Farr 6000 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Farr 6000 began in 1977 when Sea Nymph Boats Ltd, a prominent New Zealand manufacturer known for its practical and durable boats, commissioned Bruce Farr for a new design. The company sought a medium-sized trailer-sailer suitable for high-volume production, aiming to create a vessel that would appeal to a wide range of recreational boaters. Farr, who had a background in designing small class-racing yachts and was known for a philosophy that blended excellent performance with remarkable accommodation, was a natural fit for the project. His design ethos, influenced by Australian skiffs, marked an evolution in sailboat lines.

Sea Nymph Boats, which had been pioneering fiberglass construction in New Zealand since 1962, brought its experience in GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) to the Farr 6000. The collaboration quickly proved successful, with Sea Nymph exporting two Farr 6000s per week to Australia shortly after production commenced. The design, officially Bruce Farr Design #57, mandated that hulls and interior liners be produced from official moulds, ensuring consistency across the fleet. While no significant "MkI" or "MkII" variations are widely noted, the original sail plan specified a standard short-footed, high-aspect jib, contributing to its performance characteristics.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact size, the Farr 6000 is celebrated for its enthusiastic sailing performance. Reviewers and owners consistently praise its capabilities, noting that it offers excellent performance relative to its displacement. The boat is equipped with a fractional sloop rig, a choice that contributes to its ease of handling. [2, Fractional rigs allow for smaller headsails, simplifying tacking—an advantage particularly appreciated by cruisers or those sailing short-handed. The Farr 6000 also features a large, yet manageable, main sail, which is a primary driver of its impressive speed.

Designed to perform well, the Farr 6000 exhibits good performance to windward, even in choppy sea conditions. Its monohull design with a wing keel contributes to stability and allows for a substantial draft of 5.08 feet when lowered, providing good grip on the water. A crucial aspect of its trailer-sailer functionality is the keel's ability to be raised, reducing the draft to just 1.33 feet for easy launching, retrieval, and shallow-water access. For downwind sailing, the Farr 6000 can carry a medium-sized spinnaker, further enhancing its off-wind speed. Overall, the Farr 6000 is regarded as a slightly more racing-oriented design compared to some other trailer yachts, offering a lively and engaging sailing experience.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Farr 6000 is widely considered to be remarkably spacious and well-arranged for a boat of its length, with many describing its accommodation as extraordinary and unmatched by other trailer yachts in its class. The design team prioritized maximizing interior volume without compromising sailing performance, resulting in a very spacious boat, particularly below decks.

While specific headroom dimensions are not consistently available, the clever layout effectively utilizes the limited space to provide ample accommodation for a small family. The typical arrangement includes a semi-enclosed bulkhead in the forepeak, behind which the toilet is situated, offering a degree of privacy. The galley area usually runs along one side of the main cabin. Owners often find the interior to be practical and functional, designed to cater to both day use and overnight stays. The hulls, built by Sea Nymph Boats, have proven to be robust and durable over time, indicating a solid construction quality for the interior fit-out as well.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently praise the Farr 6000 for its robust construction, which has allowed many hulls to remain relatively problem-free even after decades of use. Many view it as an excellent choice for families, offering an accessible entry into sailing and enabling enjoyable family outings. The combination of spirited performance and comfortable, though compact, living spaces is frequently highlighted as a major strength.

While these boats are now typically twenty years old or more, they continue to be highly sought after, reflecting their enduring legacy and proven design. Common maintenance items, typical for any boat of this vintage, might include inspecting and potentially re-bedding original deck fittings to prevent leaks. The wooden rudder, while not a universal issue specific to the Farr 6000, is a component that older boats with similar configurations might require attention over time. The strong community around Farr Trailer Yachts further supports owners, providing a valuable resource for maintenance advice and shared experiences.