1992 Corsair 42′ Cruise A Home

Engines & Mechanical

Shoal Searcher is powered by twin Caterpillar 3126 diesels, each rated at 420 horsepower, with V-drive transmissions. The current owner reports that both engines have had recent rebuilds, and they currently show only around 200 hours since that work was completed. Total hours are showing 3,525 on the port engine and 3,205 on the starboard.

She carries 300 US gallons of fuel in two aluminum tanks, which gives her a very usable range for coastal cruising. The props are 4-blade bronze and were also recently replaced. Overall, the mechanical side of the boat is straightforward and well set up for reliable running.

Accommodations & Layout

One of the best things about this boat is the one-level living layout. You can walk from the forward cabin all the way back to the aft cabin without going up or down any steps, which makes it very comfortable for everyday use.

There’s a private forward cabin with its own head, a spacious main salon with a dinette to port and galley to starboard, and a private aft cabin with its own head and shower. The boat has excellent storage throughout — something that really stands out once you start living on her. The salon is bright and open, and the whole interior has a practical, functional feel with solid teak trim.

She sleeps 4–6 comfortably depending on how you use the settee, and the layout just makes sense for coastal cruising or living aboard.

Electronics & Navigation

The boat has dual helm stations — one inside in the wheelhouse and a second one up on the flybridge.

Electronics include a VHF radio, radar (mounted on the aluminum tower), and GPS.

Engine instruments are in place at both helms.

It’s a simple but functional electronics package that’s been well laid out for this style of boat.

Deck & Hall

Shoal Searcher has a solid fiberglass hull with a deep-V forward that flattens out aft for stability. She has a large welded aluminum swim platform, narrow side decks, and a spacious upper sun deck with a secondary helm. There’s also a painted aluminum folding tower.

She’s fitted with a Maxwell windlass up forward and has good stainless steel railings. The boat was originally built as a dive boat, so she’s rugged and practical rather than flashy.

Recent Upgrades & Maintenance

The current owner has done several useful upgrades over the years, including recent engine rebuilds on both Cats (with low hours since), newer propellers, and a newer Nova-Kool refrigerator in the galley.

The boat has been maintained and shows as a solid, honest example of this model.

Location & Mooring

Shoal Searcher is currently on the hard in Courtenay but comes with a transferable mooring at Deep Bay Marina (south of Courtenay off Cook Creek Road).

This is a big advantage — it’s a secure, well-protected spot in a desirable location, and transferable moorings like this are hard to come by on Vancouver Island.

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