Farr 1104 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Farr 1104 is celebrated for its exceptional light-air performance and its ability to plane downwind—a rarity for 1970s-era cruiser-racers. With a high-aspect fractional rig, the boat feels responsive and "dinghy-like" despite its 36-foot length. According to technical archives from Farr Yacht Design, the hull (Design #53) was engineered to maximize speed-to-length ratios that defied the restrictive IOR handicaps of the day.

On the helm, the 1104 is known for its sensitivity. It tracks well but requires active trimming to maintain its narrow heel-angle sweet spot; because of its light displacement, it can become "tender" if over-canvased in a blow. However, its sea-kindliness in offshore conditions was proven early in its career, demonstrating that a lighter boat could handle the punishing conditions of the Tasman Sea. The steering is typically a large-diameter wheel, providing the leverage necessary to handle the high-aspect spade rudder, though some early racing variants were fitted with tillers for maximum feedback.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Farr 1104 reflects its dual-purpose DNA. Most Compass Yachts builds feature a practical, open layout centered around a large saloon with a drop-leaf table. The "main bulkhead" is positioned well forward to create an expansive living area. While the racing versions often utilized pipe cots to save weight, the production cruiser-racers usually offer a V-berth forward, twin settees in the saloon, and two significant quarter berths aft.

Headroom is surprisingly generous for a performance hull, generally exceeding 6 feet in the main cabin. The cabinetry in the Compass Yachts versions is typically finished in teak or Australian timbers, lending a warmth that belies the boat's aggressive racing pedigree. Buyers should distinguish between the 1104 and its sibling, the Compass 36. While the 1104 has a lower-profile coachroof and a larger cockpit for racing maneuvers, the Compass 36 variant offers a more substantial galley and improved storage for long-term coastal cruising.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Farr 1104's place in maritime history was cemented by the yacht Piccolo, which famously won the 1976 Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race overall. This victory was a defining moment for Bruce Farr, proving that his light-displacement "skiff-style" yachts were not just fast in harbors but could dominate the world’s most grueling offshore races. The model's success is frequently cited in retrospectives of Australian yachting history as the design that essentially "broke" the IOR rule, forcing a shift in how rating systems accounted for hull speed and displacement.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners should focus on the following technical areas, which are common for GRP vessels of this vintage:

• Keel Attachment: The 1104 features a deep fin keel. Inspect the "keel sump" area for stress fractures or "smiles" at the leading edge, which may indicate previous groundings or the need for keel bolt replacement.
• Chainplate Reinforcement: Given the high rig tension required for the fractional setup, the deck-to-hull connections at the chainplates should be inspected for moisture ingress or core delamination.
• Osmotic Blistering: Early Compass Yachts builds are generally robust, but like all 1970s hulls, they are susceptible to osmosis. A professional hull survey is essential to check for moisture levels in the laminate.
• Rudder Bearings: The spade rudder is a high-load component. Check for excessive "play" or slop in the rudder post bearings, which can affect steering precision.

Community & Resources

The Farr 1104 benefits from a robust legacy community, particularly within the Compass Yacht Group, which provides technical support and historical data for owners of Australian-built Farr designs. Technical specifications and original sail plans are often maintained through the Farr Yacht Design heritage archives. In New Zealand, the model remains a staple of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS) heritage fleets, where many 1104s still compete in divisional racing.

The Verdict

The Farr 1104 is an iconic "wolf in sheep’s clothing"—a yacht that offers genuine silver-medal racing heritage without sacrificing the basic amenities required for family cruising.

Pros:

• Legendary light-air performance and downwind speed.
• Well-built hulls from the reputable Compass Yachts yard.
• Generous interior volume for a performance-oriented 36-footer.
• High resale value due to its "classic" status in Australasia.

Cons:

• Requires a skilled crew to keep the boat "on its lines" in heavy weather.
• Fractional rig and running backstays (on some models) increase handling complexity.
• Age-related maintenance (keel bolts and deck core) is becoming more common.