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Frers 43
Designer: German Frers  ·  First built: 1988
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About the Frers 43

Designed by renowned Argentine naval architect German Frers, this elegant 43-footer represents the sophisticated European approach to performance cruising that emerged in the late 1980s. Built with fiberglass construction starting in 1988, the Frers 43 showcases the designer's signature blend of speed and seaworthiness that made his name legendary in both racing and cruising circles. The yacht's fin keel and spade rudder configuration, combined with a masthead sloop rig carrying 898 square feet of sail area, delivers impressive performance characteristics. With a sail area to displacement ratio of 21 and hull speed potential of 8.15 knots, she offers spirited sailing while maintaining the stability needed for serious offshore work. The comfortable 23.55 comfort ratio and excellent 1.99 capsize screening value underscore her suitability for extended ocean passages. Measuring 43 feet overall with a 37-foot waterline and 13-foot beam, the design maximizes sailing length while providing adequate interior volume. The substantial 18,000-pound displacement and deep 8.10-foot draft contribute to her offshore capabilities and upwind performance. This combination makes the Frers 43 particularly appealing to sailors seeking a fast, seaworthy yacht capable of both coastal cruising and blue-water voyaging with racing-inspired handling characteristics.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 43.00 ft / 13.11 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 37.00 ft / 11.28 m
Beam 13.00 ft / 3.96 m
Max Draft 8.10 ft / 2.47 m
Displacement 18,000.00 lb / 8,165 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 898.00 ft² / 83.43 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer German Frers
First Built 1988
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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 78
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
 21
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
 158.64
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
 23.55
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
 1.99
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. 8.15 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
 3.77
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. 1,718.67 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. 21
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 58.97 ft / 17.97 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 16.75 ft / 5.11 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 52.48 ft / 16.00 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 15.40 ft / 4.69 m
SA Fore 493.87 ft² / 45.88 m²
SA Main 404.10 ft² / 37.54 m²
SA Total (100%) 897.97 ft² / 83.42 m²
Est. Forestay Length 61.30 ft / 18.68 m
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