FARR 38 (11.6)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 38.25 ft |
| LWL | 31.17 ft |
| Beam | 12 ft |
| Draft | 6.33 ft |
| Displacement | 10,600 lb |
| Ballast | 4,100.1 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.5 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 43 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 13.33 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 44.92 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 17.92 ft |
| FLforestay | 13.3 ft |
| Mainsail | 721.3 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 286.6 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 487.2 sq ft |
About the FARR 38 (11.6)
Farr Design #72. Also known as FARR 11.6M. Not the same as slightly earlier one-off FARR 38's (One ton- 1977 - #65 - 'Jenny H').
Designed by Bruce Farr and built by Spindrift Yacht Inc. (CAN) and Marina Bracuhy (BR), the Farr 38 (11.6) is a performance-oriented cruiser-racer with 85 hulls built in 1978. Owner reports highlight its speed and handling but emphasize critical structural vulnerabilities, particularly regarding deck core integrity and keel stress.
- Best for:
- This boat suits experienced coastal cruisers and short-handed racers who prioritize performance and are prepared for significant maintenance, as it is less ideal for novice single-handers due to complex systems and structural risks.
- Bluewater capability:
- While the low capsize ratio (2.19) and fin keel suggest offshore potential, the high frequency of keel smile/sump cracking (122 mentions) and deck core moisture (50 mentions) raises serious concerns about structural integrity for extended bluewater passages without extensive reinforcement.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to the O'Day 38 and Pearson 38 of the same era, but with a much lighter displacement (10600.0 lb) and higher SA/D ratio (22.79), making it faster yet more demanding on maintenance than heavier displacement cruisers.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(10 certificates)
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 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 5.4 | 6.5 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 7.6 | 7.6 | 7.7 |
| 60° | 5.8 | 6.9 | 7.4 | 7.7 | 7.8 | 7.9 | 7.9 |
| 75° | 6.1 | 7.1 | 7.6 | 7.9 | 8.1 | 8.3 | 8.4 |
| 90° | 6.1 | 7.1 | 7.6 | 8.0 | 8.3 | 8.6 | 9.0 |
| 110° | 5.8 | 7.1 | 7.7 | 8.2 | 8.6 | 9.0 | 9.5 |
| 120° | 5.6 | 6.9 | 7.6 | 8.1 | 8.6 | 9.1 | 10.0 |
| 135° | 5.0 | 6.2 | 7.2 | 7.7 | 8.2 | 8.7 | 9.8 |
| 150° | 4.2 | 5.3 | 6.3 | 7.2 | 7.7 | 8.1 | 9.1 |
| Beat VMG | 3.5 | 4.3 | 4.9 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| Run VMG | 3.6 | 4.6 | 5.5 | 6.3 | 6.9 | 7.5 | 8.3 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the FARR 38 (11.6) 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 38.25ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
27 reported issues across 9 systems for the FARR 38 (11.6), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a FARR 38 (11.6)? 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 27 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 FARR 38 (11.6)?
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Used sails that fit the FARR 38 (11.6)
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