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F3
Designer: German Frers  ·  Builder: Hinterhoeller Yachts (Can)  ·  First built: 1981
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About the F3

Designed by renowned Argentinian naval architect German Frers and built by Canada's Hinterhoeller Yachts during a brief three-year production run from 1981 to 1983, this 36-foot sailboat represents a sophisticated blend of performance and seaworthiness. The F3's fin keel and spade rudder configuration, combined with its moderate displacement of 10,900 pounds and substantial ballast ratio, creates a boat that's equally at home coastal cruising or tackling offshore passages. With a sail area to displacement ratio of 20.57, the F3 delivers spirited performance without sacrificing stability. The masthead sloop rig provides versatile sail handling options, while the comfortable 19.95 comfort ratio suggests this boat won't pound through seas like lighter racing designs. The capsize screening value of 2.13 indicates good stability characteristics for extended offshore work. Frers' design philosophy shines through in the F3's balanced proportions and seakindly hull form. The fiberglass construction ensures durability, while the 27-horsepower auxiliary engine provides adequate power for maneuvering and motorsailing in light conditions. Though production numbers were limited, the F3 has earned respect among sailors who appreciate well-engineered boats that excel in both cruising comfort and sailing performance.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 36.35 ft / 11.08 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 29.50 ft / 8.99 m
Beam 11.80 ft / 3.60 m
Max Draft 6.75 ft / 2.06 m
Displacement 10,900.00 lb / 4,944 kg
Ballast 5,730.00 lb / 2,599 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 630.00 ft² / 58.53 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer German Frers
Builder Hinterhoeller Yachts (CAN)
First Built 1981
Last Built 1983
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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 20.57
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 52.57
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 189.55
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 19.95
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 2.13
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 7.28 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 3.25
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 1,243.80 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 20.57
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 48.28 ft / 14.72 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 14.50 ft / 4.42 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 42.25 ft / 12.88 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 13.25 ft / 4.04 m
SA Fore 350.03 ft² / 32.52 m²
SA Main 279.91 ft² / 26.00 m²
SA Total (100%) 629.94 ft² / 58.52 m²
Est. Forestay Length 50.41 ft / 15.36 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Westerbeke
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 27
Fuel Capacity 15 gals / 57 L
Water Capacity 40 gals / 151 L
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