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Fraser 51
Designer: Douglas Cook  ·  Builder: Dekleer Brothers Industries Ltd. (Can)  ·  First built: 1986
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About the Fraser 51

Designed by Douglas Cook and built by Canada's Dekleer Brothers Industries, this substantial cruising yacht represents a limited production run of just five hulls constructed starting in 1986. The Fraser 51's impressive dimensions and robust construction make it well-suited for serious offshore cruising and extended voyaging. With a displacement of 42,000 pounds and substantial ballast ratio, this masthead sloop offers the stability and seaworthiness that blue-water sailors demand. The fin keel configuration provides excellent windward performance while maintaining good maneuverability in tight quarters. At 8.47 knots hull speed, the Fraser 51 can make respectable passages under sail alone. The boat's comfort ratio of 44.62 indicates exceptional motion comfort at sea, while the capsize screening formula of 1.61 falls well within accepted limits for offshore sailing. These numbers reflect Cook's emphasis on creating a yacht capable of handling challenging conditions with confidence. The 14-foot beam provides generous interior space without compromising seaworthiness, making this an ideal platform for couples or families planning extended cruising adventures. Given its rarity and proven ocean-going capabilities, the Fraser 51 appeals to discerning sailors seeking a unique, well-built vessel for serious cruising endeavors.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 51.00 ft / 15.54 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 40.00 ft / 12.19 m
Beam 14.00 ft / 4.27 m
Max Draft 8.50 ft / 2.59 m
Displacement 42,000.00 lb / 19,051 kg
Ballast 14,000.00 lb / 6,350 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Douglas Cook
Builder Dekleer Brothers Industries Ltd. (CAN)
First Built 1986
Number Built 5
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Performance Ratios
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
33.33
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
292.97
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
44.62
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
1.61
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. 8.47 kn
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. 2,000.94 pounds/inch
How It Compares

vs. Endeavour 51, Shannon 50, Valiant 50

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Fraser 51 ★
51.0 ft
Endeavour 51
51.0 ft
Shannon 50
50.9 ft
Valiant 50
50.7 ft
LWL
Fraser 51 ★
40.0 ft
Endeavour 51
42.3 ft
Shannon 50
42.8 ft
Valiant 50
40.3 ft
Beam
Fraser 51 ★
14.0 ft
Endeavour 51
15.0 ft
Shannon 50
14.3 ft
Valiant 50
13.8 ft
Displacement
Fraser 51 ★
42 lbs
Endeavour 51
37 lbs
Shannon 50
39 lbs
Valiant 50
35 lbs
Ballast
Fraser 51 ★
14 lbs
Endeavour 51
17 lbs
Shannon 50
15 lbs
Valiant 50
11 lbs
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Fraser 51 ★
Endeavour 51
75 s/nm
Shannon 50
117 s/nm
Valiant 50
102 s/nm
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Fraser 51 ★
33.3 %
Endeavour 51
46.8 %
Shannon 50
39.7 %
Valiant 50
31.0 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Fraser 51 ★
44.6
Endeavour 51
Shannon 50
38.8
Valiant 50
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Fraser 51 ★
1.61
Endeavour 51
Shannon 50
1.68
Valiant 50
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Fraser 51 ★
292
Endeavour 51
219
Shannon 50
222
Valiant 50
243
Hull Speed
Fraser 51 ★
8.5 kts
Endeavour 51
Shannon 50
8.8 kts
Valiant 50
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