Hardy 42 Hybrid, MABEL O

Broker’s Comments

The resilient Hardy 42 semi-displacement hull is justifiably regarded as one of the finest hull shapes for tackling broken water and meeting challenging conditions. Designed by the renowned naval architect Andrew Wolstenholme, this semi-displacement hull features a completely rounded shape, a sharp forefoot, a fine stem, and a deep moulded keel engineered to protect the underwater gear. Driving this vessel into a heavy head-sea is a thrilling and reassuring experience; with her high, flared bows effortlessly powering spray aside to cleave through the waves. The ultimate testament to this hull’s capability is its trusted selection by the RNLI, who utilize a pair of Hardy 42s for their own rigorous in-house helm training.

However, this particular 42 is a little different under her skin. She was commissioned by a couple of highly experienced offshore cruising yachties, with the explicit aim of exploring the peaceful inland waterways of Europe effectively, whilst retaining offshore ability when required. Such goals cannot be easily met by a conventional 42 running on a brace of 6-cylinder diesels, so plans were drawn up to install a diesel/hybrid drive – utilizing a single Yanmar 440, paired to a 48V Fischer Panda electric drive motor, both driving the same prop shaft as required. Thus, this rare Hardy 42 Hybrid edition seamlessly pairs that rugged, commercial-grade offshore capability with whisper-quiet electric cruising, reduced emissions, and exceptional fuel efficiency.

MABEL O sports the two-cabin version of the 42’s masterfully executed layout, while still providing berths for six crew. Her wheelhouse deck has a thoroughly fit-for-purpose floorplan, with a pair of KAB shock-dampening seats (trimmed in gorgeous Muirhead leather) sitting behind two landscape navigation screens, which also control the onboard switching, and an expansive saloon (in matching leather) offering superb all-round views and plenty of space for relaxing after a long day on the water. What is also immediately noticeable is the quality of the Oak joinery, the use of practical materials, and a huge attention to detail (an electric screen de-misting system and superb machinery room being just two). The outstanding access via the two side-deck access doors is improved further by an internal companionway joining the saloon to the external quarter deck. It is so simple and so effective, yet this is the first 42 to feature this design.

Adventuring forward, the galley sits down a stairway, benefiting from excellent natural lighting from above. It features a useful utility area to port (housing the washer/dryer and fridge/freezer) and a very clean, crisply executed worktop area, with all-electric cooking and plenty of stowage – always a strong point of this marque. Her forward cabin is placed en-suite to the forward heads (with separate roundel shower) and can be arranged as a traditional vee-berth or converted simply into a full double with an infill. Webasto’s excellent stand-alone climate control units are fitted, providing air-conditioning as well as Webasto diesel-fired instant dry heating in her cabins. Combined with Hardy’s normal use of passive dorade-style deckhead ventilation, she is straightforward to keep fresh and comfortable.

In common with the ‘regular’ 42, the access to her separate aft cabin is down a companionway placed port aft in her saloon. However, the quarter-deck stair leading outside supplies a great deal more light into the saloon and allows far faster and safer movement between the upper and lower stations, which is a godsend when moving between her decks. The aft cabin is (as you would expect) beautifully appointed, with a Queen island berth neatly concealing her uprated water tank capacity – excellent storage and a spacious, bright en-suite heads.

So, if you are seeking a modern semi-displacement motor-yacht, combining powerful offshore performance, easily worked decks, a traditionally hand-crafted interior and the capability to explore inland into Europe and coastal cruising grounds alike; then MABEL O must be at the top of your shopping list.

Press Comments

“As the name suggests the 42 Hybrid is a diesel-electric hybrid that genuinely seems to offer the best of both worlds. Its single diesel 440hp Yanmar engine can deliver a top speed of 16 knots from its comfortable semi-displacement hull form, and a range of 600nm at 12-14 knots.

The 42 has been around in previous guises for quite a while now but the combination of a new yard, Falmouth-based Cockwells (builders of the Duchy range of gentleman’s launches), and a commissioning owner with exceptional foresight has resulted in the best iteration yet.

As well as its clever drivetrain, this latest generation Hardy is awash with useful cruising features. There are more access hatches and storage lockers than we can recall seeing on any other sub-45ft boat, meaning you can get to every void to fix any issues or stow extra cruising gear.

The build quality of the hull and wooden interior is solid, and the two cabins at opposite ends of the boat ensure excellent privacy and space. An extra set of doors from the aft cockpit into the saloon is a useful improvement, while a folding radar mast, flybridge helm station and windscreen allow it to sneak under the 3.5m air draught limit for the European canal system.” – Motor Boat & Yachting.

“The Hardy 42 is a boat with a timeless design, which, like its siblings, never seems to lack in popularity – possibly due to the ever-changing British weather. It does, of course, have many capable rivals, but few boats offer such a degree of comfort, practicality and performance in such a capable seagoing boat.” – PowerBoat & RIB.

Owner’s Comments

MABEL O was conceived as a long range inshore an inland cruiser with a view to extended passes across the North Sea and English Channel and onwards on the inland waterways of Europe.

Circumstances prevented the original planned trip around Europe taking in the Rhine, Danube, Black Sea, Mediterranean, and return by French canals but experience has shown the plan would have been easily achieved.

We have cruised extensively around England, Belgium and Netherlands, mostly with just 2 of us on board. Manoeuvrability is very easy in tight marinas and through crowded locks with the dual thruster system, while the electric drive is more than adequate for “silent” cruising many minor waterways and lakes in Netherlands. MABEL O is comfortable and convenient with full electric services and no gas on board. Generator recharging is fast and convenient.

With both air conditioning and heating fitted it would be easy to spend many months on board.