Argo For Sale
$290,000
$290,000
The time has come for Argo to go to a loving new home.
CONTACT: buyargo2025@gmail.com
SV ARGO - Exceptional Valiant 42 CE Ready for Blue Water Adventure
2002 Valiant 42 CE Cutter - Hull #154
Current Location: Maryland (Baltimore/Annapolis Area)
Designer: Robert Perry | Builder: Valiant Yachts, Texas | Hull: Solid fiberglass construction | Keel: 9,500-lb solid lead fin | Rig: Cutter with keel-stepped mast
A five-year, $300,000+ refit transforms a proven bluewater design into a turnkey cruising platform
In the world of offshore sailboats, few designs command the respect of the Valiant 42. Robert Perry's performance cruiser has earned its reputation through decades of successful ocean passages, with Valiants once holding the record for more single and short-handed circumnavigations than any other production yacht. Now, a 2002 Valiant 42 CE (Hull #154) named Argo stands ready to continue that legacy, emerging from a comprehensive five-year refit that addresses virtually every system aboard.
Currently listed at $299,950 and located in the Maryland/Chesapeake Bay area, Argo represents something increasingly rare in today's market: a genuinely turnkey bluewater cruiser requiring no deferred maintenance or additional investment before departure.
The Valiant 42 combines the classic canoe stern cruiser shape with a modern fin keel and skeg-hung rudder, eschewing the traditional full keel design that defined earlier generation cruising boats. With a displacement of 24,600 pounds and 9,500 pounds of lead ballast, the boat achieves a ballast-to-displacement ratio of 38.62 percent—robust enough for serious offshore work. The design's sail area-to-displacement ratio of 16.12 provides spirited performance without sacrificing the steady, predictable motion crucial for long-distance cruising.
Practical Sailor's 2020 evaluation of the Valiant 42 praised its sailing characteristics, noting that in moderate conditions the boat recorded 6 knots close-hauled in 14 knots of wind, with light helm feel and excellent maneuverability under power. "The boat turned in a boat length or less and backed down nicely," the review noted. The moderate displacement and well-balanced hull form deliver what Perry termed "performance cruising"—fast enough to make good daily runs, stable enough to inspire confidence when conditions deteriorate.
What distinguishes Argo from typical used boat listings is the scope and quality of the recent refit work. Between 2020 and 2025, the current owner invested over $300,000 in upgrades that touch every major system aboard.
Propulsion and Mechanical
The original 43-horsepower Westerbeke diesel gave way to a new 50-horsepower Beta Marine engine. Beta Marine has built its reputation on marinized Kubota engine blocks known for reliability and serviceability, with widely available parts and reasonable maintenance costs. The installation includes a digital NMEA-compatible control panel and electric oil change system, plus a new Hurth/ZF transmission with fresh control cables.
The fuel system received a complete overhaul with dual Racor filters, new fuel lines and fill hoses, a transfer pump, and thorough tank cleaning. A new 1.25-inch stainless steel prop shaft fitted with a dripless LasDrop seal and Spurz line cutter connects to an upgraded four-blade 18.5-inch FeatherStream propeller with PropSpeed anti-fouling coating.
Power generation expands beyond the main engine with a new Nextgen 3.5kW generator installed in October 2024, providing reliable AC power for extended anchoring or systems operation underway.
Perhaps the most significant upgrade involves the complete electrical system modernization around Victron components—increasingly recognized as the gold standard for marine power management. Argo's system centers on a Victron MultiPlus 3000W inverter with Cerbo GX Touch 50 display, providing comprehensive monitoring and control of all power generation, storage, and consumption.
The house bank comprises four new Group 31 AGM batteries, with dedicated batteries for engine starting and windlass operation. The windlass battery includes a Victron DC-DC charger to ensure proper charging profiles, a detail that extends battery life significantly.
Solar power generation comes from a 420-watt array: two 160-watt panels mounted on the arch plus one 100-watt panel on the hardtop, each with separate Victron controllers for optimal power harvest regardless of shading. This distributed approach to solar charging, with individual MPPT controllers, maximizes efficiency compared to series-wired panels with a single controller.
All new 12VDC, GFCI, and 120VAC outlets provide convenient power access throughout the vessel, with LED conversion completed for interior lighting, navigation lights, masthead, and deck illumination.
The navigation suite reflects current technology with a new NMEA 2000 backbone integrating a Garmin AIS-600 transponder, dual Navpods at helm and coachroof with new MFDs (GNX-20, GMI-20), and an Airmar U-DST800 ultrasonic depth/speed/temperature sensor.
The Garmin Reactor 40 autopilot represents a significant upgrade for offshore passage making. Unlike traditional autopilots that simply maintain a heading, the Reactor 40's solid-state technology continuously adjusts for sea state and boat motion, reducing power consumption while providing more precise steering. The included handheld wireless remote allows course adjustments without leaving the helm, a valuable feature when sailing shorthanded.
For ultimate redundancy and power-free steering, Argo carries a Monitor windvane self-steering system. Widely regarded as the gold standard for mechanical self-steering, the Monitor uses a servo-pendulum design that harnesses water flow to amplify wind-vane inputs. Thousands of offshore sailors rely on Monitor vanes for their reliability and ability to steer in conditions from light air to storms, while consuming zero electrical power and providing an emergency rudder option.
Argo's sail handling systems offer remarkable flexibility. The current setup features a new Evolution Triradial mainsail (Fibercon WarpTech Pro Hybrid) with Harken Batcar system and Stack-Pack for easy handling, plus new Dyneema lazyjacks. A rebuilt hydraulic boom vang and backstay adjuster provide precise sail shape control, while new Quantum genoa and staysail with rebuilt furlers (all new internals) complete the inventory.
The boat underwent complete rigging renewal including chainplates, stays, shrouds, running rigging with Dyneema running backstays, new mast hardware, Antal clutches, Lewmar self-tailing winches, and new blocks throughout (literally every block and sheave on board). Rebuilt primary and secondary winches ensure reliable sail handling for years to come.
In a unique value proposition, Argo includes the original factory LeisureFurl in-boom furling system—a $40,000 option when new. While the boat currently employs single-line slab reefing for simplicity and reliability, the complete in-boom system (boom, mast track, and mainsail) transfers with the sale and can be reinstalled. This provides the new owner the choice between proven traditional reefing or push-button convenience of in-boom furling—an unusual degree of flexibility rarely seen in the used boat market.
The anchor system reflects serious offshore preparation with a primary 73-pound Rocna Vulcan anchor backed by 250 feet of 5/16-inch high-tensile chain plus 275 feet of 5/8-inch eight-plait rode. The Rocna Vulcan has consistently performed at the top of independent anchor tests, with West Marine testing showing it scored highest in average holding power—some 40 percent more than its nearest competitor. The anchor's sharp toe and generous ballast ensure reliable setting across diverse bottom types.
A secondary system with a 55-pound Spade anchor, 30 feet of chain, and 150 feet of rode provides backup security. The reconditioned Lighthouse 1501 electric windlass serves both systems through chain gypsy and capstan arrangements, with new AutoAnchor windlass control and chain counter at helm, new deck foot switches for hands-free operation, and a dedicated windlass battery with Victron DC-DC charger. Mantis anchor swivels and a deck washdown system with through-hull, pump, and switch complete the professional ground tackle installation.
Safety equipment meets offshore standards with a new four-person liferaft (2023) in hard case, and new EPIRB. The Monitor windvane doubles as emergency steering—a critical backup for offshore work.
Climate control comes from an Eberspaecher diesel forced-air heating system with all-new HVAC ductwork, plus a new Dometic 16,000 BTU reverse-cycle air conditioning unit. Dual 12-volt refrigeration systems from SeaFrost provide separate refrigerator and freezer capabilities, crucial for extended cruising.
Fire safety includes new smoke/fire detectors, propane safety valve, five fire extinguishers, and fire blankets. The complete plumbing overhaul encompasses a new 25-gallon polyethylene holding tank with rebuilt head, new hot/cold water lines throughout, new faucets for galley, head, shower, and cockpit, new Seagull IV X1-F water filtration, new water pressure pump and expansion tank, and a custom stainless steel galley sink.
Argo benefits from exceptional original construction. Delivered in April 2002 as "the most well-equipped Valiant 42 ever built" at that time, the boat features beautiful oiled cherrywood interior with hand-rubbed finish, teak and poplar flooring over marine-grade plywood, Corian countertops throughout, and new Ultrasuede salon upholstery. The center-entry design provides a queen v-berth forward, double stateroom aft with large window, spacious head with separate shower stall, and 6'5" headroom throughout.
Argo's $299,950 asking price positions it competitively in today's market. Current listings for Valiant 42s range from $62,000 for project boats requiring significant work to $298,000 for well-equipped examples. What distinguishes Argo is the verifiable investment in systems upgrades. The over $300,000 in documented refit work eliminates the typical $60,000 to $100,000 in deferred maintenance and upgrades most buyers face when purchasing used offshore boats.
The comprehensive scope of Argo's refit addresses a common challenge in the used boat market. Many buyers discover that an attractively priced boat requires extensive additional investment before serious cruising. New standing rigging alone can cost $4,500 to $6,000. Engine repowers range from $9,000 to $25,000 depending on model and installation complexity. Modern electrical systems with lithium batteries and solar integration easily exceed $10,000 to $15,000. Navigation electronics, autopilot systems, and safety equipment add thousands more.
Argo's owner has already completed this work to exacting standards, with systems integration that reflects careful planning rather than piecemeal upgrades. The Victron electrical system with Cerbo GX provides the kind of comprehensive monitoring and control increasingly expected on modern cruising boats. The dual anchor system, professionally installed ground tackle, and redundant steering (Reactor 40 autopilot plus Monitor windvane) demonstrate attention to offshore reliability.
With complete refit documentation, extensive manuals, and Valiant factory support, Argo offers unmatched confidence for the new owner. The boat requires no additional investment for immediate coastal or offshore cruising, a genuinely rare proposition in today's market.
For the sailor seeking a proven offshore platform without the time, expense, and uncertainty of a major refit project, SV Argo represents exceptional value. Every major system has been addressed with quality components and professional installation. The boat is genuinely ready for the Caribbean, Pacific crossings, or extended liveaboard cruising.
Those interested can contact the owner at buyargo2025@gmail.com. The boat is currently located in the Maryland Baltimore/Annapolis area, convenient for East Coast buyers and well-positioned for departure to the Caribbean, Bahamas, or points beyond.
In an era when truly turnkey offshore cruisers are increasingly difficult to find, Argo stands as testament to what a comprehensive refit can achieve: transforming an already excellent design into a genuinely ready-to-go offshore platform.
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Construction & Design
Hull Type: Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type: Cutter
Construction: Fiberglass (FG)
Ballast Type: Lead
Designer: Robert Perry
Builder: Valiant Yachts (USA)
Sail Plan & Performance
Sail Area (reported): 849.00 ft² / 78.87 m²
I (Height of foretriangle): 52.92 ft / 16.13 m
J (Base of foretriangle): 19.71 ft / 6.01 m
P (Mainsail luff): 48.33 ft / 14.73 m
E (Mainsail foot): 13.58 ft / 4.14 m
Forestay Length (est.): 56.47 ft / 17.21 m
Calculated Sail Areas
Foretriangle Area: 521.53 ft² / 48.45 m²
Mainsail Area: 328.16 ft² / 30.49 m²
Total Sail Area : 849.69 ft² / 78.94 m²
Performance Ratios
Sail Area/Displacement: 16.12
Ballast/Displacement: 38.62%
Displacement/Length: 267.44
Comfort Ratio: 34.87
Capsize Screening Formula: 1.76
Hull Speed: 7.87 knots
Pounds/Inch Immersion: 1,571.7
$290,000 - NOTE: The data driven price is reflective of a vessel the is TRUELY ready to leave the dock tomorrow for a circumnavigation, with ZERO maintenance, upgrade or "loose ends" to tie up.