Dracan 42

In 2024, the Dracan 42 was launched in Poland and then presented at the Cannes Yachting Festival and, at last, in La Grande-Motte we had the opportunity to go for a sea trial. Hull #2, the model we were discovering, differs significantly from hull #1. The first example was built in a Sport-Top version with a windshield that did not extend up to the T-top and featured a rather elegant and very modern gray metal diamond-patterned covering. At La Grande-Motte, we were joining the Full Hard-Top version with a wraparound front and side windshield, which this time extends up to the T-Top. At the front, a central door provides access to the forward cockpit. A third version, which could be described as medium, is offered by the shipyard. That one features a rising windshield and side wind deflectors that leave the sides open—this version is called the Semi Hard-Top. The design by Robert Blazejack is unmistakably modern with sharply inverted wave-piercing bows and angular contours on the sides. The style is equally striking thanks to the copper- colored accessories and logo inlays. The finishes are very neat: diamond-patterned Silvertex upholstery, Staron (a stone/acrylic resin) worktop... there’s no doubt about it, this is a new generation open powercat in the premium sector. “What another one?” you say, “Why is a new brand launching itself into this already fairly competitive market?” Well, here’s why.

New Brand, But Not a New Shipyard

The excellent overall quality of the model presented raises questions: it is very rare for a new manufacturer to demonstrate such mastery of composite materials and assembly right from the start. The explanation is that although Dracan Marine is a new brand, it is run by Model Art, the Polish shipyard that has been producing brands such as Windy, De Antonio, Nimbus and Parker for thirty years. This is a boatbuilder with 1,000 employees that produces the same number of boats every year. As for Dracan Marine, in which Model Art is a shareholder, a niche market of around 30 units per year is planned, with a delivery time of no more than four months. A well-established after-sales service network and proven logistics complete the industrial assets. The ambition of the young brand’s dynamic leaders can be gauged by looking at their upcoming projects: a final version of the 42, called the Gran Coupe, will be unveiled in 2026, a 36 will be launched in 2027 in ST and FHT versions, and a large Dracan 52 XC is waiting in the wings for 2028.

The specifications for the 42 also demonstrate that they’ve undertaken a thorough market analysis. Rather than venturing into the walkaround niche followed by most powercat manufacturers, Dracan has opted for a bowrider deck layout with a central passageway, a configuration that increases livability by optimizing the entire width of the platform. This limits the competition (for the time being) to a small number of models. The main idea is therefore to offer maximum living space, and this seems to be the case with over 800 square feet (75 m²) of usable space announced.

Several Configurations of Deck Layout

As mentioned previously, there are already three versions of protection for the central space, which can be adapted to different programs and climates in the sailing area. To this will be added a GC version, for Grand Coupé, with a rear bulkhead that closes with a glass door. A version with a flybridge is also apparently under consideration… to be continued. Of course, the absence of side-decks might seem like a deal-breaker when it comes to securing your fenders, but Dracan has anticipated this scenario with super-practical hull protection fixing and adjustment systems. The line can be attached in a fraction of a second and adjusted in height equally as quick. The layout is very simple but effective. There are two large sunbathing areas above the motors, a very large saloon with two tables opposite each other, two counters with refrigerated compartments (three at 5.3 cubic feet/150 l, no less) on one side and a very well- equipped galley on the other.

The helm station is complemented by a guest area, two steps leading down to the cabins and finally the central passageway leading to the forward cockpit.

Everything on board is generously sized and you can spend a day with 16 people on board without feeling cramped or lacking anything.

The storage lockers are also very large. Smaller compartments are provided specifically for certain accessories. In the outboard version, it would have been a good idea to place fender supports in the engine wells where there is space available. On the downside, although the swim platform extends across the entire width, we found it to be really short. This is a bit of a nuisance as there is no garage for the tender. The forward cockpit, on the other hand, is a spacious and very convivial area, and is well protected from view when converted into a sunbathing area. All it really lacks is a table.

2, 3 or 4 Cabins

The Dracan 42 takes customization to the extreme, offering three layouts with two, three, or four cabins to suit the needs of as many buyers as possible, whether their program is as a private owner, or for family or charter use. The first version has a desk on the starboard side and a vanity on the port side. The aft beds are quite wide but a little sunken below deck. The oak finishes—available in light or dark—are beautifully crafted, as are the dressers, drawers, and wardrobes. Going into even greater detail, the designers have been generous with practical nooks and shelves. In the version with a forward cabin, the beds are narrower, but these would often be occupied by the children – which is just as well, as the bathroom area is really cramped. The Owner’s version, with a shower off the passageway, has a glass wall that can be concealed by remote control, a very useful feature in this configuration. The Staron features are very attractive and help create a pleasant atmosphere.

20 Knots at Cruising Speed

Dracan has equipped this 42 with the optional Finnish Q-experience system, an interface that provides automated (and, if desired, remote) management of navigation, comfort, safety, and communication via a configurable console. This interface is of course activated on the control station screens and linked to all the on-board sensors and your smartphone, from which you can intervene. Q-experience is intuitive to use, and automatic remote updates eliminate the uncertainty of data extrapolation while consolidating the settings you enter into the system yourself. In the same vein, the Dockmate system, with its wireless remote-control joystick, is incredibly effective. You can move around the deck and continue maneuvering the boat while keeping a close eye on any obstacles. This Dracan #2 is equipped with twin 400 HP Mercury V10 outboards. This is undoubtedly the fastest version and is certainly worth considering. First of all, the engines are not located on the transoms, but in forward-mounted engine boxes, which offers an undeniable advantage in terms of performance. The other advantage is that the powerful 5,719 cc engines are quieter – on board, the noise level becomes more acceptable, even at high speeds. On the day of our test, there were about ten of us on board and the fuel and water tanks were full. The sea was calm and, thanks to the catamaran hull, we were able to cruise at 10 knots without displacing much water. Once the throttles were pushed to the max, we reached almost 30 knots, with the distinct impression that we could do more... In fact, the trim system wasn’t quite set up properly and the boat was heavily loaded. Mikolaj Chlopek, the director of Dracan Marine, confirmed that he had already reached 32 knots in more favorable conditions. A speed of 20 knots seems ideal for fast cruising. At this speed, the two Mercury engines consume around 26 US gallons (100 liters) per hour, giving a range of 175 miles, or even 245 miles with the optional 370-gallon (1,400-liter) tanks. The 42 handles very well - it doesn’t lean too much in tight turns. Visibility with the large wraparound windshield is excellent when standing.
When seated, however, shorter people won’t have such a good view of the water, but this should be easy to remedy.

Conclusion

Dracan has made a remarkable entry into the world of powercats, and its emerging success is justified by its positioning and well-thought-out modular specifications. The build quality— infused polyester for the hull and T-top and injection molded for the covers—is impeccable. The deck layout of the Dracan 42 is simple and well thought out, cleverly integrating the absence of side-decks. The basic price, which includes a lot of standard equipment such as the magnificent Evafoam synthetic teak deck covering, is in line with the market average. As we have seen, there are still a few teething problems, such as the slightly cramped platform and the lack of rams under some hatch covers, but overall, the verdict is very positive.

The two aft sunbathing areas are very spacious, and the opening sunroof was a very welcome option on our test model.

The central passageway serves the entire deck. The saloon is very spacious because the side walls are pushed right back to the hull.

These fender fasteners are like magic. In the blink of an eye, you can secure and adjust the fender.

The view is excellent when standing at the helm. However, shorter sailors will need to raise the seat when sitting.

The console incorporates the Q-experience system, which can manage navigation, safety, comfort, and even communication: all data is configurable.

The galley is very well equipped, with really well-thought-out compartmentalized storage.

For chilled storage, there are three 5.3-cubic foot (150-liter) refrigerators.

The light oak woodwork and Staron sink unit are beautifully crafted and demonstrate the Polish shipyard’s expertise.

The diamond-patterned Silvertex upholstery is of high quality and there is plenty of storage space underneath.

The owner’s cabin, aft, is very bright. The bed is a little low, but it is still comfortable with its great vanity unit.

At first glance, this walk-through shower doesn’t offer much privacy... but thanks to the windows that can be darkened using a remote control, everything is taken care of!

The engine housings are an excellent solution. Practicality could be further improved by installing fender holders.

The lockers under the deck are deep - perfect for storing water toys. Note that the stainless steel fuel tanks are protected in wooden lockers.

The compartments dedicated to specific accessories are very practical.

The Dockmate system is as fun as it is effective. When you arrive at your stop, you can move around on board while continuing to maneuver the boat.