 square feet o f canvas may be hanked. Owners were provided with the keys to a Lehman Ford 4-254 diesel that pro-duces 67 hp, enough to power her at 7?knots at 1,800 to 2,000 rpm. She carries enough fuel — 20 0 to 300 gallons — to claim a range of 1,200 to 1,500 miles. This will come in handy when the wind speed drops below 5 knots, as it did during our test sail in Seattle.

Whitby 42 Designer: Ted Brewer LOA: 42 feet 0 inches LWL: 32 feet 8 inches Beam: 13 feet 0 inches Draft: 5 feet 0 inches Displacement: 25,000 pounds Ballast: 8,500 pounds Tankage : 300 gallons fuel, 300 gallons water (varies) Sail area: 875 square feet

On a more conventional note, the helm station is the centerpiece of a rectangular area surrounded by teak seating that may be a magnet for visitors during happy hour. The space is large enough that a singlehander will need a wheel brake when it's necessary to trim jibsheets or the mainsheet, which is located atop the aft cabin in front of the mizzenmast. A neat touch is a hatch next to the companionway that will ventilate the galley while driving the deck crew nuts when savory aromas escape. Cockpit storage is in a seat locker to port that could double as a doghouse for a Saint Bernard, and two propane tanks are located in stern lockers.

Exterior shots of Mike Curry's boat

Interior shots of the V-berth and cabin of Mike Curry's Whitby 42. Celestial Sea, owned by Scott and Cheryl Young, shows off her lines both above and below the waterline.

© Ed Lawrence Thank-you Ed Lawrence The article originally appeared in the September / October 2005 issue of Good Old Boat magazine.  Reprints (pdf renditions) are available.  Be sure to check out the magazine for lots of tips and techniques pertinent to maintaining our Whitby and Brewer boats.

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• Sailboat Guide

1982 Whitby Whitby 42

• Description

Seller's Description

Restored mint shape Whitby 42

This ship has all the bells and whistles like an offshore cruiser should along with some modern touches. Some of the notable additions are Redone brightwork Full enclosure Hardtop dodger Lewmar 52 electric winches (2) 3.5 kw genset Bow thruster Water cooled fridge freezer AIS SSB radio VHF Electric flush heads Updated electronics The list is extensive, everything works Comes with dinghy and outboard

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

From BlueWaterBoats.org :

The Whitby 42 is a rugged-looking, full keeled, heavy displacement cruiser designed by Ted Brewer in 1973 but lacking the “Brewer bite” that improved the performance of her sisterships, the Brewer 12.8 and Brewer 44. Although the most commercially successful of Ted Brewer’s designs, and considered a good value, liveaboard shoal water cruiser, opinion is that the Whitby 42 is not as rugged as she might suggest. Although she has completed serious offshore passages, weaknesses in her construction mean that she is not the preferred choice for serious blue water sailors. Not renowned for performance under sail, the accommodations are perhaps the real attraction of this center cockpit cruiser as well as the 5′ draft which is excellent for shoal waters.

The first Whitby 42 splashed out of the yard in Ontario, Canada in 1973. Whitby Yachts, owned by Kurt and Doris Hansen, went on to build 200 hulls from 1973 to 1983. Previous to this, Whitby Boat Works had built the Alberg 30 and Alberg 37 . With the 42′ construction quality gradually improved until 1983. Production then shifted south to Fort Myers Shipyard in Florida where another 32 of these ketches were built along with the Brewer 12.8 and Brewer 44. The Myers versions have a reputation as having the highest quality construction. The 12.8 design substituted a cutter rig instead of the Whitby’s ketch rig, added a Brewer bite to the full keel and added a centerboard. The hulls are lighter and stronger, and the weight savings are used to increase ballast and stability. The Brewer 44’s are a stretch version of the 12.8’s.

Boat Configuration

The Whitby 42 has a modern center cockpit aft stateroom with walk through arrangement. Forward is a large V-berth. There is a forward head with shared shower. In the salon, a L-shaped settee dinette arrangement is offset by two swivel chairs. The swivel chairs illustrate that the Whitby 42 was geared more as a liveaboard than a serious offshore cruiser. A U-shaped galley is aft to port. The walkway has low headroom due to the cockpit lockers. The aft cabin has a full width bunk with en-suite head.

Construction

The hull has balsa cored topsides like many Canadian manufacturers of this vintage. Below are alternating layers of mat and woven roving with polyester resin. The hull and deck is secured on most by pop rivets. Enlaid is a molded liner to stiffen the hull and provide interior structure though at the expense of hull access. She has a ketch rig. The engine was a great 67 HP Ford Lehman that provides plenty of punch.

Sailing performance, though better than a Westsail 42 , is still a bit of a weakness. Not only does she have a rather full keel with connected rudder, but her buttocks are more rounded so she is more tender than her rugged looks and heavy displacement might suggest. Without a bowsprit she has wicked weather helm. Otherwise she is a stout boat for the trades with her shoal draft of 5-feet able to access the shallowest of harbors.

Buyers Notes

Owners advise buyers to examine the water tanks which are oddly fiberglass with an aluminum top plate. Another problem is the keel fuel tank which sits down deep in the bilge. The hull to deck is often secured by stainless steel rivets although many took up the option of through bolts. The mizzen mast does not have a solid glass radii and is prone to compression. Look for 42’s with a bowsprit to reduce weather helm and increase performance.

Links, References and Further Reading

» Kretschmer, John. “Whitby 42.” Used Boat Notebook. Pages 164 – 167. » Hornor, Jack. “Whitby 42.” Boat US. » The Whitby – Brewer Sailboat Association. The Whitby Owners Forum

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