Boat overview

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Sun Odyssey 42i

The new Jeanneau 42i sports the sort of rugged good looks that would make a betting man wager the boat would deliver solid performance under sail.The boat was well set up for short-handed crew. All sail-control lines ran aft from the mast, through organizers to clutches and Harken 40 winches on either side of the companionway. Harken 46 primary winches were mounted just ahead of each of the twin helms. The two wheels made it easy to find a comfortable spot from which to steer, watch the telltales, or monitor traffic.

And that's what the Sun Odyssey 42i is?a comfortable, performance-oriented coastal cruiser that helps fill out a model line that also includes the SO 36i and SO 39i. All these boats feature injection-molded decks (hence the "i" in their name), which look neat and clean, and which, according to the builder, mean less weight, a lower center of gravity and better structural properties since resin is more evenly distributed.

Under power, the SO 42i cruised at about 7 knots with the 54-horsepower Yanmar at 2,400 rpm and felt pretty stable as it spun about in its own boat length. We gained about a knot with the throttle wide open at 3,200 rpm. Slight prop walk to port when backing was quickly overcome once we had way on.

The SO 42i comes with three-cabins and two heads. Aft of the shower compartment, behind a water-tight door, is a finished storage area that could easily double as a small shop.
Fine Teak laminated panels and solid trim are used throughout and contrast warmly with the light-colored upholstery and liner. The owner's cabin forward features a full head and second shower.

In the main saloon, a galley with two-burner propane stove and oven, double sinks, and top-loading fridge and freezer are to starboard. Forward of this is a dinette that can fold down to make an additional double berth. To port is an interesting nav station arrangement that allows for the desk to slide forward when in use, and aft, out of the way of the settee, when not. Behind the desk, there's plenty of room for the electronics you'll want to add.