Farr 60 Pilot House Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

True to its lineage, the Farr 60 Pilot House is a sailor’s boat first. Unlike many cruising yachts of this displacement, which can feel sluggish in light air, the Farr hull profile—influenced by the designer’s vast experience in racing—maintains a high power-to-weight ratio. According to design specifications from Farr Yacht Design, the boat features a high-aspect rig and a moderate-displacement hull that tracks exceptionally well.

On the water, the boat is known for its "stiff" feel, largely due to a lead keel and a deep draft that provides a high righting moment. Handling is typically simplified for short-handed sailing through the use of hydraulic sail-handling systems, including in-mast or in-boom furling and powered winches. While the pilot house adds windage, the hull’s narrow entries and clean exit lines ensure it remains weatherly. Owners often report that the boat feels smaller than its 60 feet when at the helm, offering responsive steering and an ability to maintain high average speeds—often exceeding 200-mile days—during offshore passages.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Farr 60 Pilot House is defined by its raised "deck saloon" configuration, which allows guests to enjoy the scenery while sheltered from the elements. This layout typically features a large U-shaped settee to port with an internal navigation station to starboard, which can sometimes be equipped with an autopilot joystick for "inside" watch-standing during inclement weather.

The craftsmanship in these vessels is usually of the highest Scandinavian or European standard, utilizing hand-finished hardwoods like teak or American cherry. The standard layout features a sprawling owner's suite aft, taking full advantage of the boat's beam, and two or three guest cabins forward. Variations do exist; while most were built for private owners with a three-cabin layout, some hulls were configured with a four-cabin arrangement to accommodate a professional crew or larger families. The galley is typically "linear" and located in the walkthrough to the aft cabin, providing a secure workspace at sea. The engine room is a highlight of this model, usually located under the cockpit sole with walk-in or crawl-in access, housing the large primary engine and generator required for high-latitude or tropical cruising.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Farr 60 Pilot House should focus their surveys on the complex systems that make a 60-foot yacht manageable.

• Hydraulic Systems: These boats rely heavily on hydraulics for furling and winches. Verify the age of the high-pressure hoses and the condition of the central power pack for leaks or pressure drops.
• Rod Rigging: Many Farr 60s were delivered with solid rod rigging for performance. If the rigging is older than 10-12 years, it likely requires a full professional "cold-heading" inspection or complete replacement, which is a significant capital expense on a boat of this scale.
• Teak Deck Integrity: As high-end cruisers, most were fitted with thick teak decks. Check for "proud" screws or failing caulking, as moisture ingress can compromise the core of the deck, though many high-end builds used vacuum-bagged composites to mitigate this risk.
• Keel Bolt Inspection: Given the high performance and deep draft of the Farr hull, the keel-to-hull joint should be inspected for any "smile" or movement, particularly if the vessel has a history of racing or groundings.
• Pilot House Glazing: The large windows are exposed to significant green water in heavy seas. Ensure the seals are intact and check for any signs of crazing or delamination in the toughened glass or acrylic panels.

Community & Resources

The Farr 60 Pilot House is supported by a niche but dedicated community of offshore sailors. Technical data and original design drawings are often archived and accessible via the Farr Yacht Design website, which maintains a portfolio of their historical builds. While there is no single "owner's club" for this specific model, owners often congregate within broader Farr-design forums or high-end cruising groups such as the World Cruising Club (ARC), where these boats are frequent participants.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Exceptional Performance: Far faster and more weatherly than the average 60-foot deck saloon cruiser.
• True Pilot House Comfort: Offers genuine 360-degree visibility from the interior living space.
• Blue Water Build Quality: Constructed to high standards capable of handling extreme latitudes.
• Spacious Engine Room: Excellent access for the maintenance of critical machinery.

Cons:

• High Complexity: Reliance on hydraulic and electric systems requires a diligent maintenance schedule.
• Draft Limitations: The deep performance keel may limit access to some shallower cruising grounds like the Bahamas.
• Cost of Ownership: Rigging, sails, and slipway fees for a 60-footer of this caliber represent a significant annual budget.