1985 Bluewater 42 Coastal Cruiser

Step aboard and you’ll notice how easy this 42 feels to move around on. Side decks are wide and secure, with solid rails that make line handling and docking feel relaxed instead of acrobatic. The aft deck has the right footprint for a couple of deck chairs and a small table, so sunset drinks don’t have to happen in the salon. Visibility from the bridge is excellent, with that classic, upright profile that lets you see your corners when easing into tight slips. Storage is generous in all the right places—under seating, in lockers, and beneath the cabin soles—so longer weekends don’t turn into a game of gear Tetris.

This 42 Coastal Cruiser is particularly well suited to the mixed waters and shifting conditions you get in this region. Its length and beam provide a steady, confidence-inspiring ride when the chop kicks up, yet the hull form still lets you nose into quieter backwaters and skinny anchorages that deeper boats avoid. The dual helms give you options when the weather turns—run from the bridge on bluebird days or drop down inside when it’s cool or drizzly. With plenty of open living space and easy boarding at the bow, it’s an inviting platform for sandbar afternoons, casual cruising with friends, and extended weekends on the hook.