Farr 56 Pilot House Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Farr 56 is built on a hull form derived from Bruce Farr’s decades of IMS racing pedigree, featuring a moderate-displacement hull with a long waterline and relatively flat sections aft to encourage surfing in following seas. According to technical specifications from Cruising World, the vessel carries a displacement of approximately 45,100 lbs (20,412 kg), which, when paired with its powerful masthead sloop or cutter rig, provides a high power-to-weight ratio for its class.

Under sail, the boat is known for being remarkably light on the helm, thanks to a high-aspect-ratio rudder and a standard wing keel that lowers the center of gravity while maintaining a manageable 8'2" (2.5m) draft. The wing keel also enhances upwind tracking, a common weakness in many shallower-draft cruising designs. Handling is largely automated; most Farr 56s were delivered with hydraulic in-mast furling and powered winches, allowing the helmsman to trim the entire sail plan from the safety of the center cockpit.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The defining characteristic of the Farr 56 is its elevated saloon, which places the dining and lounging area on a platform that allows occupants to see the horizon while seated. The standard layout, executed primarily in African Khaya mahogany, features a large master stateroom aft with a centerline queen berth and private head. Forward of the mast, the boat typically offers two guest cabins: a VIP double to port and a twin-bunk cabin to starboard, or a single large guest suite depending on the original owner’s specification.

A critical design choice by Farr was the placement of the galley. Located in the passageway to the aft cabin, the galley is positioned low in the hull and near the center of buoyancy, which minimizes vertical motion while cooking at sea—a detail noted by Soundings Online in discussions of the Farr Pilot House range’s ergonomics. The engine and machinery space is located directly beneath the saloon floor, offering superior access for maintenance compared to traditional "under-the-cockpit" engine rooms.

Sibling Models

The Farr 56 is the centerpiece of a broader Pilot House range developed by Boat Sales International (BSI).

• Farr 50 Pilot House: The predecessor (Design #373), which established the range's signature look but offered slightly less interior volume and a smaller lazarette.
• Farr 60/63 Pilot House: Larger variants that utilized the same design philosophy but added more significant guest accommodation and often required more complex hydraulic systems.
• Najad 511: While not a direct sibling, the Farr 50 was built at the Najad yard for a period, leading to design overlaps in construction techniques seen in the later 56.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on the following high-signal maintenance areas:

• Hydraulic System Complexity: The Farr 56 relies heavily on a Power Take-Off (PTO) system from the main engine or generator to run the winches, furling, and bow thruster. Any leaks or pressure drops in the hydraulic lines can be difficult to diagnose and expensive to repair.
• Pilot House Window Seals: The large safety-glass windows are often bonded with structural adhesives (similar to skyscraper glazing). Over time, UV exposure can degrade these bonds, leading to leaks that are notoriously difficult to seal without a full removal and re-bedding of the glass.
• Teak Deck Wear: Many Farr 56s were built with screwless teak decks; however, by this age, the thickness of the teak should be measured. Refitting a deck of this scale can exceed $60,000 due to the complex curves and flush hatches.
• Electrical Management: Because the boat utilizes multiple voltage systems (12V, 24V, 110/220V AC), the battery charging and inverter systems are highly complex. Buyers should ensure the wiring hasn't been "simplified" by previous owners in ways that compromise safety or the master monitoring system.

Community & Resources

Technical support remains strong through Farr Yacht Design, which maintains an archive of original design drawings and specifications for the model. Owners often congregate within larger bluewater cruising communities, such as the World Cruising Club (organizers of the ARC), where the Farr Pilot House range is a frequent and well-regarded participant.

The Verdict

The Farr 56 Pilot House is an exceptional choice for the experienced cruiser who values performance and engineering over the "condo-on-the-water" aesthetic of more mainstream production boats.

Pros:

• Superior sailing performance and light-air capability compared to traditional deck saloons.
• Genuine 360-degree visibility from the interior improves watch-keeping safety.
• High-end Swedish build quality (BSI Marine) using premium materials.
• Excellent engine access and machinery layout.

Cons:

• High maintenance burden due to the complexity of the hydraulic and electrical systems.
• Large pilot house windows can create a "greenhouse effect" in tropical climates if air conditioning is not robust.
• Higher price point than many 56-foot production cruisers of the same era.