Dracan 42 Review

It is unlike any other motor catamaran we have tested before. It impresses with its futuristic design, exhibits the properties of a catamaran and a planing yacht and it develops a decent speed. With a length of 12.8 meters, it lifts up to 16 people on board and provides enough comfort even for a long coastal cruise.

The experts at topRik present the Dracan 42, the brainchild of the Dracan Marine shipyard, which was launched in 2024. Our story begins with the first acquaintance, continues with the results of testing this beauty, then we cite the statements of reporters from well-known yachting media about the advantages of the Dracan 42 and conclude our review with... Well, it is still far from completion, so let’s get to it.

This is how our team first saw this unusual cat. If you look closely, you’ll say that this is a render - and you will be right. Because our first meeting took place in Dusseldorf, where Dracan 42 was presented as a miniature half-meter model, several schemes and colorful renders like this one. We would like to say right away that we have seen many such beautiful pictures when visiting numerous yacht exhibitions and festivals, therefore, although they made us want to witness the embodiment of this beauty, we were not too deceived.

What impressed us was the real Dracan 42, which we saw at the Cannes Film Festival in September. Suffice it to say that the renders and miniature model paled in comparison to the actual catamaran in real scale, colors and shapes.

What can we say about the impression that the cat made on our modest team, if it is generally recognized that the Dracan 42 caused an unprecedentedly high excitement among the participants of the Cannes Film Festival and the yachting media? All participants of the maritime community recognized that this impressive debut immediately allowed the Dracan Marine shipyard to break into the international market with its very first model.

Yes, Dracan 42 is the flagship of the line of Dracan Marine, which currently consists of this single motor catamaran. Why are we talking about the Dracan line then? It is because the shipyard will certainly take advantage of the fact that experts have perceived the Dracan 42 as a turning point in motor catamaran design. The dimensions were very well chosen for the premiere. The 42 feet or 12.8 meters in length, which is in demand among cruise lovers, with a total deck width of 4.85 meters - it is possible to comfortably “load” a large family or a group of friends with drinks and snacks for several days on board. At the same time, the cat does not look as bulky as comparable models of other brands. Precisely because of the difference in width, which is about one and a half meters!

Thus, the Dracan 42 combines the utilitarian needs of cruise lovers, the pride of the owner of such a magnificent example of modern aesthetics, as well as his joy about the high performance, excellent handling and maneuverability of the vessel.

Young shipyard Dracan Marine partnered with one of the largest Polish shipyards – Model Art, with more than 20 years of history and 25 thousand m² of production space. Model Art and its team, which now exceeds 800 people, shipped more than 10 thousand small vessels of various designs in total.

The Dracan 42 is the embodiment of this long experience in producing quality, productive boats, complemented by fresh ideas of Blazejak Yacht Design.

Robert Blazejak, as he himself admits, transferred his obsession with car design to yachts, the design of which provides more space, because it combines everything that you can have in car design, with added elegance on the water and gliding speed on its surface.

He claims that style is his forte, and there's no doubting that when you look at the Dracan 42.

Features of Dracan 42

Maximum Speed and Fuel Consumption

Review of Dracan 42 by topRik Team

We thought we were prepared for what we would see at the Dracan Marine stand. But we were looking for a bulky double-hulled vessel, which usually takes up a decent width of the berth. We were misled by the width of the Dracan 42, which is one and a half meters less than similar length boats, even though we knew the specifications. This is the kind of habit of standardization and narrow-mindedness that the naval architects and designers of Dracan Marine and Blazejak Yacht Design have decisively rejected.

In addition, catamarans usually have a pair of stairs leading to the pier or a bathing platform divided into several parts, and if it is a single piece, then between the platform and the entrance to the cockpit there is a different level, sometimes even very noticeable (easy to miss during the bustle of boarding).

First Look

Well, you must admit: at first glance at the Dracan 42 from the sides and even from the stern, you don’t immediately recognize it as a catamaran. This modest width of the platform and the lack of a step when going into the cockpit played a role in its looks.

You'll laugh, but most of our experts, glancing past this stern, were looking for clearly visible outboard motors. Well, we had some mistrust for the Dusseldorf model.

You have to agree that looking at the cat from the angle shown in the photo above, it’s not easy to classify it as a catamaran. Okay, let's not add to our confusion - it didn't last that long. After all, such a width is also not typical for a single-hull vessel.

So, what did we see from the pier? A solid stationary platform, high hulls, a fairly wide gunwale and a powerful T-top canopy covering a significant part of the deck. Wide sun loungers with a wide passage between them are set out in the sun. Get used to it – the word “wide” will appear often in this review.

An antenna and other navigation equipment can be placed on the roof. Part of the "ceiling" can be moved apart.

Shall we go up to the cockpit?

Wait! What about the outboard motors? And there you have it, one of them in the photo above, sticking out from under the platform. And it's not just a matter of aesthetics. This arrangement dampens noise - in the cockpit it's practically indistinguishable from the general sound environment created by vibration, waves, wind, etc.)

And what if maintenance is required? The entrance to the engine compartment is the folding cockpit loungers. Ah, that's how such good sound insulation is provided! Well, yes, there we also see all sorts of technical openings - in particular, for fuel supply.

The future owner is offered a choice of outboards drives such as 2 x Mercury 300 HP V10 ES or 2 x Mercury 400 HP V10 ES.

Inside the Cockpit

We hope that you have had a good look at the sunbeds - there is nothing more to look at as we step into the cockpit. We would just like to draw your attention once again to the fact that the platform and the deck are on the same level. Going further, you will see that there are no steps along the entire passage along the deck to the foredeck. Actually, there are no steps in the foredeck either... but more on that later.

As you can see, the extension of the cockpit is also a large social area. But unlike the sunbathing area with sun loungers, it is intended for relaxation and meals in the open air.

Spacious corner sofas are placed on both sides, in front of each sofa there are tables that can be transformed from dining tables into coffee tables. And if desired, you can create additional sleeping places here by lowering the tabletops and laying spare mattresses on them. For a short cruise in good weather, it is a completely acceptable solution.

Moreover, further on both sides there is a galley with a capacious refrigerator, an excellent freezer and a stove. The equipment is selected according to the needs of the future owner.

As you can see in the photo above, the working area of the galley with the stove is closed by a special partition, which should be raised during work to prevent odors from entering the saloon. In this position, this panel will provide additional protection from the sun and wind for those sitting at the bar counter on the other side of the partition. The same partition can be installed on the starboard side to separate the control post from the saloon.

The photos of this part of the cockpit show how high the sides are. So, nothing threatens the vacationers here even in strong waves. Although the catamaran with a narrow loft deck is already quite resistant to pitching and various maneuvers.

But in the photo above you are shown another nuance of comfort on the Dracan 42 - in the headboards of the sunbed (which is also the back of the sofa) there are niches for bottles or cans of drinks. And pay attention to the absence of sharp corners at the tables and other pieces of hard furniture - this has always been considered a distinctive sign of prestigious yacht brands.

All mattresses can be lifted, and the lockers can be used to store kitchen utensils that are not needed at the moment, other items of passengers and crew, tools, etc.

We sense that you are eagerly looking behind the bar counter on the starboard side, fortunately there is no partition installed here. And what do you see there?

Inside the Wheelhouse

Yes, yes, we know that there is no wheelhouse as such – after all, it is actually a loft deck. But that is what we traditionally call the part of the boat with the control post.

But first let’s look at the T-top canopy, which is also a roof for the control post, as well as the windshield and the door to the foredeck. Especially since this design is well demonstrated in the photos from the saloon. It turns out that what you can see in the photo is only an option. Since the manufacturer of Dracan 42 gives you the choice of not only a roof over your head, but also, in some ways, a wall:

• Sport top: glass windscreen on the sides and front, open foredeck, rigid composite roof;
• Hard top: all glass on the sides and front, glass door separates the passenger compartment from the foredeck, rigid composite roof;
• Fly top: all glass on the sides and front, glass door separates the saloon from the foredeck, flybridge.

And here is that very passage and that very door to the foredeck, which are mentioned in the variations.

From this angle, you can clearly see the cooking process in the galley, separated by a panel, as well as a version of the door from the saloon to the foredeck, which consists of two parts. When moving, the lower part can be closed to prevent a draft, and the upper part can be left for ventilation. In bad weather, both parts are closed. This will protect the helmsman from rain, wind and sun.

The helmsman is on the starboard side, as we have already said, and you yourself have seen where the control post is located.

Ergonomic chairs are very comfortable for control both from a standing position and from a visible position. All frequently used instruments, handles, buttons, indicators and chart plotter are located at a comfortable distance from the helmsman. But even if something is too far or too close, you can always adjust the chair to your height and position in a particular case.

Many of our experts highly rated the convenient, robust steering wheel in the form of a car steering wheel and the powerful engine control lever, recalling some unpleasant moments from practice, when these important elements suddenly turned out to be too fragile during serious maneuvers. On the Dracan 42 such surprises are excluded.

On the Foredeck

There is another social area here, surrounded by comfortable sofas along the perimeter. If desired, you can arrange a sunbathing area or get-togethers with cocktails here, placing a table here. As you can see in the photo below, passengers here, thanks to the high sides, do not risk anything even in a significant sea swell.

Below Deck - the Cabins

We have combined the two sections into one, as in this small cat the space below deck is mainly intended for the accommodation of cabins and bathrooms.

As we have already told above, for a weekend cruise 16 people can come on board and feel quite free. For seasoned family members or friends, you can even build sleeping places on the deck.

However, if you are planning a longer coastal cruise with your family, a close circle of friends, or going on a multi-day charter cruise, the number of people on board cannot exceed 8 people.

The manufacturer has provided three available configurations for the cabins on the Dracan 42 with different solutions:

• Supreme. Ideal for a couple, these are two spacious master cabins, each with its own bathroom, separate shower and wardrobe for storing clothes, shoes and other personal items.

  

• Voyage. An excellent configuration for those wishing to invite friends or other family members to join them. For a comfortable stay, this option offers one main cabin and two guest cabins – for six berths. With a high level of comfort, there is enough personal space.

  

• Holiday. This is the charter version, sleeping 8 in 4 double cabins, with two bathrooms located between the cabins in each hull.

  

The bathrooms are quite comfortable, convenient for use, the equipment is selected by the future owner from the proposed options.

As you can see, these bathrooms have everything you need for hygiene on a sea cruise.

At the Sea

During summer tests, the Dracan 42 motor catamaran proved to testers that it is not a fancy piece of work, but a real sea wolf. To achieve this, the designers and naval architects of Dracan Marine developed special parameters and dimensions. With a standard length of 12.8 meters, they significantly reduced the width, which improved the boat's maneuverability and its passability when going through locks, narrow canals and tight marinas.

For greater stability, they developed a loft deck. And to avoid jolts into the resulting solid "bottom", they significantly raised the hulls above the water.

The result is an almost planing boat with an excellent speed of up to 30 knots. Moreover, at a speed of 2 knots higher, it also does not yaw or hit the water. In many ways, this is facilitated by the reverse (or negative) stems.

By the way, the architects of Dracan 42 confirmed the opinion that straight stems are fast and negative stems are twice as fast. Another thing is how they look. As this catamaran shows, they can look stylish. And they also demonstrate high efficiency: it is because they don’t crash into the oncoming masses of water, cutting through it instead. Style and performance are the main advantages of Dracan 42.

Advantages of Dracan 42

Designed for a pleasant time at sea with family or friends, this catamaran also gives the skipper the opportunity to enjoy control and maneuvering.

This category harmoniously combines entertainment and practicality with maximum safety and technological innovation.

Manufacturers provide the future owner with the opportunity to independently choose not only the level of comfort, but also the level of technical equipment: from the number of berths to a water maker and from solar panels to navigation control using the Nextfour Q-Experience touch screen.

What the owner will not be able to choose is the safety level, as it is a constant and permanent characteristic - “highest” for any catamaran configuration available.

Reviews of Dracan 42 from Professionals

In this section of the review, we cite the journalist Roland Wildberg, who, while talking about the Cannes Yachting Festival and the shipyard's success, also recalled the debut of Dracan 42 at the exhibition in Dusseldorf.

Roland Wildberg Article

Roland Wildberg prefaced his reportage from Cannes with memories of Dusseldorf exhibitions and posted this photo of Dracan boss Piotr Jasionowski (left) and Mikolaj Chlopek with the model of the Dracan 42 Wildberg. Yes, this is the very model, based on the memory of which, our team could not immediately identify the Dracan 42.

But look at how Roland titled his article – he straightaway warns: "This motor yacht is a cat!"

The author generously showers the developers and their product with compliments, and this is not surprising. In his article, we liked how the Roland’s interviewees emphasized that the Dracan 42 is an accessible area for people with special needs. After all, a wheelchair can easily enter here, and there is room for it in the cabin.

We have repeatedly drawn your attention to the fact that there is not a single step from the platform to the foredeck, associating this with safety for passengers. But, as it turned out, there was another important opportunity here. It is no coincidence that Roland especially emphasized theq2 words: "Dracan 42 is a boat for all generations."

Oh, how interesting! It turns out that the shipyard's managers believe that if you don't recognize this boat as a catamaran when viewed from the side, then the developers did everything right. We'll reassure you - we didn't recognize this boat as a catamaran from the stern either.

We support the opinion that you can stay on this cat for weeks thanks to the well thought out layout of the main deck, the comfort of the below-deck space and the amenities in the cabins. Additional comfort will be provided by optional plastic curtains in the cockpit and air conditioning in the cabins, as well as a desalination plant. Yes, this is already an application for a long cruise on the open sea. Well, the design allows it, you just need to control the number of people in accordance with CE requirements.

Now this is already an application for a continuation of the line: Roland reports, citing official sources, that the shipyard plans to release two versions of Dracan 42 – electric and hybrid.

To learn more of Roland Wildberg’s trip, follow the link to the online publication page above.

Video Reviews of Dracan 42

Here’s some footage of this yacht – the catamaran looks even better in motion.

The commercial trailer for Dracan 42 – short, but sweet introduction with great visuals:

Spectacular views all around Dracan 42 as it glides on water surfaces at the Cannes Yachting Festival:

Informative time-lapse of catamaran’s construction:

Conclusion

topRik expert admitted that they would gladly become owners of the Dracan 42 motor catamaran, as they highly appreciated its speed characteristics, other equally high seaworthiness, reliability, stability and comfort. At the same time, each owner can adapt this yacht to different situations:

• for a family holiday with two children, as the yacht is spacious and safe;
• for a cruise with friends or for a weekend sea trip;
• for a romantic trip - easy to drive, comfortable to live in;
• for living on board during the warm season;
• for organizing charter services;
• just for the trips, when you are tired of sails, but can’t live without the sea.

Where to Buy Dracan 42 at a Bargain Price

If you are wondering where to buy Dracan 42 at low price, then you too have appreciated the advantages of this glorious catamaran. Of course, topRik experts will be happy to help you become its owner.

Buying through the topRik marketplace means freedom from all the problems associated with paperwork and delivery of the yacht to the destination port.

You will only have pleasant moments to remember. One of them we have available right now - a free configurator of the Dracan 42 catamaran. Go to price calculator and enjoy choosing options for your future catamaran.

Before you get started, we're excited to share another bonus: whether you buy Dracan 42 now or decide later, you'll receive free consultations on any questions you may have right up until you sign the contract.

We do not impose a full list of services on you, but we offer full legal support related to the execution of a purchase and sale agreement, insurance, border crossing, etc.

At your discretion, we can check the yacht’s condition ourselves or in your presence and deliver it to the point you specified.

We will ensure that you purchase a Dracan 42 at a favorable price, since our experts have studied the market well, when forming our SimpleSail fleet. We will not allow you to overpay, since we can deliver a yacht from the manufacturer or an official dealer.

All our contacts are on this page, including the phone number. You can also go to the Contacts section to use the feedback form or send a request to [email protected].