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152data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this COOKSON 12M buyer’s report
COOKSON 12M

COOKSON 12M

Cookson· Design: Bruce Farr
from 1996
$2.3K – $6.2K est. annual maintenance
Performance RacermonoFractional SloopFin

Specifications

Hull

LOA39.3 ft
LWL35.04 ft
Beam12.53 ft
Draft8.79 ft
Displacement10,280 lb
Ballast5,150.3 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL7.9 kn

Rig & Sails

Iforetriangle height50.2 ft
Jforetriangle base14.53 ft
Pmainsail luff51.9 ft
Emainsail foot19.03 ft
FLforestay14.5 ft
Mainsail898 sq ft
Jib (100%)364.7 sq ft
Spinnaker620 sq ft

About the COOKSON 12M

Variant/update of FARR 39ML. Usually with different rig. See FARR 39ML.

Sailpages Buyer's Take

The Cookson 12M is a high-performance offshore cruiser designed by Bruce Farr and built by Cookson, with production records indicating a build year of 1996. This 39.3 ft vessel combines a fractional sloop rig with a displacement of 10280.0 lb, offering a blend of speed and seaworthiness typical of late-90s performance cruising yachts.

Best for:
This boat suits experienced coastal and offshore cruisers who prioritize performance and are willing to manage complex maintenance, particularly regarding the rudder assembly and deck integrity. It is well-suited for those seeking a capable bluewater platform with ample space for extensive electronics and comfort upgrades.
Bluewater capability:
With a capsize ratio of 2.31 and a D/L ratio of 106.67, the Cookson 12M demonstrates strong offshore stability and seaworthiness, supported by a robust fin keel and substantial ballast of 5150.3 lb.
Comparables:
Comparable boats include the Farr 38 and other late-90s performance cruisers like the Beneteau First 36.7 or O'Day 38, sharing similar fractional sloop rigs and displacement ranges. These vessels offer similar speed potential but may differ in build quality and specific structural vulnerabilities.

Performance

Comfort15.1
Capsize2.31
SA/Disp29.2
Disp/Len107
Bal/Disp50.1

ORC Performance Data(4 certificates)

Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.

Polar Diagram

246810120°30°60°90°120°150°180°WIND
6kn8kn10kn12kn14kn16kn20knbeat VMGrun VMG

Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC

Racing Ratings

GPH553.6 s/miOSN542.6

Triple Number

LowMedHighOffshore0.97461.21431.3522Inshore0.75620.98231.1055

ORC Measured

Displacement4924 kg (10857 lb)Wetted surface28.7 m² (309 ft²)Stability index120.6

Sail Areas (ORC)

Main53.4 m² (575 ft²)Genoa41.5 m² (446 ft²)Spinnaker94.2 m² (1014 ft²)Asymmetric101.3 m² (1091 ft²)

Speed Table (kn)

TWA \ TWS681012141620
52°6.17.27.67.77.87.98.0
60°6.57.57.88.08.18.18.3
75°6.87.68.08.38.58.78.9
90°6.77.68.18.58.99.29.5
110°6.77.88.38.79.19.410.3
120°6.57.78.39.09.49.910.8
135°5.87.27.98.59.310.112.0
150°4.86.17.27.88.38.810.6
Beat VMG4.04.95.35.55.55.75.7
Run VMG4.25.36.26.87.27.79.2

Pricing

We don't have market pricing data for the COOKSON 12M yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.

Estimated Cost of Ownership

Based on 39.3ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$2.3K – $6.2K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Annual Insurance
N/A
No price data available

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

20 reported issues across 9 systems for the COOKSON 12M, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

7 critical6 major7 minor
Structural4Engine4Rudder3Hull2Keel2Deck2Rigging1Electrical1Plumbing1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a COOKSON 12M? 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 20 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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Which engine powers your COOKSON 12M?

We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.

Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Bukh, Kubota, Beta Marine — is it one of these?

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Used sails that fit the COOKSON 12M

Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…