The information is now sufficiently comprehensive to generate the article.
Here's a summary of what I have for each section:
Introduction:
- Builder: Cheoy Lee.
- Designer: Tord Sundén, modified by Cheoy Lee staff.
- Origin: Modified Folkboat.
- Purpose: Small cruising monohull.
- General reputation: A "grand offshore boat" in its day, robustly built.
- details: LOA 25.08 ft, LWL 19.5 ft, Displacement 5500 lbs, long keel, masthead sloop.
History and Design:
- Production: Started in 1964.
- Evolution: Began as Pacific Clipper/Offshore 26, named "Frisco Flyer" by a brokerage.
- Designer's philosophy: Modified Folkboat for presumably more interior space and masthead rig in later versions. Folkboat itself is known for seaworthiness.
- Builder's ethos: Cheoy Lee known for robust construction and pioneering fiberglass in the 1960s.
- Variations: MkI (fractional, small trunk), MkII (masthead, larger teak trunk), MkIII (masthead, larger teak doghouse for standing headroom).
- Prototype: First one built in 1957 and made two single-handed Atlantic crossings before production started in 1964. notes, 9]
Sailing Performance and Handling:
- Calculated ratios:
- SA/D: 15.73 (moderate, suggests decent light-air but not a racer)
- B/D: 0.455 (high, indicates good stability and stiffness)
- D/L: 331.09 (high, confirms heavy displacement for its length, traditional cruiser)
- Anecdotal: Described as a "grand offshore boat" in its day. The long keel and high ballast ratio imply a stable, seaworthy motion, though potentially slower to respond than fin-keel designs. The Folkboat heritage reinforces seaworthiness.
Accommodations and Layout:
- Key feature: Frisco Flyer III has a "larger teak doghouse cabin" allowing for "some standing headroom."
- Construction quality: "Nice interior cabinetry" and "massively" built with "inch thick" interior locker faces.
- Layout: While no explicit floor plan, a boat of 25ft LOA with some standing headroom (thanks to the doghouse) would typically feature a V-berth forward, a small salon area (often with settees convertible to berths), a compact galley, and a marine head, likely forward or under the cockpit. The emphasis on "nice interior cabinetry" and teak suggests a classic, warm interior. It's a small boat, so space will be compact.
Owner's Perspectives:
- Community: Active "Frisco Flyer & Pacific Clipper Owners" group.
- General impression: One forum comment mentions "few people seem to really like the smaller Cheoy Lees". This is a general statement, not specific to the Frisco Flyer III's strengths/weaknesses.
- Maintenance: Teak decks can be an issue (e.g., "The Black Lotus" needed teak decks removed). This implies potential for significant maintenance on older teak decks.
- Strengths: Implied by "grand offshore boat" and robust construction ("massively built").
I believe I have enough information to construct the article, including the optional Owner's Perspectives section by cautiously interpreting the available snippets. I will ensure to attribute information properly and avoid fabricating.