FORMOSA 43

About the FORMOSA 43

The design has been attributed to Ron Holland though this has not been verified and his name is not shown on the original brochure. It is thought that the tooling was used by at least 2 different builders in Taiwan. An estimate is that 20 were built.

The Formosa 43 is a rare, heavy-displacement cruising sloop designed by Ron Holland and built by Formosa Boat Building Co. Ltd. (TAIWAN) with only 20 hulls constructed in 1980. Its substantial build quality and specific production run make it a unique find for buyers seeking a robust, classic offshore vessel.

Best for:

This boat is best suited for experienced coastal and offshore cruisers who prioritize seakeeping and comfort over speed, given its high comfort ratio of 36.65 and heavy displacement of 24800.0 lb.

Bluewater capability:

With a displacement of 24800.0 lb, a capsize ratio of 1.73, and a fin keel, the Formosa 43 is well-suited for bluewater cruising, offering excellent stability and motion comfort in heavy weather.

Comparables:

Comparable vessels include other Ron Holland designs from the early 1980s with similar displacement and fin keels, such as the Hallberg-Rassy 43 or the O'Day 42, which share the same emphasis on safe, comfortable offshore passage making.