[sawdustdad]

I don't have any personal experience with the 42, but I can comment on your idea nonetheless. Boats like the 42 Open are coastal cruisers, suitable for offshore trips and runs to the islands in good weather. They are not bluewater cruisers. They are not comfortable at 8 or 9 knots because they get much of their stability from hydrodynamics on plane. The fact that you are planning to take fuel with you implies that either you are passagemaking or coastal running in an area without fuel. The extra weight of fuel may adversely affect handling, raising the center of gravity and making potentially lethal loose object should things turn nasty. If you will always be close to shore and can tuck into an inlet or river if things get dicey, then you might be ok. If you are considering a long crossing, then this boat is not appropriate for that purpose. Can it be done? Sure, with good planning, and some luck. But it's not the boat I'd pick for that purpose.