Farr 64 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Farr 64 is built upon a hull form that prioritizes stability and tracking without sacrificing the agility for which Farr Yacht Design is renowned. According to technical reviews of its siblings in the Sailing Magazine archives, the design utilizes a relatively low-displacement-to-length (D/L) ratio compared to contemporary cruisers, often hovering around the 200 mark. This allows the 64 to maintain high average speeds, with daily runs of 200 nautical miles being a standard expectation for the model.

Handling is characterized by a balanced spade rudder and a high-aspect-ratio fin keel, often featuring a lead bulb or wings to lower the center of gravity. This configuration provides exceptional "feel" at the helm, a trait noted by Bob Perry in his analysis of the related Farr 60. The 64 tracks well upwind thanks to its deep draft and powerful sail plan, while the broad, flat sections aft allow it to surf predictably in following seas. Because the rig is typically a powerful cutter or fractional sloop, many 64s are equipped with hydraulic furlers and electric winches to manage the significant sail area, making the boat surprisingly manageable for a shorthanded couple.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The defining feature of the Farr 64 is its raised pilot house, which integrates the social heart of the boat with panoramic views of the horizon. This configuration allows for a dual-level living space: a spacious, light-filled upper saloon for dining and navigation, and a lower galley and cabin area that remains protected and cozy. The Farr Yacht Design archives indicate that these yachts typically feature a three- or four-cabin layout, with a "palatial" owner’s stateroom positioned either aft under the cockpit or forward, depending on the specific hull commission.

Materials typically include high-grade teak or light oak joinery, characteristic of the Swedish and New Zealand yards that produced them. A notable variation in this hull’s history is its relationship to the Farr 60 and 56; the 64 often utilized the same basic hull mold as the 60 but with an extended transom "sugar scoop" for a larger lazarette and improved water access. In terms of interior volume, the move from the 50-foot to the 64-foot platform represents a nearly 70% increase in usable internal capacity, allowing for dedicated utility rooms, laundry facilities, and extensive tankage for long-range cruising.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Farr 64 is frequently cited in high-performance cruising circles and has a presence in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), where Farr-designed yachts have historically dominated the cruising divisions. The 64-foot platform also shares a name with the famous "Brindabella," a custom Farr 64 (Design #220) that became an icon of Australian offshore racing. While "Brindabella" is a dedicated ULDB (Ultra Light Displacement Boat) racer, its success on the global stage cemented the reputation of the 64-foot Farr hull shape as a "passage winner," a pedigree that directly influenced the engineering of the Pilot House cruising variant.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Farr 64 should focus on the complexity of its onboard systems, which are significantly more advanced than those of a standard production boat.

• Hydraulic Systems: Most 64s utilize extensive hydraulics for furling, winches, and the transom door. These systems require specialized maintenance and should be checked for valve leaks or pressure drops.
• Rudder Bearings: The balanced spade rudder is under immense load on a boat of this displacement. Owners have occasionally noted the need for bearing replacements to maintain the signature "fingertip" steering feel.
• Teak Deck Longevity: Many 64s were built with vacuum-bonded teak decks. While high quality, boats from the late 90s/early 2000s may be reaching the end of their service life, requiring a costly re-coring or replacement.
• Chainplate Inspection: Given the high rig tensions required for its performance sail plan, a thorough ultrasonic inspection of the stainless steel chainplates and forestay attachments is recommended to rule out stress corrosion cracking.

Community & Resources

Owners and enthusiasts of the Farr Pilot House series typically find technical support through the Farr Yacht Design headquarters in Annapolis, which maintains an active archive of original drawings and specifications. While no dedicated single-model owner association exists for the 64, the "Farr Pilot House" community remains active on technical forums, where owners of the 50, 56, and 60 models share parts-sourcing information and refit advice.

The Verdict

Pros

• Exceptional Speed: Capable of high sustained speeds that shorten passage times significantly.
• Visibility: The raised pilot house offers superior protection and 360-degree views from the saloon.
• Build Quality: Constructed by world-class yards using robust composite techniques.
• Shorthanded Capability: Heavily mechanized systems allow a small crew to handle a large, powerful vessel.

Cons

• Complexity: High maintenance requirements for hydraulic and electronic systems.
• Draft: The performance-oriented keel limits access to shallower cruising grounds and some marinas.
• Operational Costs: Specialized hardware and high-performance sails carry a premium replacement cost.