Browse all sailboats
235data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this FARR 1020 buyer’s report
FARR 1020

FARR 1020

from 1982150 built
$1.9K – $5.0K est. annual maintenance
Racer/CruisermonoFractional SloopFin
Farr 1020 Association

Specifications

Hull

LOA33.92 ft
LWL28.42 ft
Beam10.5 ft
Draft5.67 ft
Displacement8,176 lb
Ballast3,100.3 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL7.1 kn

Rig & Sails

Iforetriangle height37.8 ft
Jforetriangle base11.6 ft
Pmainsail luff39.75 ft
Emainsail foot15.67 ft
FLforestay11.6 ft
Mainsail555.6 sq ft
Jib (100%)219.2 sq ft
Spinnaker372.7 sq ft

About the FARR 1020

Sailpages Buyer's Take

Designed by Bruce Farr and built by McDell Marine/Sea Nymph Boats (NZ) between 1982 and 1982, the Farr 1020 is a high-performance fractional sloop with 150 hulls produced. Its lightweight displacement of 8176.0 lb and SA/D ratio of 21.0 reflect its racing pedigree, though age-related structural issues are prevalent in the fleet.

Best for:
This boat suits experienced coastal cruisers and racers who prioritize speed and handling over heavy offshore comfort, provided they are prepared for significant maintenance.
Bluewater capability:
With a low D/L ratio of 159.01 and a capsize ratio of 2.09, the boat is fast but less stable offshore, making it better suited for coastal cruising than heavy bluewater passagemaking.
Comparables:
Comparable to other late-1970s and early-1980s New Zealand performance cruisers like the Contender 33 or early Farr designs, sharing similar fractional rigs and lightweight construction philosophies.

Performance

Comfort18.3
Capsize2.09
SA/Disp21.0
Disp/Len159
Bal/Disp37.9

ORC Performance Data(8 certificates)

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

Polar Diagram

24680°30°60°90°120°150°180°WIND
6kn8kn10kn12kn14kn16kn20knbeat VMGrun VMG

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

Racing Ratings

GPH650.5 s/miOSN630.9

Triple Number

LowMedHighOffshore0.79851.04571.1744Inshore0.61710.85420.9892

ORC Measured

Displacement4260 kg (9392 lb)Wetted surface23.5 m² (253 ft²)Stability index92.9

Sail Areas (ORC)

Main33.8 m² (364 ft²)Genoa28.8 m² (310 ft²)Spinnaker72.4 m² (779 ft²)Asymmetric16.8 m² (181 ft²)

Speed Table (kn)

TWA \ TWS681012141620
52°5.16.06.66.97.07.17.2
60°5.36.36.87.07.27.37.4
75°5.56.46.97.27.47.67.8
90°5.46.47.07.37.57.78.1
110°5.46.57.17.57.88.18.5
120°5.26.37.07.47.88.28.9
135°4.75.86.77.27.68.08.9
150°3.95.05.96.77.27.58.3
Beat VMG3.34.04.64.95.05.15.1
Run VMG3.44.35.25.96.57.07.7

Images

boat photo
Correct image?Click to enlarge
boat photo
Correct image?Click to enlarge
boat photo
Correct image?Click to enlarge

Pricing

We don't have market pricing data for the FARR 1020 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 33.92ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$1.9K – $5.0K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
Enter zip code
Pick a country or enter a US zip for local rates
Annual Insurance
N/A
No price data available

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

18 reported issues across 8 systems for the FARR 1020, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

5 critical6 major7 minor
Rigging5Engine3Structural3Deck2Rudder2Hull1Keel1Electrical1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a FARR 1020? 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 18 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

Similar Sailboats

Which engine powers your FARR 1020?

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 — is it one of these?

Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.

Used sails that fit the FARR 1020

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