Faurby 400 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Faurby 400 is frequently described as a "driver’s boat," rewarding attentive trimming with tactile feedback through the helm. The boat features a high-aspect-ratio rig and a lead keel that provides a significant righting moment, allowing it to carry full sail longer than many of its contemporaries. This stiffness is a hallmark of the brand, rooted in a construction process that often utilizes a galvanized steel frame to distribute mast and keel loads effectively throughout the hull.

The hull's low wetted surface area ensures it remains competitive in light airs, while its fine entry allows it to slice through North Sea chop rather than slamming into it. Sailors often note that the 400 tracks with remarkable precision, a characteristic attributed to its deep, balanced spade rudder and optimized underwater profile. While the boat is capable of reaching high speeds on a broad reach, its true forte is upwind performance. The narrow beam, while limiting interior volume compared to "fat-bottomed" modern designs, allows for tighter sheeting angles and superior pointing ability. Technical evaluations by European sailing journals often highlight the boat's "sea-kindliness," noting that it handles gusts with a predictable lean rather than a sudden, nervous heel.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Faurby 400 is where the shipyard’s "True Boat Builder" ethos is most visible. Eschewing the modular, plastic-heavy inserts found in high-volume production boats, Faurby utilizes traditional joinery, typically in rich mahogany or light oak, all finished with multiple coats of hand-rubbed varnish. Because Faurby operates on a semi-custom basis, the 400 exists in several distinct configurations. The most common is the two-cabin layout, which prioritizes a spacious saloon and a large navigate station, but a three-cabin "family" version was also produced to accommodate larger crews.

The "Faurby 400E" variant (the 'E' standing for extra or elevated) often features minor refinements in deck hardware and interior trim levels, though the hull remains consistent across the series. Headroom is generous for a yacht of this profile, typically hovering around 1.90 meters in the main saloon. The galley is generally positioned in a longitudinal or L-shaped configuration, designed for use at sea with deep sinks and secure bracing points. Storage is a high priority, with lockers meticulously integrated into the hull's curvature, ensuring that long-term cruisers have ample space for provisions and gear without cluttering the living areas.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Faurby 400 should focus their inspection on the specific high-end components that define the build. While the hulls are robustly constructed with a sandwich core above the waterline and solid laminate below, the following areas require scrutiny:

• Teak Deck Integration: Most Faurby 400s were delivered with vacuum-glued teak decks. While this method is superior to traditional screw-fastening as it eliminates thousands of potential leak points, the teak will eventually thin after 15–20 years of maintenance. Check for "proud" caulking and areas of uneven wear.
• Saildrive Diaphragm: As many 400s are powered by Volvo Penta engines with saildrives, the rubber seal (diaphragm) should be checked for its replacement date, typically recommended every seven years by the manufacturer.
• Keel-to-Hull Joint: Given the high-performance nature of the boat, it is vital to inspect the internal steel frame and the keel bolts for any signs of movement or weeping, which could indicate a hard grounding in the boat's history.
• Custom System Complexity: Because many owners specified unique electrical and plumbing layouts, the wiring diagrams can vary significantly between hulls. A buyer should ensure that a comprehensive "as-built" manual is included to avoid expensive troubleshooting of bespoke systems.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Faurby 400 benefit from a small but highly dedicated community centered around the Danish sailing tradition. The shipyard itself remains an active resource for owners, providing technical support and even refurbishment services at their Lunderskov facility. Information and historical context are often shared through the Faurby Owners Association (Faurby Klubben), a group that organizes rallies and technical exchanges, primarily in Northern Europe and Germany.

The Verdict

The Faurby 400 is an aristocrat of the sailing world, designed for the sailor who values build quality and upwind velocity over sheer interior volume. It is a vessel that feels "at home" in the challenging conditions of the Baltic, offering a level of craftsmanship that is increasingly rare in the modern market.

Pros:

• Exquisite Craftsmanship: Hand-finished interiors that far surpass mass-market standards.
• Superior Upwind Ability: Narrow hull and high ballast ratio provide exceptional pointing and stability.
• Semi-Custom Exclusivity: A boat that is rarely identical to any other in the harbor.

Cons:

• Limited Beam: The interior feels narrower than modern 40-footers from brands like Beneteau or Hanse.
• Premium Price Point: Even on the used market, Faurby yachts command a significant premium due to their build quality.
• High Maintenance: Extensive teak and high-gloss varnish require more upkeep than low-maintenance production boats.