The Hallberg Rassy 42 Enderlein Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The Hallberg Rassy 42 Enderlein is a Swedish-built sailing yacht, renowned for its robust construction and superior sea handling capabilities. Designed by Olle Enderlein and Christoph Rassy, it was produced between 1980 and 1991 with over 250 units built. The yacht features a center cockpit layout, a powerful engine, and a spacious interior, making it ideal for long-distance cruising. It is highly regarded in the sailing community for its quality, comfort, and safety.

A Enderlein-designed version of the Hallberg Rassy 42 at anchor

This is the ketch version but a sloop version was also produced

Published Specification for the Hallberg Rassy 42 Enderlein

Underwater Profile: Fin keel and skeg-hung rudder

Hull Material: GRP (fiberglass)

Length Overall: 42'4" (12.9m)

Waterline Length: 34'5" (10.5m)

Beam: 12'5" (3.8m)

Draft: 6'9" (2.1m)

Rig Type: Ketch, but a few sloop variants were also produced

Displacement: 25,353lb (11,500kg)

Designer: Christoph Rassy & Olle Enderlein

Builder: Hallberg-Rassy

Year First Built: 1980

Owners Association: Hallberg-Rassy Owners Association

Design Ratios: The Key Performance Indicators

The Hallberg Rassy 42 Enderlein version is designed with a focus on performance. It boasts an impressive Sail Area/Displacement Ratio (SA/D) that indicates the boat's speed potential. The higher the SA/D, the faster the boat is likely to be. The Hallberg Rassy 42 has a high SA/D, making it a fast and agile sailboat, perfect for those who crave speed and adventure on the water.

The Ballast/Displacement Ratio (B/D) is another critical factor to consider. This ratio gives an indication of the boat's stability and its resistance to capsizing. The Hallberg Rassy 42 has a high B/D ratio, suggesting that it is a stable and safe boat, even in rough sea conditions.

The Displacement/Length Ratio (D/L) is a measure of the boat's speed and comfort. A low D/L indicates a light and potentially fast boat, but it may also mean less comfort in rough seas. On the other hand, a high D/L suggests a heavier, more comfortable boat. The Hallberg Rassy 42 strikes a balance between these two extremes, offering both speed and comfort.

The Comfort Ratio (CR) is a measure of the boat's comfort level at sea. A higher CR means a more comfortable ride, especially in rough seas. The Hallberg Rassy 42 has a high CR, indicating that it offers a comfortable and enjoyable sailing experience.

The Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) is a measure of the boat's safety in terms of its resistance to capsizing. A lower CSF is better, indicating a safer boat. The Hallberg Rassy 42 has a low CSF, which means it is a safe boat with a low risk of capsizing.

But just what are the design ratios and how are they derived?

Rig Options

The Hallberg Rassy 42 (Enderlein version) comes in different design and construction options. The most common is the sloop design, but cutter and ketch options are also available. These options offer different sailing experiences and performance levels, allowing buyers to choose according to their preferences and sailing requirements.

Rig Types

Pros & Cons

The Hallberg Rassy 42 is highly praised for its robust construction, excellent performance, and high comfort level. Its strengths include its speed, stability, and comfort, which make it an ideal sailboat for both short and long voyages.

However, like any other sailboat, the Hallberg Rassy 42 has its weaknesses. Some owners have reported issues with the boat's maneuverability at low speeds. This is something to consider if you plan to use the boat in crowded marinas or narrow waterways.

Despite these minor issues, the Hallberg Rassy 42 comes highly recommended by the sailing press and its owners. It has received positive reviews for its performance, comfort, and safety, making it a worthy investment for any sailing enthusiast.

The Secondhand Market

The Hallberg Rassy 42 is readily available on the secondhand market. Prices vary depending on the boat's age, condition, and the options included. However, you can expect to pay a premium for this high-quality sailboat.

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Any Questions?

How does the Enderein version of the Hallberg Rassy 42 differ from the German Frers version?

The German Frers designed version built by Hallberg-Rassy between 1991 and 2001. Both versions are monohull sailboats, but they have some differences in their design and features. For example, the mast position on the Enderlein version was the same for both the sloop and ketch rig options, but the sloop had a taller mast and larger genoa sheet winches. The Frers version, on the other hand, looks like a cutter but is actually a solent-rigged sloop.

What is the history of the builders of the Hallberg Rassy 42 and is the company still in business?

Hallberg-Rassy is a Swedish yacht builder that was formed in 1972 when Christoph Rassy bought Harry Hallberg’s boatbuilding business. The company is still in business today and is regarded as one of the top European yacht builders.

How many people can sleep on board a Hallberg Rassy 42?

The boat can theoretically sleep a total of eight people, though it will be most comfortable for four or five on an extended cruise.

What keel options, if any, are available for the Hallberg Rassy 42?

The standard keel for the Hallberg Rassy 42 was a fin keel with a skeg-hung rudder. A shoal draft option was also available.

What is the average cost of a secondhand Hallberg Rassy 42?

The price of a secondhand Hallberg Rassy 42 can vary depending on its condition and equipment. Prices range from EUR 80,000 for boats that need major refitting to EUR 180,000 for those that are perfectly maintained, updated, and well-equipped.

What other sailboats have been created by the designer of the Hallberg Rassy 42?

Olle Enderlein designed many other sailboats for both Harry Hallberg and Christoph Rassy, including the Mistral 33 and Misil 24 for Harry Hallberg, and the Rasmus 35 for Christoph Rassy.

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