Farr 5000 Sailboat Review, Specs, and Listings

Design and Construction

At 5.09m overall with a 4.62m waterline and a beamy 2.25m, the 5000 carries a fine entry with little flare and a gentle sheerline, the hull clearing the transom from the waterline when at rest. Two simulated clinkers add stiffness to the hull, a trick carried over from the 6000. The cabin top carries considerable camber to shed water, and high coaming wraps the cockpit. Non-skid surfacing is used extensively on the cockpit, side decks, and cabin top, while the cabin floors are moulded GRP with small ridges. A heavy swing keel is paired with 180kg (397lb) of ballast, and the top of the keel case wears a sprayed furry coating as a footfall surface sprayed furry coating on the keel case.

Rig and Handling

The 5000 is rigged as an approximate 5/8 fractional sloop with a smallish jib and a four-battened main, all sail controls led to the cabin top except the spinnaker sheets. The jib sheet track sits within arm's reach of the cockpit, and the mainsheet traveler spans the bridge between cockpit and cabin. A swing rudder of moulded GRP swings clear of the water when not needed, built around an aluminium box frame for stiffness and leverage, with a square-section extrusion tiller ending in solid timber and the usual twiddle stick fitted. The swing keel is raised and lowered by a winch with a removable handle, and a window shows the keel cable's degree of tension. Tested in gusts to 25 knots, the boat heeled quickly under puffs and once round-uped in a heavier gust, yet the main alone powered her easily and the small jib could be handled by young teenagers. Farr took a second in class on her first outing, and the design is built to self-right after a knock-down, floating high enough to keep the cabin clear even with hatch boards out.

Accommodations

The cabin is more basic than the 6000's but sleeps four on full-size bunks, two running full length along either side with the after two-thirds forming quarter berths, all with bin stowage below and soft-surfaced comfortable squabs. A lifting cabin hatch, two removable side panels, and a centre insert open the space, which seats five or six adults. Provision exists for a chemical toilet or a centerline marine head, and options include a portable galley. Three marine ply partitions separate cockpit from cabin, the two side ones secured by shock cord and removable for sailing. An optional pop-top was offered rather than standard.

Known Issues

The sprayed furry coating on the swing keel case was expected to wear through quickly as it served as a natural step-down point, and the test boat needed a more durable top there. The cockpit fuel tank locker had only a hinged lid with no catch, and in the test example no hole was cut to pass the fuel line to the engine when closed. Cabin top handrails were positioned so they should have been moved aft a few inches to let a third crew brace. The test boat also needed minor sail alterations to improve flow.

Refits and Ownership

Standard equipment included jib, main, and trailer, with a foredeck anchor locker and recessed cleat to keep the lid shut at anchor. Options ran to pulpit, pushpit, guardrails, spinnaker, boom tent, and pop-top; period reviewers held that a pushpit and pulpit were close to essential for most crews. A 1300cc car could tow her for short runs, while Australia-style distances called for 1500–1600cc or more.

The Verdict

A purpose-built Farr trailer yacht that punches above its 16ft length: quick to heel, easy to sail short-handed, and engineered to self-right, yet with a spartan cabin and a few detailing omissions the factory never fully resolved.

Pros