Manta 42 Ultimate Resource


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It took me a while to understand, but the more I learn about sailing catamarans, the more I want a Manta 42. Mantas are known for being awesome cruising boats well worth their price. 

The Manta 42 is among the most popular catamarans in its size. Manufactured in Florida, the Manta has proven seaworthy, fast, and durable. It offers numerous cruising amenities and high sailing performance at an affordable cost.

Buying a catamaran is usually an immense commitment due to its cost; therefore, you want to be confident about your choice before the purchase. Today we will take a look at the Manta 42 Catamaran and its pros and cons.

Technical Data and Specifications of the Manta 42

MakeManta
Model42
DesignerEric Lerouge
BuilderManta Enterprises (Sarasota, Florida)
Start of Build1994
End of Build2008
Overall length42 feet (12 meters)
Waterline Length39 feet 8 inches (12.09 meters)
Beam Length21 feet (6.4 meters); 53% of overall length
Headroom6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters)
Draft3 feet 8 inches (1.1 meters)
Mast Height59 feet 6 inches (18.1 meters)
Displacement16,500 pounds (7,484 Kilograms)
Bridgedeck clearance2 feet (0.6 meters); 5% of overall length
Engine DriveDiesel
Engine Power60 hp (2x 30 hp)
Fuel Tank125 gallons (473.18 liters)
Fresh Water Tank100 gallons (378.54 liters)
Cabins3

Features of the Manta 42 Catamaran

The Manta 42 proudly sits on the list of classic catamarans that you can own at a reasonable price. It is incredibly seaworthy and safe, making it a popular choice in the market. It remains a favorite among circumnavigators, and buying one usually means you inherit the previous owner’s upgrades.

The boat’s designed for liveaboard; therefore, the packaging is complete with carefully selected options. Most items are high-end, built to last, and easily serviced. The Manta 42 is one sailboat that is a delight.

Here’s a YouTube video about Manta 42 by Endeavour Catamaran:

The Headroom

The Manta 42 offers enough headroom within the boat’s interior, even for someone as tall as 6 feet. However, if you are taller, you will find the saloon headroom a bit small, and the berths are not spacious either. 

Additionally, the headroom on the staircase is small, and you will need to squeeze your way up or down the steps.

The engines are under the beds, but the design allows 3-sided access. You can open the top and the front panel.

https://youtu.be/4aVlG5wyPJc

Storage

The original purpose of the boat was to serve clients who intended to live aboard for an extended period. It has a sizable top-loading freezer that keeps the cold inside every time you open it and has plenty of room for your supplies.

The bulkhead crash compartments in the hulls are sealed and have lots of storage space in strategic places. Additionally, there are more storage compartments in the saloon and the cockpit.

The Saloon and Cabins

The saloon area has a great layout. Although it feels smaller due to a narrow doorway, it is pretty comfortable. Instead of the galley being in either of the hulls, it is in the saloon, making the cabins better equipped and more spacious.

The cabin features one spacious sitting area and three berthing areas with storage and seating. The layout is primarily asymmetrical, livable, and stylish, with two heads positioned in good places.

One head is on the side of the starboard with easy access from the cockpit. Across from the master berth on the side of the port is the second head. The boat offers a decent interior and deck space and enhances stability and performance.

The Manta 42 catamaran includes sufficient room for the necessary electronics that you would expect, like fans, air conditioning vents, DVD players, and TVs. The Electrical system is better than many multihulls from the same production period.  

The boat has three cabins that can conveniently house six people. Additionally, it has bathrooms with separate shower stalls. The galley also has essential kitchen accessories such as the fridge and freezer combo, a double steel sink, and a propane stove. 

Here is a walkthrough video of the Manta 42 MKII showing all the attractive features of this model of catamarans:

The Cockpit

The cockpit design is unique, with numerous storage spaces. It has a sizable hammock-like seat above the cockpit’s aft section to accommodate several people. Additionally, one or two people can navigate the boat, making it ideal for shorthanded sailing across long distances.

Here’s a YouTube video about Manta 42 Owners Version Catamaran:

The helm is elevated for good visibility, and the self-tacking jib makes it easily single-handed. This jib is comparatively smaller than most jibs and isn’t roller furled. It has lazy jacks, and you handle it like a mainsail with a cover.

Folding the jip puts the boom on the foredeck and obstructs the way. However, the boat’s design allows crossing from one hull to another in front and at the back at anchor. You can access the anchor from the bow then use the available saltwater to wash it down.

The Manta 42 directs all lines to the helm, including reefing lines and the halyards. Therefore, you can do most things from the helm. 

The Manta 42 has the cleanest and most accessible electric panel compared to other catamarans. This neatness could be beneficial, especially when outlining a problem in a remote area.

The Engine

Picture thanks to Escape Velocity (link)

The Manta 42 runs on two high-power Volvo engines with a 30hp rating on each hull. The fuel tank holds 125 gallons (473.18 liters), while the water tank’s capacity is 100 gallons (378.54 liters) to keep the vessel running. 

The boat has a fuel purification system, serving the generator and engines. This is particularly helpful if you take up questionable fuel in a far-off port. 

These diesel engines are under the berths in the aft cabins. They are pretty noisy, especially if you want to sleep when sailing, but the quick access makes the discomfort worth it. You have access to the engine when you lift the bunk boards, which rest on pneumatic arms.

The Exterior

The Manta 42 has a rugged arch structure, holding the solar panels, hardtop bimini, radar, and the dinghy. The weight seems a lot, but the deck is strong enough to support the weight.  

In the bow area, fastened aluminum crossbeams absorb massive twisting forces and only allow slight movement. Therefore, check out the boat for cracks near the bow area.

The builder uses top-quality marine sealants to connect the hull to the deck and adds a 360-degree one-way laminate to enhance structural integrity. The collision bulkheads and hull-to-deck joints create water-resistant partitions at the end of the hulls, making the boat flood-proof.

Take a look at this Youtube video which gives a walkthrough of the 2003 Manta 42 Owner Catamaran:

Pros of the Manta 42

  • More space: The cockpit and the living room between the two hulls are a great feature of the Manta 42. The space will come in handy, especially for destinations where you will spend significant time in marinas and anchoring. It is also valuable when you have children on board.
  • Smaller draft: The boat has a lesser draft of 3 feet 8 inches (1.1 meters) due to the molded-in keel. Other sailboats have an average draft of 4 – 7 feet (1.2 – 2.1 meters). The small draft gives the Manta 42 a great possibility of sailing closer to the shore in sandy bays.
  • Comfortable maneuvering: The different engines on each hull give you more comfort, control, and safety, especially when steering in squeezed marinas. You can set one engine backward and the other forward to turn your Manta 42 catamaran in one place. There is zero risk of the wind pushing the bow because you can use the two engines to steer in any direction.
  • High water and fuel storage capacity: The 125-gallon (473.18 liters) fuel tank and 100-gallon (378.54 liters) freshwater tank are sufficient to serve you for a significant period. The fuel will run your engine for long distances and minimize the number of refueling stops.

Cons of the Manta 42

  • Headroom: If you are more than 6 feet (1.82 meter) tall, you will find the headroom restricting and uncomfortable. For shorter people, the space is sufficient.
  • Outdated equipment: Production of the Manta 42 ended in the 2000s, meaning that all the vessels available are preowned. Acquiring one from a previous owner may come with functional upgrades. However, getting parts to replace worn-out pieces can be an uphill task. 
  • Saloon windows placement: The saloon windows do not offer panoramic forward visibility, making the interior darker than other more recent catamarans. This setting may not be beautiful if you are looking to enjoy a view of the vast waters from the comfort of the saloon.

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Manta 42

Most Manta 42 boats have stub keels, but some versions come with daggerboards. Additionally, many owners remodeled the transoms and aft cockpit section by adding giant stainless pushpit contraptions. 

The Manta 42 is spacious with an above-average sail-area-to-displacement ratio, making it great for offshore cruising. The manufacturer also refined the boats during their production period. 

These additions can hold anything, including wind vanes, dinghies, and solar panels. If you want to buy a boat with any of these constructions, check its weight because it could interfere with the sailing abilities of your vessel.

A weakness of the Manta 42 is its small jib. The size works well for heavy and medium winds, but it is not usable in light winds. 

Another weakness is the accessibility of the fuel tank. If it has a leak and needs replacement, you have to cut through the cockpit floor for access.

What Is the Manta 42 Known For?

The Manta 42 is known for its speed, hull strength, and stability. With its ample headroom and exceptional storage capacity, this boat has the edge over other multihulls. Its specific features are the trademark high bows on a highly-curved forward crossbeam.

The boat’s storage can accommodate 125 gallons (473 liters) of fuel and 100 (378.5 liters) of freshwater. It also has large black and gray water tanks that service the heads and galley sinks. 

The Manta 42 enjoys a near-iconic standing among seafarers because of its reputation as an efficient, functional, long-range bluewater sailboat. Overall, it is excellent for cruising and is among sailboats that enjoy the highest percentages of liveaboard owners. It is safe, fast, and flexible, with adequate space and headroom throughout the cabin.

Quotes From Owners of Manta 42 and What They Think

The Manta 42 enjoys a significant following due to its reputation of reliability and comfort. Here are some views from people who own a Manta 42.

John Kretschmer

The Manta 42 design is perfect for living aboard and long-term cruising. It is excellent for a family or a couple who frequently entertain guests. However, it is not ideal for a group of people on a week’s charter across the waters.

The helm is well-balanced, making the steering tight and pleasant. The boat also remains stable in large waves, like when a motor yacht sent a large cascading wave. 

You have several choices of places for hanging out. You can sit on the bow or lie on the trampoline. From the seat on the bow, you get a lovely view of the open sails. During sailing, with no traveler but with more than enough vang, the main has a lot of twists and continues producing horsepower.

Bob Pingel

Many catamaran designs focus on the charter market, giving rise to bulletproof vessels that can house a large cast. Several manufacturers of multihulls have liveaboard and long-term cruisers in mind from inception, but some sacrifice beauty. The Manta 42 combines good looks with excellent performance and cruising comfort.

Key Takeaways

If you are searching for an affordable catamaran, the Manta 42 tops the list of available options. Although many of its features are dated, it sails smoothly and efficiently, and it has been popular with sailors for decades. This American classic is an excellent cruising sailboat.

Sources

Gabo

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

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