Farr 1104 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Farr 1104 can be traced back to 1975 when Bruce Farr was commissioned by yachtsman Noel Angus to design a One-Ton sized yacht, leading to Design No. 51. Farr's design philosophy for this model aimed to deliver a new style of ocean racing yacht that offered superior all-around speed and significantly improved handling characteristics compared to its predecessors. A notable design feature was its modern fractional rig, which effectively managed without running backstays – a characteristic that would become a hallmark of many of Farr's subsequent fast cruising yachts.

Production of the Farr 1104 commenced in 1975 by Compass Yachts, a company known for embracing fiberglass construction to produce accessible, robust, and affordable cruising yachts., 11] The builder's ethos during this era centered on creating durable, lower-maintenance GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) vessels suitable for the growing sailing community in the Southern Hemisphere. While the initial design was a potent IOR racer, subsequent production models were often configured as cruiser/racer versions. The Farr 1104 was built concurrently in Australia and New Zealand, demonstrating the builder's trans-Tasman synergy. There is no widely documented evidence of significant variations such as MkI or MkII during its production run, though individual boats may have seen customisations.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Farr 1104's design ratios underscore its performance-oriented nature. With a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of approximately 24.08, the Farr 1104 suggests excellent performance in lighter air conditions, indicative of a powerful sail plan relative to its weight. Its Ballast to Displacement Ratio of around 40% (3411 lbs ballast in an 8510 lbs displacement) points to a stiff and stable platform, capable of standing up well to stronger winds and maintaining its sail-carrying ability. Furthermore, a Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) of approximately 165.2 categorizes it as a relatively light displacement vessel for its length, contributing to its responsive handling and quick acceleration.

Owners and reviewers frequently praise the Farr 1104 for its superior all-around speed and significantly better handling characteristics, marking it as a legend in modern yacht design. Anecdotal evidence suggests impressive motion comfort, seaworthiness, forgiveness, and ease of handling. Many consider it a great club racer, ideal for twilight or midweek social sailing, while still capable of weekends away. However, some discussions highlight potential characteristics common to IOR designs of the era; its beamy midsections might make it "squirrely" when sailing downwind, and the fine entry of the bow, while beneficial upwind, could lead to pounding in certain sea states due to flat sections forward of the keel. The design's lack of a skeg to protect the spade rudder has also been noted by some owners as a concern for straight tracking and rudder vulnerability.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its racing origins, the Farr 1104 offers surprisingly spacious and functional accommodations below deck, making it suitable for cruising and longer trips. The interior typically features eight berths across two cabins, with an advertised maximum headroom of 6 feet in the main salon, though some areas, particularly forward where the coach roof tapers, might have less headroom. Owners describe the accommodations as simple but comfortable.

The general layout often includes a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that can convert into berths, and typically quarter berths or pilot berths aft, often designed for crew in a racing context but serving as extra sleeping capacity for cruisers. There is usually a dedicated head compartment and a galley area, although details on the finish quality and specific materials are best confirmed by inspecting individual boats. Given the builder's focus on practicality and robust fiberglass construction, the interior likely features durable, functional materials characteristic of yachts from the mid-1970s.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Farr 1104 generally express high satisfaction with the model, consistently praising its solid construction and comfortable motion in a seaway. The boat's seaworthiness, forgiving nature, and overall performance are frequently highlighted as major strengths, making it an enduring choice for both club racing and family cruising. The Farr 1104 represents an affordable entry into yacht ownership, with a strong and active owner community often found online through forums and groups, a testament to the lasting appeal and practicality of these vessels.

However, common discussion points among owners also include some inherent characteristics related to its IOR heritage. The broad midsections can lead to a "squirrely" feeling downwind, and the hull shape forward might cause pounding in choppy conditions. The exposed spade rudder, while contributing to responsive steering, means the boat lacks the protection of a full skeg, which some owners perceive as a drawback for rudder vulnerability or tracking. Additionally, some forum discussions mention "hogging" as a potential structural concern, possibly linked to minor construction discrepancies in bulkheads from the original build. Despite these points, the collective viewpoint remains largely positive, valuing the Farr 1104 for its robust build, performance capabilities, and enduring classic lines.