FAIRLINE SQUADRON 42
BUILT: 2012 PRICE: £299,950
Launched in 2010, the Squadron 42 is an object lesson in just how far boat design had evolved since the 1990s. Although the same basic layout, the look and the feel are dramatically different from earlier boats of this size.
INTERIOR Pale woods were very much in vogue when this model launched, but there’s something reassuringly classy about the darker satin walnut interior. The layout remains the same as the older boats featured here, but there’s a sense of space engendered by both the crisp contemporary joinery and the amount of glazing throughout,
particularly in the forward cabin where the centre section of the ceiling is almost all glass.
EXTERIOR The glossy dark blue topsides really set this boat off. The superstructure is a little more angular and it’s a very contemporary looking vessel. One particularly neat feature is a cockpit seat that faces forward into the boat, so far so conventional.
But tilt the backrest forward and
it becomes an aft-facing seat, transforming your view from saloon doors to, well, the world. Another clever touch is a tenderlaunching system that cantilevers a RIB from bathing platform to water.
PERFORMANCE Buyers could opt for Volvo Penta D6 series motors in either 370hp format, as fitted to this boat, or 435hp versions. Both were linked to conventional shafts and rudders.
We tested the boat with the latter and achieved 30 knots. The smaller engines would likely be a knot or three down on this, but should still give an easy 20-knot cruise.
SEAKEEPING With around a 13° transom deadrise, this Fairline was one of the first to incorporate flatter aft sections to the hull. The idea was to create easier planing ability but with the hull sharpening to a deeper vee forward for good headwind ability. We tested the boat in a blustery Force 5 and discovered the concept worked well, although the sheer weight of the boat (15 tonnes loaded) meant it could displace some spray!
LOA 42ft 5in (12.9m) BEAM 13ft 10in (4.2m) DRAUGHT 3ft 6in (1.1m) DISPLACEMENT 15 tonnes
FUEL CAPACITY 996 litres ENGINES Volvo Penta D6-370 370hp diesel engines FOR SALE Boats.co.uk; www.boats.co.uk