1996 J Boats 41' (12.80 m) J / 42
Tahiti, French Polynesia
Merlin
Strong, seaworthy, and built for adventure. Merlin is a 42-foot 1996 J/Boat, purchased by Jason, Deardra and their two kids in 2021 for her renowned build quality, performance, and ocean-going pedigree.
Tax Paid
Flag of Registry: United States
Port of Registry: Seattle
- Daysailers / Cruiser-Racer
- Sail
- Used
- Diesel
- GRP Hull
- HIN/IMO: US TSP42011C696
- Stock #: Merlin
FEATURES: |
---|
long-term bluewater cruising |
functionality and comfort, |
two-cabin, two-head layout |
seaworthiness and ease of handling |
light yet powerful hull |
Notable Upgrades: Upgrades include 620W of solar (plus a dedicated 140W panel for use at anchor), a Hydrovane self-steering system, 600Ah lithium battery bank, Starlink for global connectivity, and a 100m flat stern tie line—turning this proven design into a true ocean voyager. |
Tenders: Tender - Highfield CL290 2017 Tender Outboard - Tohatsu EverRun MX18E2 2024 |
Toys: BBQ - Magma 2 Standup paddle boards and magma SUP holder |
Description
1996 J Boats 42 | Merlin
Strong, seaworthy, and built for adventure.
Merlin is a 42-foot 1996 J/Boat, purchased by Jason, Deardra and their two kids in 2021 for her renowned build quality, performance, and ocean-going pedigree. Designed by the legendary Rod Johnstone, the J/42 is a staple among serious cruisers and racer-cruisers alike—combining strength, agility, and classic lines in a package that's both comfortable and capable.
Chosen for her seaworthiness and ease of handling, Merlin’s light yet powerful hull, narrow ends, and stable design make her a joy to sail, even in challenging offshore conditions. With a two-cabin, two-head layout, she offers both functionality and comfort, whether at sea or anchored in a quiet bay.
Merlin was outfitted extensively for long-term bluewater cruising before her departure from Seattle in 2023. Upgrades include 620W of solar (plus a dedicated 140W panel for use at anchor), a Hydrovane self-steering system, 600Ah lithium battery bank, Starlink for global connectivity, and a 100m flat stern tie line—turning this proven design into a true ocean voyager.
In the spring of 2023, Merlin made her major passage from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico to Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia—covering 3,000 nautical miles in just 19 days.
Though deeply committed to the cruising lifestyle, Jason, Deardra, and their two kids aren’t selling their home—they want to remain connected to friends and family as they continue to explore the world. Most recently, they’ve added a catamaran to their sailing life, opening the next chapter of their journey with even more space and flexibility.
Merlin stands as a reflection of their spirit—adventurous, thoughtful, and prepared. Contact The Yacht Sales Co. today for more information.
Hargrave Custom Yachts is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. This boat is centrally listed by THE YACHT SALES CO.. It is offered as a convenience by this broker/dealer to its clients and is not intended to convey direct representation of a particular vessel
Specifications
HIN/IMO: US TSP42011C696
Official Number: 1201917
Stock #: Merlin
In Stock: Yes
LOA: 41' 11'' (12.80 Meters)
Type: Sail- Used
Year: 1996
Documented Year: 1996
Beam: 12' 2''
Draft Min: 7'
Cabins: 2
Sleeps: 4
Double Berths: 2
Heads: 2
Fuel Type: Diesel
Hull Material: GRP
Hull Shape: Monohull
Fuel Tank: 62.08 Gallons (235 Liters)
Fresh Water: 50.19 Gallons (190 Liters)
Displacement: 8935 kilos
Imported: Yes
Designer: Rod Johnstone
Builder: J Boats
Photos click to view all
Engines
Engine 1
- Engine Make: Yanmar
- Engine Model: 3JH2-TE
- Engine Year: 1996
- Engine Type: Inboard
- Power HP: 47.00
- Power KW: 35.05
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- Hours: 3300.00
Generators
Generator 1
- Generator Make: Honda
- Generator Model: 110v gas generator
Full Details
Inventory - Merlin
Vessel Name - Merlin
Make - J Boats
Model - J / 42
Year - 1996
Length - 12.80m / 42.00ft
Beam - 3.72m / 12.20ft
Draft - 2.01m / 6.59ft
Displacement - 8,935 Kg
Fuel Capacity - 235 L
Water Capacity - 190 L
Hull Material - GRP
Deck Material - GRP
Keel Type – Fin
HIN – US TSP42011C696
Designer - Rod Johnstone
Builder - J Boats
Place of Registration - Seattle, USA
Registration Number - 1201917
Number of Helms & Position - 1
Tax Status & Paid Where - Paid, USA
Lying - Tahiti, French Polynesia
Last Antifouling - Hempel Globic 9000 - 2024
Engines
Number of Engines - 1
Engine Make - Yanmar
Engine Model - 3JH2-TE
Horsepower – 47 Hp
Engine Year/s - 1996
Engine Hours - 3,300 Hrs
Last Service - 2024
Fuel Consumption - 1.9L/Hr
Fuel Type - Diesel
Maximum Speed - 6 Knots
Propellers - Max-prop 3 blade feathering
Drive Type - Shaft
Steering System - Rack and pinion
Accommodation
Cabins - 2
Double Berths - 2
Bathrooms
Showers - 2 Wet heads
Heads - 2
Heads Type - Composting C-Head
Galley
Galley Location - Saloon
Refrigeration - Galley top
Stove - 3 Burner force 10
Oven - 3 Burner force 10
Sink - 2 Stainless steel
Gas Alarm - CO2 alarm
Electronics
Depth Sounder - Airmar DST810 - 2023
Log - Airmar DST810 - 2023
Autopilot - Raymarine ACU-400 - 2023
Wind Instruments - Raymarine
Radar - Raymarine Quantum Q24W - 2017
Chartplotter - Raymarine Axiom Pro 9 - 2024
AIS Auto ID System - Vesper Cortex - 2023
GPS - Vesper Cortex - 2023
VHF - Vesper Cortex wired and wireless 2023 / Standard Horizon GX1850
Sat Phone - Starlink Gen 2
Batteries
Battery House - 2 x 600Amp/Hr
Battery Engine - 80Amp/Hr
Battery Charger - Victron Blue Smart 30Amp / ProMariner Pronautic 1260 60Amp
Electrical Equipment
Watermaker - Spectra 200T
Generator - Honda 110v gas generator
Solar Panels - 620w / 3 Panels, one additional 145w panel at anchor
Heater - Chinese diesel heater 2022
Inverter - Victron Phoenix 800w
Alternator - 140mp Emaax
Shore Power - 110v
Sail Inventory
Mast Material - Carbon
Standing Rig Material - Rod
Standing Rig Age - 2023
Main Sails - Doyle full batten dacron 2015
Headsails - Doyle roller furling jib 2017
Screecher / Gennaker - Spinnaker Precision sails 2023
Furlers - Harken
Winches - Lewmar 6 manual
Safety Equipment
Bilge Manual - 1
Bilge Electric - 1
Life Raft - Viking
Life Jackets - 6
EPIRB - ACR V6 2023
Fire Extinguisher - 3 Saloon, aft cabin, cockpit
Ground Tackle
Anchor - Rocna Vulkan
Chain / Rope - 300ft 5/16” HT
Chain / Rope - 30ft 5/16” HT With additional rope rode
Windlass - Lewmar V2 Non-FastFit
Deck Gear & Accessories
Tender - Highfield CL290 2017
Tender Outboard - Tohatsu EverRun MX18E2 2024
Deck Shower - Yes
Bimini - Yes
BBQ - Magma
Mooring Lines / fenders - 4 Fenders 4 mooring lines
Notes - 2 Standup paddle boards and magma SUP holder
Miscellaneous
General Remarks - Hydrovane self-steering
Disclaimer
The company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change or withdrawal without notice.
Mechanical Disclaimer
Engine and generator hours are as of the date of the original listing and are a representation of what the listing broker is told by the owner and/or actual reading of the engine hour meters. The broker cannot guarantee the true hours. It is the responsibility of the purchaser and/or his agent to verify engine hours, warranties implied or otherwise and major overhauls as well as all other representations noted on the listing brochure.
Listing MLS by Yachtr.com
Contact Us
Want more information?

Hargrave
1887 West State Road 84
Fort Lauderdale FL 33315 USA
Office: 1-954-463-0555
Toll Free: 1-800-551-9590
Email: info@hargrave.org
Our company was founded by Jack Hargrave in 1957 in Palm Beach, Florida. In addition to being a Hall of Fame yacht designer best known for his work with builders like Amels, Burger, and Hatteras yachts, Jack Hargrave was also a highly successful yacht broker, as was his father before him. If you are not familiar with our company, Hargrave Yachts is one of the oldest and most respected yacht brokerage firms in the State of Florida. In addition to being a full-service yacht brokerage organization we maintain an in-house service department that our customers rate as 5-Star. When most yacht manufacturers put in their own in-house design and engineering departments we made the decision to begin building yachts in the 65â-200â size range under the Hargrave brand name in 1997. As we tell all our brokerage clients, "If we can't find the perfect boat for you we'll build it!"