At the core of the design is Farrier’s patented folding arm system, which reduces the boat's expansive beam to a manageable width, allowing it to fit into standard marina slips and canals 2. Structurally, the Command 10 was designed to be built primarily by amateur or small-scale builders using high-grade marine plywood saturated in epoxy resin. Unlike the fragile, ultra-light racers of its era, Farrier specified more rugged scantlings for the Command 10. The result is a robust, medium-displacement multihull that handles heavy offshore conditions and prolonged punishment while maintaining high-velocity performance.
The interior joinery and fit-out reflect the individual decisions of their respective builders, but Farrier's design plans maximized the utility of the wide, shallow center hull 4. With a cabin headroom of up to six feet, four inches, the main saloon feels remarkably spacious. Standard layouts offer a comfortable dinette that converts to a double berth on the starboard side, a functional galley to port, and dedicated chart space. What elevates the interior is the clever utilization of the space aft of the cockpit. Rather than utilizing a single, long cabin tube, the Command 10 boasts an aft cabin with a double berth and sitting headroom, accessible via a low passageway beneath the cockpit. This creates a two-cabin privacy level rarely seen in monohulls or multihulls under thirty-five feet.
Variations & Configurations
While most Command 10s were constructed using the specified sheet-plywood and epoxy-saturation method (frequently utilizing the WEST System), some builders incorporated western red cedar strip-planking or fiberglass over a foam core.
The primary configuration difference among existing models lies in the crossbeam execution 5. Though the folding ama system is the defining characteristic of the model, Farrier’s plans did allow for a fixed-beam, non-folding alternative. The non-folding versions trade the utility of slip-folding for a slightly quicker build time and marginal weight savings. However, they represent only a tiny fraction of the fleet, as the vast majority of owners prioritized the folding struts.
The sail plans also vary; the original design utilized a fractional sloop rig with running backstays for mast-draft control. Over time, many owners modified the rig to a modern, backstayless configuration featuring swept-back spreaders and highly roached mainsails to simplify short-handed handling. Draft is controlled by a pivoting centerboard and a kick-up rudder, allowing the boat to reduce its draft to just over two feet for beaching or shallow-water exploring, while extending to over five and a half feet for windward tracking.
Sailing Performance & Handling
Under sail, the Command 10 defies the typical compromises of cruising sailboats. With a displacement-to-length ratio of 89.78, it is classified as an ultra-light displacement boat, which keeps the wetted surface area minimal and allows the hull to transition quickly into high speeds. This light weight is paired with a sail area-to-displacement ratio of 25.43, indicating an incredibly powerful sail plan that can easily propel the boat past its theoretical hull speed in light air.
At the helm, the Command 10 feels highly responsive, sailing with very low heel angles. The wide, shallow center hull provides excellent initial stability and prevents the "sluggish" tacking that plagues deep, narrow-hulled multihulls. In fact, when tuned correctly, the boat can be tacked using sail trim alone.
The low comfort ratio of 3.46 and capsize screening formula of 6.06 are typical of light multihulls and must be interpreted correctly. In a seaway, the motion is quick and active rather than the slow, rolling motion of a heavy-displacement monohull. However, the wide beam of over twenty-six feet provides a massive righting moment 2. When sailing in heavy weather, the boat remains dry and stable, though the captain must be proactive about reefing early to manage the powerful rig in winds over twenty knots.
Known Issues & Triage
Because the Command 10 is fundamentally an owner-built, plywood-epoxy vessel, build quality is the single greatest variable. Prospective buyers must perform a comprehensive moisture assessment of the entire structure. Key areas of concern include the integrity of the fiberglass-over-plywood skin, particularly around the chainplates, through-hulls, and cockpit sole, where standing water or hardware flexing can breach the epoxy seal and lead to dry rot.
The critical mechanical focus must be placed on the folding mechanism. The folding struts, brackets, and backing plates are subject to high loads 3. Stainless steel fasteners in contact with aluminum brackets can cause galvanic corrosion. Owners must inspect the pivot pins for wear or play, and ensure that the composite or metal brackets are free of hairline fractures. Additionally, salt and calcification can bind the folding arms; regular freshwater flushing and specialized marine lubrication are required to keep the folding sequence smooth and prevent binding.
The centerboard trunk is another common area for triage. Debris can jam the centerboard, and the pivot pin itself is prone to wear, which can cause annoying knocks while at anchor or under sail. Ensure the safety trip mechanism on both the centerboard and the rudder is fully operational so they kick up harmlessly if they strike an underwater obstacle.
Modernization & Upgrades
Many vintage Command 10s have undergone major refits to update their cruising capabilities and sailing characteristics. The most common performance upgrade is the conversion to a modern, square-top mainsail. Eliminating the backstay and retrofitting swept-back spreaders makes the rig significantly easier to manage when short-handed.
Auxiliary power on these boats varies widely, from outboards on transom brackets to small, lightweight inboard diesels like the three-cylinder Vetus or Yanmar. Owners looking to modernize are increasingly looking at electric propulsion conversions. Given the boat’s lightweight hull and easily driven shape, a modern electric pod or shaft drive paired with a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery bank is a highly viable upgrade, especially when supplemented by solar arrays mounted on the wide trampolines or the aft cabin coachroof.
The Verdict
The Command 10 is a masterful piece of multihull engineering that remains highly relevant for sailors seeking speed, shallow-draft versatility, and actual cruising comfort on a budget. It bridges the gap between high-performance daysailers and heavy ocean cruisers, offering a rewarding, fast, and level sailing experience. However, as a vintage, primarily home-built plywood vessel, finding a well-maintained specimen is paramount, and ownership demands a high level of vigilance regarding structural moisture and folding-mechanism maintenance.
Pros
- Exceptional sailing speed and light-wind performance
- Patented folding system allows access to standard marina slips and simplifies trailering
- Unique three-cabin privacy with a separate double aft cabin
- Extremely shallow draft with centerboard and rudder raised
- Rugged scantlings and stable near-level sailing motion
Cons
- Vastly inconsistent build quality due to amateur construction history
- High vulnerability of plywood-epoxy structure to dry rot if neglected
- Active, motion-sensitive ride in choppy seas compared to heavy monohulls
- Demands proactive reefing in heavy air due to high power-to-weight ratio
- Rare on the brokerage market, making parts and sister-ship comparisons difficult
