Please help with Fraser 51

[chrisn586]

We are making an offer on a 1988 Fraser 51 cutter and have found very little information on the design, construction yard, quality, reviews, drawings, etc.

If you have any information, links, or opinions we'd love to hear about them.

Thanks for your time.

C&V

PS We plan to cruise California to Mexico for a year, maybe keep going around the Pacific.

[Faster]

Fraser Yachts were built near Vancouver by the DeKleer Bros in Richmond, BC, Canada. They built a range of boats including the Fraser 30, 36, 41, 42 and 51/53 and also produced various versions of the Endurance 35 under licence.

There are plenty of their boats around in the PNW - if it surveys well it should be a decent boat. I'm not sure of the design pedigree, but believe they were in-house efforts.

They offered hull/deck kits as well as fully finished yachts on a semi-custom basis and have a good rep for glass work and ruggedness. I believe the prinicipals have retired/passed on and don't think they are still in operation.

The only caution I suppose would be to know if it's an owner-finished or a factory finished boat and inspect it with that knowledge or speculation.

[chrisn586]

Thanks for the input.
The cabin was constructed by a mill wright I've been told and it is very good quality using solid teak and cedar.
Chris
PS It has an older in mast furler.

[erps]

I talked to Aire DeKleer last spring about his boats. He built three 51's and about 80 42's-41's. We have a 41 and it's a well built boat. Like Faster said however, most were owner finished, so interior quality varies from boat to boat.

I've seen the 51 you're talking about on Yachtworld.com but don't know anything about that particular boat. Aire still lives in B.C. in the warm seasons, but is a snow bird and goes south for the winter. You might be able to track him down by going through Spencer Yachts, as they have the Fraser 41 molds now and may keep in touch.

Ray
S.V. Nikko
Fraser 41

[chrisn586]

Thanks for all the info so far.
I dont have specific questions. I just want to learn as much as possible, particularly before the deal is done some time in a week or two.
Chris