Baltic 37 Information, Review, Specs

Boat drawing
Make
Baltic
Model
37
Number Built
51
Production Year(s)
1978 - 1983

The Baltic 37 is a highly regarded Finnish sailboat designed by Robert W. Ball and C&C Design, built by the esteemed Baltic Yachts. Launched in 1978 and produced until 1983 with 51 units constructed, she was conceived as an International Offshore Rule (IOR) racer-cruiser, balancing performance aspirations with comfortable offshore cruising capabilities. Her enduring reputation is built on Baltic Yachts' commitment to superior build quality and sailing characteristics.

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The creation of the Baltic 37 in 1978 emerged from Baltic Yachts' foundational philosophy of constructing yachts that were "lighter, stiffer, faster, and better" while offering design flexibility., 9] The design, a collaboration between Canadian naval architect Robert W. Ball of C&C Design and Baltic's in-house team for deck and interior, specifically aimed to produce a high-performance, comfortable, and easily handled yacht suited for both offshore racing and cruising. This era saw Baltic Yachts beginning its pioneering adoption and deep understanding of advanced composite materials, a hallmark that would define their construction philosophy and lead to their reputation for building high-tech vessels. The Baltic 37 featured a handsome, low-profile deck design with easy companionway access from the cockpit.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Baltic 37's design ratios translate into a distinct qualitative description of her performance. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 18.0, she exhibits good light-air performance, suggesting she can move well even in lighter breezes. Her Ballast to Displacement ratio of 0.45 indicates a stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to more wind and offering a secure feel in a seaway. The Displacement to Length ratio, around 300, places her in the category of a heavier, more traditional cruiser, implying a comfortable motion rather than extreme light-displacement speed. Owners consistently describe the Baltic 37 as a delight to sail, with characteristics very much in line with other successful Baltic models of her time, such as the Baltic 39. Her design, which maximizes sailing length, contributes to minimizing pitching in a seaway, enhancing comfort on offshore passages.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom data is not consistently available, the Baltic 37 is noted for an interior layout that was quite unique for a boat of her size during her production era. This arrangement typically includes an aft cabin and a full stand-up head, features that contributed significantly to her comfort and liveability for cruising. The interior finish and use of materials, typical of Baltic Yachts, would have reflected the builder's commitment to combining leading-edge marine technology with traditional boatbuilding craftsmanship, providing a robust yet refined living space., 17]

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Baltic 37 generally express high satisfaction with their vessels. Many describe the boat as a "delight to sail," often noting its solid construction and comfortable motion in various conditions. One specific Baltic 37 equipped with a Volvo Penta MD11 engine from 2004 reported consistent annual maintenance and problem-free operation. While generalized discussions about common issues exist for other Baltic models, dedicated owner forums or reviews for the Baltic 37 itself do not frequently highlight widespread or recurring design flaws, reinforcing its reputation as a well-built and reliable yacht.

Measurements

Construction & Hull

Construction Material
Fiberglass (Balsa Core)
Hull Type
Monohull Sailboat
Keel Type
Fin
Rudder
1x Spade
Ballast
6120 lbs (Lead)
Displacement
13600 lbs
Water Capacity
42 gal
Fuel Capacity
22 gal

Engine

Engine Make
Volvo Penta
Engine Model
MD11
Engine Type
Engine HP
24
Engine Count
1
Drive Type
Fuel Type
Diesel
Hover over a measurement
IJPE FS LOALWL

Rig & Sails

Rig Type
Masthead Sloop
P (Main Luff)
43.48 ft
E (Main Foot)
11.84 ft
I (Foretriangle Height)
49.12 ft
J (Foretriangle Base)
15.56 ft
Forestay Length (est)
51.53 ft
Main Sail Area
257.4 sqft
Foretriangle Sail Area
382.15 sqft
Total Sail Area (Reported)
640 sqft
Total Sail Area (Calc)
639.56 sqft

Dimensions

LOA
37 ft
LWL
27.25 ft
Beam
12 ft
Draft
6.67 ft
Max Headroom
-
Air Draft
-

Calculations

Hull Speed
7 kn
Pounds per Inch Immersion
1