s/v ARGO
s/v ARGO
CONTACT: chad.towner@gmail.com
WEBSITE: www.chadtowner.com
SV Argo: Refit Documentation
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
Background
Between 2020 and 2025, this Valiant 42 underwent a comprehensive systems refit exceeding $300,000 in documented work. This vessel serves as a case study in what a methodical, owner executed offshore refit requires in terms of scope, cost, and technical depth.
The Valiant 42 Design
Robert Perry designed the Valiant 42 around a canoe stern cruiser profile with fin keel and skeg hung rudder. With 24,600 pounds displacement and 9,500 pounds of lead ballast, the boat carries a 38.62 percent ballast to displacement ratio. The sail area to displacement ratio of 16.12 reflects the design intent: adequate performance without sacrificing offshore stability.
Practical Sailor's 2020 evaluation documented 6 knots close hauled in 14 knots of wind, with responsive helm and tight turning radius under power. The design delivers what Perry termed performance cruising, balancing daily passage making speed with predictable motion in deteriorating conditions.
Propulsion and Mechanical Systems
The original 43 hp Westerbeke diesel was replaced with a 50 hp Beta Marine engine using a marinized Kubota block. The installation includes digital NMEA compatible controls, electric oil change system, new Hurth/ZF transmission, and fresh control cables.
Fuel system work included dual Racor filters, complete fuel line and fill hose replacement, transfer pump installation, and tank cleaning. The drivetrain was upgraded with a new 1.25 inch stainless prop shaft, LasDrop dripless seal, Spurz line cutter, and four blade FeatherStream propeller with PropSpeed coating.
A Nextgen 3.5kW generator was added in October 2024 for AC power generation while anchored or underway.
Electrical Systems
The electrical system was rebuilt around Victron components. The core is a Victron MultiPlus 3000W inverter paired with a Cerbo GX Touch 50 display for system monitoring and control.
The house bank consists of four Group 31 AGM batteries. Separate dedicated batteries serve engine start and windlass functions. The windlass battery includes a Victron DC to DC charger for proper charging profiles.
Solar generation comes from a 420 watt array: two 160 watt panels on the arch and one 100 watt panel on the hardtop. Each panel group has separate Victron MPPT controllers to maximize harvest and reduce shading losses.
New 12VDC, GFCI, and 120VAC outlets were installed throughout. All lighting was converted to LED, including interior, navigation, masthead, and deck lights.
Navigation and Steering
The navigation suite was rebuilt with a new NMEA 2000 backbone, Garmin AIS 600 transponder, dual Navpods at helm and coachroof, new multifunction displays (GNX 20, GMI 20), and an Airmar U DST800 ultrasonic depth, speed, and temperature sensor.
Steering systems include a Garmin Reactor 40 autopilot with solid state technology for continuous sea state adjustment, plus a Monitor windvane self steering system. The Monitor uses a servo pendulum design requiring no electrical power and doubles as emergency steering.
Sailing Systems
Sail handling was comprehensively upgraded. New sails include an Evolution triradial mainsail (Fibercon WarpTech Pro Hybrid), Quantum genoa, and staysail. The mainsail uses a Harken Batcar system with Stack Pack and new Dyneema lazyjacks. Furlers were rebuilt with all new internals.
The rigging renewal included chainplates, stays, shrouds, running rigging with Dyneema running backstays, mast hardware, Antal clutches, Lewmar self tailing winches, and replacement of every block and sheave aboard. Primary and secondary winches were rebuilt.
The boat retains the original factory LeisureFurl in boom furling system (valued at $40,000 when new), though currently rigged for single line slab reefing.
Ground Tackle
The primary anchor is a 73 lb Rocna Vulcan with 250 feet of 5/16 inch high tensile chain and 275 feet of 5/8 inch eight plait rode. A secondary 55 lb Spade anchor carries 30 feet of chain and 150 feet of rode.
The Lighthouse 1501 electric windlass was reconditioned and serves both anchor systems. New components include AutoAnchor windlass control and chain counter at helm, deck foot switches, dedicated windlass battery with Victron DC to DC charger, Mantis anchor swivels, and deck washdown system with through hull, pump, and switch.
Safety and Environmental Systems
Safety equipment includes a four person liferaft (2023) in hard case, EPIRB, smoke and fire detectors, propane safety valve, five fire extinguishers, and fire blankets.
Climate control consists of an Eberspaecher diesel forced air heating system with new HVAC ductwork and a Dometic 16,000 BTU reverse cycle air conditioning unit.
Refrigeration uses dual SeaFrost 12 volt systems providing separate refrigerator and freezer capacity.
Plumbing systems were comprehensively rebuilt with a new 25 gallon polyethylene holding tank, rebuilt head, new hot and cold water lines throughout, new faucets for galley, head, shower, and cockpit, Seagull IV X1 F water filtration, new water pressure pump and expansion tank, and custom stainless galley sink.
Interior
The boat was delivered in April 2002 as the most comprehensively equipped Valiant 42s built at that time. The interior features oiled cherry wood with hand rubbed finish, teak and poplar flooring over marine grade plywood, Corian countertops, and updated Ultrasuede salon upholstery.
The center entry layout includes a queen v berth forward, double stateroom aft with large window, spacious head with separate shower stall, and 6 foot 5 inch headroom throughout.
Technical Specifications
Construction and Design
Hull Type: Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type: Cutter
Construction: Fiberglass
Ballast Type: Lead
Designer: Robert Perry
Builder: Valiant Yachts (USA)
Sail Plan
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 (estimated): 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