FRERS 40 (HOLBY)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 40.12 ft |
| LWL | 32.5 ft |
| Beam | 12.52 ft |
| Draft | 7.38 ft |
| Displacement | 14,500 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.6 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 53 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 15.75 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 46.3 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 14.15 ft |
| FLforestay | 15.8 ft |
| Mainsail | 771.2 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 417.4 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 709.5 sq ft |
About the FRERS 40 (HOLBY)
Also known as the GANNET 40.
Designed by German Frers and built by Holby Marine (USA) in 1986, the Frers 40 is a performance-oriented cruising sloop with a displacement of 14500.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 22.25. While the exact hull count is unknown, owner reports highlight significant structural maintenance needs, particularly regarding deck core integrity and mast step corrosion.
- Best for:
- This boat suits experienced coastal cruisers and short-range offshore sailors who prioritize performance and are prepared for rigorous, proactive structural maintenance.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low capsize ratio of 2.06 and a fin keel, the boat is structurally capable of offshore passage making, though its bluewater readiness is heavily contingent on resolving critical deck core and rudder shaft issues.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other 1980s performance cruisers like the O'Day 40 or Pearson 40, the Frers 40 shares a similar era and role but distinguishes itself with a lighter displacement and higher sail area-to-displacement ratio (20.12).
Direct variant of the FRERS 40 (HOLBY)
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(4 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 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 3.5 | 4.7 | 5.6 | 6.2 | 6.5 | 6.7 | 6.8 | 6.8 | 6.9 |
| 60° | 3.7 | 5.0 | 5.8 | 6.4 | 6.8 | 6.9 | 7.0 | 7.1 | 7.1 |
| 75° | 3.9 | 5.2 | 6.0 | 6.6 | 7.0 | 7.2 | 7.3 | 7.4 | 7.5 |
| 90° | 3.8 | 5.1 | 6.0 | 6.6 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.7 | 7.8 |
| 110° | 3.6 | 5.0 | 6.1 | 6.8 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 7.6 | 7.9 | 8.1 |
| 120° | 3.5 | 4.9 | 6.0 | 6.7 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 7.8 | 8.2 | 8.4 |
| 135° | 3.1 | 4.4 | 5.5 | 6.4 | 7.0 | 7.4 | 7.7 | 8.3 | 8.9 |
| 150° | 2.6 | 3.7 | 4.8 | 5.8 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.4 | 8.0 | 8.6 |
| Beat VMG | 2.2 | 3.1 | 3.7 | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.7 |
| Run VMG | 2.2 | 3.2 | 4.2 | 5.0 | 5.8 | 6.3 | 6.8 | 7.5 | 8.0 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the FRERS 40 (HOLBY) 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 40.12ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
15 reported issues across 7 systems for the FRERS 40 (HOLBY), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a FRERS 40 (HOLBY)? 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 15 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 FRERS 40 (HOLBY)?
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 — is it one of these?
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the FRERS 40 (HOLBY)
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…