Farr 5000 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Farr 5000, designated as Bruce Farr Design No. 74, emerged in 1977, building upon Farr's growing reputation for designing lightweight, fast cruising, and competitive racing yachts. Bruce Farr, an accomplished and sought-after yacht designer, has been particularly recognized for his involvement in class-racing yachts and larger racing and cruising designs. The Farr 5000 was conceived as a smaller iteration of the popular Farr 6000 trailer yacht, aiming to provide an economical and strong yet light boat that could be easily towed by an average family car.

Sea Nymph Boats Ltd., the original builder, was an early pioneer in Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) construction in New Zealand, beginning its operations in 1962. The company established a manufacturing ethos centered on producing practical and durable trailer boats, a reputation that made them an iconic brand in the New Zealand marine industry. Their collaboration with esteemed designers like Bruce Farr during this period underscored a commitment to well-engineered vessels. A key feature of the Farr 5000's design is its swing keel, composed of cast iron, coupled with a lifting rudder of fiberglass in an alloy stock, enabling a significant draft variation from 0.98 feet to 4.07 feet. This design allows the boat to navigate shallow waters and be easily trailered. Production models maintained a consistent interior layout, adhering to the official moulds of Bruce Farr's design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its diminutive size, the Farr 5000 was engineered for enjoyable and manageable sailing. Its fractional sloop rig provides a mainsail large enough to effectively drive the boat, contributing to its easily handled characteristics. The hull features a fine entry with relatively little flare, contributing to its performance. The most significant aspect of its handling is the swing keel, which offers immense versatility, allowing the boat to transition effortlessly between deeper coastal waters and shallow inland areas, or even to be beached. With a hull speed of 5.22 knots, the Farr 5000 offers respectable performance for its class, making it a capable vessel for weekend excursions and casual racing. Owners frequently appreciate its ease of rigging, which simplifies preparation for a day on the water.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Farr 5000 is characterized by its simplicity and practicality, reflecting its design as a small family yacht and trailer sailer. While offering a more basic interior compared to its larger sibling, the Farr 6000, it still provides a surprisingly roomy cockpit and a functional cabin space. The design ensures that the interior layout conforms to the official Bruce Farr moulds. An optional pop-top was available on some models, providing increased headroom when at anchor or dockside. Typical layouts would include a V-berth forward, and often small quarter berths, maximizing sleeping capacity within its compact footprint. The swing-up tiller design also enhances the utility of the cockpit area. The boat incorporates internal ballast, supplemented by an 80 kg cast iron aerofoil centerboard, forming part of the swing keel mechanism.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Farr 5000 generally commend its design for offering an economical, easily handled, and robust package for its size. Its "one design" status has historically contributed to a sound investment and high resale value. As a small family yacht, it fulfills its purpose effectively, providing accessible and enjoyable boating experiences. While individual opinions can vary, the overarching sentiment positions the Farr 5000 as a well-regarded and practical trailer sailer within its category, particularly appreciated for its versatility enabled by the swing keel.