Farr 38 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Farr 38 is characterized by a high sail area-to-displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 22.8, a figure that signals exceptional light-air performance and the ability to plane under the right conditions. Unlike the "pinched-end" designs of the late 1970s, the Farr 38 features a broad stern and powerful midships sections that provide significant form stability and prevent the "rounding up" common in IOR-influenced yachts. Owners and testers frequently report that the boat tracks exceptionally well and maintains a stiff, predictable motion in rough water, largely due to its high-aspect-ratio keel and low center of gravity.

The original Design #72 was configured as a fractional rig, which allowed for easier headsail handling and a larger, more controllable mainsail. This setup is often preferred by shorthanded sailors as it minimizes the need for massive, high-tension genoas. For sailors seeking a more dedicated cruising platform, the later Farr 38 Design #172 introduced a masthead rig with a smaller foretriangle, further simplifying sail changes while maintaining the hull's inherent speed. In heavy weather, the hull’s fine bow sections slice through chop rather than pounding, a quality noted in historical race accounts from the Cape to Rio and Sydney-Hobart races.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Unlike many performance-oriented boats of the late 70s that sacrificed the interior for weight savings, the Farr 38 was "unashamedly a cruiser" below deck. The layout typically features a classic three-cabin arrangement: a V-berth forward, a large main saloon with settee berths, and one or two quarter berths aft. The cabin is notable for its abundance of natural light and ventilation, often finished in warm teak or mahogany depending on the builder.

Variation in the interior often follows the regional builder’s standards. The Canadian-built Spindrift versions and South African units were frequently outfitted with more robust "offshore" amenities, including larger refrigeration units and expanded nav stations. The 38 South Boat Sales editorial notes that many Australian-built Binks models included a galley with deep double sinks and a dedicated head compartment with a shower, making them highly liveable for extended coastal cruising. Headroom is generous throughout the main cabin, usually exceeding 6' 2", which was a significant selling point compared to its more cramped racing contemporaries like the Farr 1104.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Farr 38’s reputation for ruggedness was cemented by "Faraway," a South African entry in the Cape to Rio race. The vessel was reportedly rolled 360 degrees by a breaking wave; however, the hull remained structurally intact and righted itself immediately, allowing the crew to continue with only minor rig damage. The model was also adopted by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron as a one-design class, leading to highly competitive racing series that attracted professional sailors across the Tasman.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on several specific technical areas identified by the owner community and historical surveys:

• Keel Spiderframe Integrity: On some Australian-built models, reports indicate that the "spiderframe" (the internal fiberglass grid that distributes keel loads) may not have been perfectly tabbed to the hull centerline. Buyers should inspect for "keel smile" at the leading edge or evidence of movement in the bilge frames during a hard grounding check.
• Boom Length and Rig Tension: The original boom is exceptionally long to maximize the mainsail area, which can lead to it dragging in the water during heavy-air reaching. Inspect the gooseneck and vang attachment points for stress cracks. Additionally, the narrow shroud base on single-spreader versions puts high loads on the lower shrouds; a thorough rig survey is essential.
• Deck Core Dampness: Like many yachts of this vintage, the Farr 38 often utilizes a balsa or foam core in the deck. Areas around the chainplates and stanchion bases are prone to water ingress if not regularly re-bedded.
• Quarter Berth Access: While the quarter berths offer great sleeping space, the access "tunnel" can be tight. Buyers should ensure that modifications to the engine box or battery locations haven't further restricted this area.

Community & Resources

The Farr 38 and 11.6 benefit from a dedicated following, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere. The Farr 11.6/38 Owners Association (primarily based in Australia and New Zealand) remains the primary repository for technical drawings and class racing rules. While the official builder support has largely transitioned to the secondhand market, Farr Yacht Design continues to provide digital access to original brochures and basic specifications for Design #72 and #172 through their archives.

The Verdict

The Farr 38 is a quintessential "best of both worlds" yacht, offering a level of sailing performance that remains competitive in club racing today without sacrificing the interior volume required for family cruising.

Pros:

• Exceptional light-air performance and surfing potential.
• Stiff and stable hull form that resists "death rolls" common in IOR designs.
• High-quality interior layout suitable for long-term coastal living.
• Fractional rig options provide manageable sail handling for couples.

Cons:

• The long boom requires careful attention during gybes and heavy-air reaches.
• Historical keel-attachment issues on specific production runs require professional surveying.
• Narrow shroud bases on some models can lead to high rig fatigue.