Farr 400 Buyer's Guide
Shopping the brokerage market for a used Farr 400 means stepping into a purpose-built one-design racing class rather than a cruiser with race pretensions. These 38-foot 9-inch carbon boats were drawn by Bruce Farr and built by Premier Composite Technologies in Dubai, with each hull constructed to identical material specs so that the used boat you buy is structurally the same as its classmates.
Layouts on the Used Market
Every Farr 400 shares the same hull and deck mold, so layout differences between boats are minimal. The deck plan is asymmetrical, with the companionway placed to port and the mast lines led to starboard winches. Below, the boat carries only the essentials: a 27-horsepower Volvo-Penta auxiliary, 11 gallons of diesel, and 20 gallons of water. Prospective buyers should understand that the interior is a racing shell, not a liveaboard, and the removable retractable keel — cast-iron fin with lead bulb — is part of the one-design package rather than an owner option.
Equipment and Common Upgrades
Because the class is one-design, most boats retain the original carbon rig with square-head main, twin backstays, and 22-degree spreader sweep. The split carbon mast and container-compatible keel are standard. Buyers should focus on the systems that affect campaign readiness: the pedestal-driven primary winches and the under-deck mainsheet routing are class-spec, while a droopy bowsprit eliminating the bobstay is fixed geometry. Navigation and sail-handling gear may vary by owner, but the core rig and deck plan are not open to modification under class rules.
What to Inspect
The SP/High Modulus Smartpac system ensures identical materials boat to boat anchor, so verify the keel fin and lead bulb are intact and the retractable mechanism operated by the primary winches functions smoothly. Confirm the carbon mast split joint is sound and the standing rigging is undamaged, since all of it is carbon fiber. Check the asymmetrical deck for companionway and winch mounting integrity, and inspect the cast-iron fin for corrosion at the lead bulb junction.
Availability and Buyer's Takeaway
Regional availability is not specified for this model. For a buyer, the takeaway is straightforward:
- Confirm class-legal carbon construction and Smartpac material consistency
- Test the retractable keel operation and inspect fin-to-bulb junction
- Verify split mast joint and all-carbon standing rigging condition
- Accept minimal tankage and racing-only interior as class realities
Comparable models
Similar length, displacement, and era. Open a row to compare that model's market page.
Similar boats to compare
2 similar designs| Model | LOA | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanse 400 (2006-2007) | 39.7' | $ 138,365 | 132 | 37 |
| Beneteau First 44 Performance | 48.06' | $ 581,388 | 1 | 0 |