Formosa 43

Designed by renowned naval architect Ron Holland in 1980, this Taiwan-built cruiser represents the era when Formosa Boat Building Co. was establishing its reputation for solid construction and seaworthy designs. With only 20 hulls produced, the Formosa 43 remains a relatively rare find in today's used boat market. At 41.83 feet overall with a moderate 6.58-foot draft, this masthead sloop strikes an appealing balance between performance and practicality. The fin keel with rudder on skeg configuration provides good directional stability while maintaining reasonable maneuverability in tight quarters. Holland's design philosophy shines through in the boat's proportions, featuring a respectable sail area of 820 square feet driving a displacement of 24,800 pounds. The substantial ballast-to-displacement ratio and moderate beam of 12.58 feet suggest this yacht was conceived primarily for serious coastal and offshore cruising rather than racing. Her comfort ratio of 36.65 indicates a motion that favors seaworthiness over speed, making long passages more tolerable. The capsize screening formula of 1.73 falls well within accepted parameters for offshore work. Fiberglass construction from this period typically emphasized durability over weight savings, and Formosa's reputation for robust layup schedules makes these boats appealing to cruisers seeking a dependable platform for extended voyaging.

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