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Polaris 43
Designer: Robert Perry (Unauthorized)  ·  Builder: Chien Yu  ·  First built: 1979
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About the Polaris 43

Designed as a capable bluewater cruiser, the Polaris 43 is a sailboat built with serious offshore passagemaking in mind. While detailed specifications remain limited in available records, the model's name and size class suggest a vessel well-suited to extended coastal and offshore cruising, offering the kind of comfortable range that appeals to sailors looking to venture beyond familiar waters. Boats in this size category typically strike a balance between livability and seakeeping ability, and the Polaris 43 appears to follow that tradition. Its proportions make it a practical choice for couples or small crews planning extended passages, where interior comfort and self-sufficiency matter as much as raw performance. The 43-foot range generally provides enough displacement and stability to handle open-ocean conditions with confidence. For those researching this model, tracking down original owner documentation, builder records, or class association resources may help fill in the finer details. If you're considering a Polaris 43, a thorough survey by a qualified marine professional is always recommended to assess the specific vessel's condition and suitability for your intended sailing plans.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 42.67 ft / 13.01 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 35.08 ft / 10.69 m
Beam 12.50 ft / 3.81 m
Max Draft 6.18 ft / 1.88 m
Displacement 24,600.00 lb / 11,158 kg
Ballast 8,450.00 lb / 3,833 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 860.00 ft² / 79.90 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction FG
Designer Robert Perry (unauthorized)
Builder Chien Yu
First Built 1979
Owner Reviews

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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
108
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
16.33
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
35.22
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
1.72
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. 7.94
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. 1.0
How It Compares

vs. Ct 43, Slocum 43, Young Sun 43

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Polaris 43 ★
42.7 ft
Ct 43
42.7 ft
Slocum 43
42.5 ft
Young Sun 43
42.7 ft
LWL
Polaris 43 ★
35.1 ft
Ct 43
33.9 ft
Slocum 43
35.8 ft
Young Sun 43
35.3 ft
Beam
Polaris 43 ★
12.5 ft
Ct 43
13.0 ft
Slocum 43
12.9 ft
Young Sun 43
12.9 ft
Displacement
Polaris 43 ★
24 lbs
Ct 43
23 lbs
Slocum 43
28 lbs
Young Sun 43
35 lbs
Ballast
Polaris 43 ★
8 lbs
Ct 43
9 lbs
Slocum 43
9 lbs
Young Sun 43
10 lbs
Sail Area
Polaris 43 ★
860 sq ft
Ct 43
820 sq ft
Slocum 43
810 sq ft
Young Sun 43
1 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Polaris 43 ★
16.3
Ct 43
15.9
Slocum 43
14.1
Young Sun 43
17.3
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Polaris 43 ★
Ct 43
39.5 %
Slocum 43
32.0 %
Young Sun 43
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Polaris 43 ★
35.2
Ct 43
33.1
Slocum 43
38.0
Young Sun 43
47.7
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Polaris 43 ★
1.72
Ct 43
1.81
Slocum 43
1.70
Young Sun 43
1.58
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Polaris 43 ★
Ct 43
273
Slocum 43
272
Young Sun 43
Hull Speed
Polaris 43 ★
7.9 kts
Ct 43
7.8 kts
Slocum 43
8.0 kts
Young Sun 43
8.0 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Polaris 43 ★
Ct 43
1.9
Slocum 43
1.7
Young Sun 43
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