$295,000
Asking Price
Hulls.io Marketplace
Private Seller
Hera - Hinckley Sou'wester 42
About This Yacht
HERA represents the pinnacle of what a well-maintained Hinckley Sou'wester 42 can become. This exceptional example showcases the legendary Maine craftsmanship that made Hinckley synonymous with quality, enhanced by a comprehensive recent refit that has transformed her into a yacht ready for serious cruising. Currently in heated indoor storage at Hinckley Yacht Service, she exemplifies the meticulous care that defines the Hinckley ownership experience.
The Sou'wester 42 earned its reputation as one of the finest offshore cruising sailboats ever built, combining traditional aesthetics with modern performance and comfort. HERA features the highly desirable dinette layout, bathed in the warm glow of gloss-varnished cherry joinery that creates an inviting atmosphere below decks. What sets this particular yacht apart is the extensive investment in recent years that has essentially renewed her from keel to masthead. Her bottom has been stripped and repainted, standing and running rigging replaced, and the mast itself stripped and refinished—upgrades that represent a significant investment and years of worry-free sailing ahead.
The keel-centerboard configuration that gives this model its K/CB designation offers the best of both worlds: deep-water stability with a draft of 4'10" with board up for exploring shallow anchorages, extending to 8'10" for optimal windward performance. This versatility opens cruising grounds that fixed-keel boats simply cannot access. The hull construction showcases Hinckley's uncompromising approach—hand-laid vinylester resin reinforced with Kevlar/E-glass hybrid fabric, vacuum-bagged foam core for stiffness and insulation, with strategic reinforcement at all stress points and a bonded stringer system creating a remarkably strong yet light structure.
The recent electronics upgrade brings HERA into the modern era with a beautiful suite of B&G instruments that provide comprehensive information at your fingertips. Combined with new sails and rigging, she's poised to deliver the confident, seakindly performance that makes the Sou'wester 42 equally at home on coastal cruises or offshore passages. This is a yacht that has been prepared for the next chapter of her life by owners who understood what proper maintenance means—and it shows in every detail.
Machinery & Systems HERA is powered by a reliable Yanmar diesel engine providing ample propulsion for maneuvering in tight quarters and auxiliary power during calm conditions. The fuel capacity supports extended range under power when needed. The yacht features a comprehensive electrical system with both shore power capability and charging systems to maintain house and engine batteries. A pressurized freshwater system with hot water heater serves the galley and heads. Through-hull fittings throughout feature flush-mounted Marelon ball-valve seacocks for reliability and safety. The engine is accessed through well-designed hatches that facilitate routine maintenance, while sound insulation minimizes noise intrusion into the living spaces. All mechanical systems benefit from the yacht's time in professional storage and regular servicing at Hinckley Yacht Service.
Navigation & Electronics The recent electronics upgrade has equipped HERA with a complete suite of modern B&G instruments that represent a significant enhancement to her navigation capabilities. The system provides integrated chartplotting, autopilot control, and comprehensive sailing data including wind speed and direction, boat speed, depth, and GPS navigation. VHF radio ensures reliable communication, while the instrument displays are strategically positioned for easy viewing from both the helm and navigation station. The electronics integrate seamlessly to provide redundant data sources and intuitive operation. Below deck, the dedicated navigation station offers a proper chart table and comfortable seating for passage planning, with adequate lighting and storage for paper charts and cruising guides. The investment in quality B&G electronics reflects the owner's commitment to safe, enjoyable sailing with modern conveniences.
Accommodations The interior of HERA showcases the desirable dinette configuration finished in stunning gloss-varnished cherry that fills the cabin with warmth and traditional elegance. The salon features comfortable seating that converts to additional sleeping space, with the dinette providing both a social gathering spot and practical dining area. Forward, the V-berth cabin offers privacy and comfortable sleeping quarters with ample storage in hanging lockers and drawers. The head compartment is well-appointed with marine toilet, sink, and shower, finished to Hinckley's exacting standards. The galley is thoughtfully designed with adequate counter space, stainless steel sink, refrigeration, and a gimbaled stove for offshore cooking. Abundant natural light flows through deck hatches and portlights, while opening ports provide ventilation. Throughout, the joinery demonstrates the hand-craftsmanship that distinguishes Hinckley yachts, with attention to detail evident in every locker door, fiddle rail, and trim piece. Storage is generous for extended cruising, with dedicated spaces for provisions, spare parts, and personal gear.
Deck & Exterior On deck, the Sou'wester 42 presents a purposeful cruising layout designed for both shorthanded sailing and comfortable living. The cockpit provides protected seating with excellent visibility, comfortable coaming angles for long passages, and strategically placed winches and line organizers that keep running rigging organized and accessible. Primary winches are positioned for easy reach from the helm, while secondary winches handle halyards and control lines. The deck layout features wide side decks with substantial handrails for safe movement forward, even in challenging conditions. The foredeck offers ample working space for anchor handling, with a robust windlass and proper ground tackle storage. A sturdy boom gallows provides secure boom stowage at anchor. The coach roof incorporates well-placed hatches for light and ventilation below, while maintaining structural integrity. Recent upgrades to all running rigging mean every line runs smoothly through blocks and clutches. The combination of teak trim accents and non-skid surfaces balances traditional aesthetics with practical seamanship. A boarding ladder and proper fender storage complete the thoughtful deck arrangement.
Key Features • Extensive recent refit including new sails, rigging, and bottom job • Complete B&G electronics suite recently installed • Mast stripped and repainted with new standing rigging throughout • Desirable dinette layout with gloss-varnished cherry interior • Keel-centerboard configuration for shallow draft versatility (4'10" up, 8'10" down) • Premium Hinckley construction with Kevlar/E-glass vacuum-bagged hull • Currently in heated indoor storage at Hinckley Yacht Service • Turn-key condition with comprehensive upgrades representing significant investment
2
Cabins
6
Berths
1
Heads
Specifications
Manufacturer
Hinckley
Model
Sou'wester 42
Year Built
1994
Length Overall
42 ft
Beam
12.33 ft
Type
Sail Cruiser
Condition
Used
Location
Les Sables d'Olonne
Country
France
Listed
1 Mar 2026
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