COLE 43
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 43.54 ft |
| LWL | 32.22 ft |
| Beam | 10.93 ft |
| Draft | 6.5 ft |
| Displacement | 20,986 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.6 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 51.28 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 16.4 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 45.93 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 15 ft |
| FLforestay | 16.4 ft |
| Mainsail | 792.5 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 420.5 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 714.8 sq ft |
About the COLE 43
The Cole 43 is a robust, heavy-displacement cruising sloop designed by Peter Cole and built by East Coast Yachts in Australia, with production records indicating a single build year of 1970. With a displacement of 20986.0 lb and a D/L ratio of 280.09, this vessel represents a classic, solidly constructed offshore cruiser from the early 1970s, though the exact total hull count remains unverified in available data.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for serious bluewater cruisers and those seeking a stable, heavy-weather capable vessel, as evidenced by the high frequency of solar panel, watermaker, and wind generator installations among owners. Its substantial displacement and comfort ratio of 37.67 make it ideal for long-range passages where sea-keeping performance is prioritized over speed.
- Bluewater capability:
- The Cole 43 demonstrates strong offshore suitability with a low capsize ratio of 1.59 and a high displacement of 20986.0 lb, providing exceptional stability and momentum in heavy weather. Owner reports of extensive bluewater equipment upgrades, such as watermakers and wind generators, further confirm its role as a capable long-range cruiser.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Swan 42 and the O'Day 42, as they share similar heavy-displacement characteristics, masthead sloop rigs, and a focus on offshore durability from the same era. Like the Cole 43, these designs prioritize safety and comfort in heavy seas, often featuring similar fin keel configurations and substantial beam for interior volume.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 3.6 | 4.8 | 5.8 | 6.4 | 6.8 | 7.1 | 7.2 | 7.3 | 7.3 |
| 60° | 3.8 | 5.1 | 6.0 | 6.7 | 7.1 | 7.3 | 7.4 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| 75° | 3.9 | 5.3 | 6.2 | 6.9 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.7 | 7.8 | 7.9 |
| 90° | 3.8 | 5.1 | 6.1 | 6.8 | 7.3 | 7.6 | 7.8 | 8.1 | 8.2 |
| 110° | 3.8 | 5.2 | 6.3 | 7.1 | 7.5 | 7.8 | 8.0 | 8.3 | 8.3 |
| 120° | 3.6 | 5.0 | 6.2 | 7.0 | 7.5 | 7.9 | 8.1 | 8.5 | 8.8 |
| 135° | 3.2 | 4.5 | 5.7 | 6.7 | 7.3 | 7.7 | 8.1 | 8.7 | 9.2 |
| 150° | 2.6 | 3.8 | 5.0 | 5.9 | 6.8 | 7.3 | 7.7 | 8.3 | 8.9 |
| Beat VMG | 2.2 | 3.1 | 3.9 | 4.4 | 4.7 | 4.9 | 5.0 | 5.1 | 5.1 |
| Run VMG | 2.3 | 3.3 | 4.3 | 5.1 | 5.9 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.8 | 8.3 |
Estimated Value
Limited DataEstimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 43.54ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
16 reported issues across 6 systems for the COLE 43, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a COLE 43? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 16 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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