1976 Frers Custom

Overview

Originally commissioned by yachtsman Jack King and built by Palmer Johnson in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, this 1976 Frers-designed aluminum sloop was launched as a purpose-built IOR racer. Decades later, she remains a striking example of performance design-refit and transformed into a capable long-distance cruiser that's as comfortable offshore as she is at anchor.

Her sleek flush-deck silhouette, triple-spreader rig, and hydraulic drive speak to her racing DNA, offering exhilarating sailing performance and seaworthy confidence. But step below, and you'll find a warm, inviting interior with thoughtful upgrades that make life aboard not just possible-but desirable. Whether chasing horizon lines or enjoying quiet evenings in a remote cove, she delivers the freedom, speed, and self-sufficiency that define the cruising lifestyle.

With a professionally refurbished interior, robust 75hp Yanmar turbo diesel, powerful Victron smart electrical and solar system, and recent deck hardware upgrades including Harken jib tracks and Black Magic blocks, this yacht is more than a classic-it's a ready-to-sail platform for adventure, comfort, and autonomy.

Key Features

• Frers-designed, Palmer Johnson-built aluminum sloop

• Converted to a cruiser with a warm teak interior and practical layout

• Recent rigging upgrades: Harken jib tracks, Black Magic blocks, Lewmar/Spinlock clutches

• Triple-spreader mast, rod rigging, and solid sail inventory including asymmetrical spinnaker

• Victron solar + electrical system (2022-2023)

• Hydraulic propulsion system powered by a Yanmar 75hp turbo diesel

• Recent ultrasound hull survey (2021) confirms excellent structural integrity

• Full canvas coverage, modern galley, forced-air diesel heat, watermaker, dinghy package, and more

Construction & Hull

• Hull: Aluminum plate over close-spaced frames, professionally repainted with AwlGrip

• Deck: Aluminum with refinished non-skid

• Keel: Fin-style aluminum keel with internal ballast

• Rudder: Skeg-hung, aluminum spade

• Thru-Hulls: Marelon with ball valves

• Survey: 2021 ultrasound showed consistent plate thickness, with proper reinforcement at keel, mast base, and bilge

Rigging & Deck Gear

• Mast: Painted aluminum, triple spreader, keel-stepped

• Boom: Painted aluminum with spring-loaded adjustable vang

• Standing Rigging: Solid stainless rod

• Traveler: Harken ball-bearing

• Winches:

  • Cockpit: 2× Barient 36ST, 2× Lewmar 48ST, 2× Lewmar 44ST

  • Deck: Harken 48ST, 2× Lewmar 44ST

• Line Management: 11× Lewmar/Spinlock clutches

• Recent Upgrades:

  • New Harken jib tracks

  • Harken Black Magic ball-bearing blocks

  • Adjustable aluminum whisker pole

• Sails:

  • Mainsail (with stack-pack cover)

  • Furling genoa (120%)

  • Backup jib (110%)

  • Asymmetrical spinnaker in ATN sock

• Anchoring:

  • Lewmar vertical windlass (new 2021, foot controls)

  • 35 lb CQR anchor, 300' new chain + 200' rode

  • Secondary Danforth with chain and rode

Navigation & Electronics

• GPS/Plotter: Furuno GP-1650C

• Autopilot: Raytheon ST6000

• Wind/Speed/Depth: Autohelm and ST60 instruments

• Compass: Richie PowerDamp, 6" binnacle-mounted

• VHF: Icom IC-M59

• SSB: Icom IC-M710

• Battery Monitor: Ample Power + Victron GX Touch 50

• Misc: Electro Guard corrosion control, Weems & Plath clock/barometer, full nav lighting

Electrical & Solar (2022-2023)

• Inverter/Charger: Victron MultiPlus 12/3000/120-50

• Solar: 2× 400W panels on Atlantic Towers arch

• Controllers: 2× Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/30 (independent)

• Batteries: 2× Lifeline 8D AGM (new 2023)

• Alternator: Balmar high-output with smart regulator

• Generator: Honda EU2200i portable gas generator

Interior & Systems

• Joinery: Teak veneer w/ solid teak trim, teak & holly sole

• Layout:

  • V-berth forward with storage

  • Starboard mid-cabin single berth

  • Portside aft quarter cabin

  • Convertible U-shaped salon (sleeps 1-2)

  • Single head with Lavac manual toilet, Corian counters, stainless sink & hand shower

• Galley:

  • Corian countertops

  • 3-burner propane stove/oven with solenoid shutoff

  • Technautics holding plate freezer with spillover fridge

  • Double stainless sinks

  • U-Line icemaker + Yeti cooler

• Entertainment: Skywatch TV, multiple Bluetooth speakers

• Comfort: Hurricane diesel forced-air heater, 12v fans throughout

• Water Systems:

  • Pressure system

  • Water heater (engine + 110v)

  • Reverse osmosis watermaker

Propulsion & Drive

• Engine: Yanmar 4JH2HTE 75hp turbo diesel (~1275 hrs)

• Cooling: Closed loop with heat exchanger

Tender & Safety Gear

• Dinghy: Avon Rover Lite RIB with cover

• Outboard: Tohatsu 6hp

• Canvas:

  • Dark blue covers: mainsail, jib, winches, BBQ, helm, dinghy

  • Full tan canvas boat cover (3 sections)

• Safety:

  • 3× dry chemical extinguishers (certified), 1× Halon

  • Emergency tiller

  • CO alarm

  • Multiple PFDs, flares, lifelines (double-coated wire, stainless pulpit/stanchions)

Summary

This is a rare opportunity to own a high-performance classic yacht with a proven pedigree, robust build, and fully updated systems for modern cruising. Whether you're planning offshore passages, coastal exploration, or extended live-aboard life, this Palmer Johnson-built Frers 46 checks every box.

Ready to sail. Ready to impress. Ready for her next chapter.