Given the text: Every once in a while, a boat-builder just gets something absolutely right, and Norfolk’s Hardy Marine surely did with their evergreen Commodore 42. Blending a trademark commercial appearance with rugged, practical build quality and a super-dependable, sea-worthy, Andrew Wolstenholme hull – these fast semi-displacement cruisers are much beloved by the RNLI (who have a brace for helm training), and share a following equally between experienced powerboaters, and retiring sailors alike.
They are rare to the brokerage market, with low build numbers (around 30) from their introduction in 2002, and many staying in long periods of ownership. The phenomenal upwind performance through lumpy water has to be experienced to be believed, and is hugely reassuring – with none of the uncomfortable slam and bump of a flat-section planing hull.
A very fully equipped 2009 42 (she was in fact delivered in March 2011 to her present owners) on brokerage. She is running on the superb twin MAN LE401 diesels (rated at 450HP apiece for a solid 18 knot cruise, with 27 knots on tap if needed); with Twin Discs lovely EC-300 throttles and Vetus’ hydraulic bow-thruster to take the sweat out of berthing. Diesels run through polishers, and her 1750 litres of fuel also feed a Fischer Panda generator for supplying offshore power, in addition to a pair of Victron inverters and a meaty 80A battery charger. The inner helm on the Hardy 42 is a fantastic place to be – with clear views forward, twin side access doors, heated screens, and this very particular owner has just installed a suite of Raymarine’s excellent Axiom 16” colour screens to make plotting a breeze. The fly-bridge helm offers a commanding view, but retains easy, safe access from the broad side decks via the raised aft cabin roof (all decks laid to teak), with a pair of helm seats and wrap-around seating. In a nod to Hardy’s commercial heritage, the fly-bridge sole is in fact a soft patch. which can be removed should major mechanical surgery ever be needed – so she truly is a no-nonsense motor-yacht.
Below decks, the 42 has a sensible, practical layout. Featuring a wide, open deck level saloon, the galley is located at lower deck level, with the forward double cabin and en-suite running up into bows, and extra space being used for storage, refrigeration and a washing machine in this case. There is plenty of light and ventilation, and she feels cosy, without feeling tight on room. The aft cabin uses nearly the whole beam of the hull, so there is plenty of floor space, many hanging lockers, cupboards and drawers, and of course a generously-sized double bed down the centreline. The en-suite has a separate shower area, heated towel rails and finishes off this key area of the 42.
So, if you are looking for a tough aft-cabin motor-yacht with updated electronics, full UK cruising kit, heaps of charm and sea manners that don’t get flustered by a bit of wind and wave, then please do get in touch.
What is the unique selling point of the Hardy Marine Commodore 42 and what is its following?
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