Fuji Yacht Builders Ltd.

Fuji Yacht Builders Ltd. was a renowned Japanese shipyard based in Yokosuka, specializing in high-quality fiberglass cruising sailboats for export, primarily to the United States, during the 1970s and early 1980s. Established around 1973 following the merger and shifts in the Japanese yacht-building industry—emerging from the remnants of Far East Yachts and involving key figures like Mr. Makise and Mr. Nakazaki—the yard focused on hand-laid fiberglass hulls with solid construction, polyurethane insulation, and encapsulated iron ballast, earning a reputation for impeccable standards and seaworthy designs inspired by classic American naval architects like John G. Alden and Sparkman & Stephens. Over its decade of operation, Fuji produced approximately 230 boats ranging from 32 to 45 feet, including standout models like the Fuji 32 (a heavy-displacement ketch sharing molds with the Mariner 32), Fuji 35 (128 built, 1973–1982, known for its clipper bow and offshore stability), Fuji 40 (S&S-designed sloop with roomy interiors and sea-kindly motion), and Fuji 45 (a larger ketch variant). These vessels, often equipped with reliable Yanmar or Westerbeke diesels, emphasized blue water cruising with features like modified full keels for maneuverability, high freeboard for dryness, and teak interiors for comfort, making them favorites among long-distance sailors despite modest sail areas. The company ceased operations on November 22, 1982, amid economic shifts in the global yacht market, but its legacy endures through active owner communities at fujiyachts.net, where resources like manuals and photos are shared.