Fraser 51 Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Fraser 51 begins in 1986, marking its production start under the banner of Dekleer Brothers Industries Ltd., a British Columbia-based company founded by brothers Arie and Len De Kleer in 1966. Known for their no-nonsense, heavy-duty fiberglass cruising sailboats, Dekleer Brothers brought a distinct manufacturing ethos to the Fraser 51. The company often sold boats as kits, allowing for significant customization in the final finishing, a practice that likely contributed to flexibility and cost-effectiveness for purchasers.

The Fraser 51 was a collaborative effort, with its design attributed to Douglas Cook, a designer known for his contributions to capable yacht designs. Dekleer Brothers built five units of the Fraser 51, with the molds for these vessels constructed by Gene Rufer. This limited production run underscores its position as a specialized offering, reflecting Dekleer's focus on crafting durable vessels rather than mass production.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Designed for serious offshore work, the Fraser 51 exhibits characteristics indicative of a heavy bluewater cruiser. With a length overall of 51 feet and a waterline length of 40 feet, she boasts a substantial displacement of 42,000 pounds. This translates to a displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 293, categorizing it as a moderately heavy vessel, well-suited to managing demanding sea conditions with a stable and comfortable motion.

The Fraser 51 features a fin keel and a ballast of 14,000 pounds, resulting in a ballast-to-displacement ratio of about 33.3%. While this ratio suggests a reasonable degree of initial stability, the boat is generally described as being "reasonably stable / stiff" with "excellent righting capability if capsized." Equipped with a masthead sloop rig, the Fraser 51 is often noted as being "under powered," indicating a preference for heavier air conditions or requiring more sail area in lighter winds to achieve optimal performance. Its theoretical hull speed is estimated at 8.47 knots. Owners and reviewers characterize the Fraser 51 as an "elegant and strong offshore sailing" vessel, built to confidently handle the rigors of ocean passages.

Accommodations and Layout

Specific detailed information regarding the interior layout and accommodations of the Fraser 51 is scarce in publicly available records. However, given its designation as a 51-foot heavy bluewater cruising boat and Dekleer Brothers' reputation for building comfortable family voyagers, certain general assumptions can be made. Typically, a vessel of this size and purpose would feature multiple private cabins, a spacious main salon, a well-appointed galley, and at least one head with shower facilities.

Considering Dekleer Brothers' practice of selling boats as kits, the final interior finish and layout of each Fraser 51 likely varied significantly depending on the subsequent finisher or owner. This approach would have allowed for a high degree of customization, potentially leading to unique interior arrangements across the limited production run. However, the overall design philosophy would have prioritized robust construction and functional living spaces suitable for extended periods aboard, characteristic of a true bluewater cruiser.