Cruisemaster 37 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Cruisemaster 37 emerged from a period of innovation for both its designer and builder. A.E. Bill Luders Jr., an accomplished naval architect and racer, was known for his innovative yacht designs and his work on America's Cup contenders, showcasing a blend of performance and elegant lines. His collaboration with Cheoy Lee Shipyard brought forth a series of popular sailing models, including the Luders 36 and the Clipper series. Cheoy Lee, a family-owned shipyard with roots stretching back to 1870, was a pioneer in the extensive use of fiberglass for boatbuilding, adopting GRP and foam sandwich technology in the mid-1960s to create durable and long-lasting vessels. The Cruisemaster 37 was a product of this forward-thinking era, combining Luders' design prowess with Cheoy Lee's burgeoning expertise in fiberglass construction. Her production began in 1969, featuring a hull crafted from solid fiberglass, ensuring a sturdy and low-maintenance foundation.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Designed as a masthead sloop with a full long keel, the Cruisemaster 37 offers a sailing experience characterized by stability and comfort rather than outright speed. While specific ballast weight information for the Cruisemaster 37 is not readily available in public databases, the long keel design inherently contributes to directional stability and a forgiving motion in a seaway.

When analyzing its performance characteristics through common ratios, the Cruisemaster 37 reveals its cruising intentions:

• Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D): At approximately 12.8, this ratio suggests a moderate sail plan relative to its displacement. This indicates that while the Cruisemaster 37 may require more breeze to achieve optimal speeds, it is unlikely to feel overpowered in stronger winds, contributing to a comfortable ride Builder's Note: A higher number (e.g., >18) suggests better light-air performance..
• Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L): With a D/L ratio of approximately 394.5 (calculated using displacement in long tons and LWL in feet), the Cruisemaster 37 falls squarely into the heavy displacement category. This signifies a robust, well-built vessel with a substantial feel, capable of standing up to adverse conditions, characteristic of traditional blue-water cruisers Builder's Note: A lower number (<200) suggests a lighter, more performance-oriented boat, while a higher number (>300) suggests a heavier, more traditional cruiser..

These ratios, combined with its long keel, suggest that the Cheoy Lee Cruisemaster 37 is a steady performer, predictable in her handling, and capable of maintaining a comfortable pace over long distances. Her generous beam of 11 feet further enhances initial stability, making her a reassuring vessel for offshore passages. The boat was originally equipped with a 50 HP Vire diesel engine, providing reliable auxiliary power.

Accommodations and Layout

Detailed interior layouts and descriptions for the Cheoy Lee Cruisemaster 37 are not widely documented in current public records. However, drawing from the general design philosophy of A.E. Bill Luders Jr. and Cheoy Lee's cruising yachts of the era, the interior would likely feature a traditional layout, emphasizing functionality and seaworthiness. Similar Luders designs, such as the Luders 33, were known for a "plain and functional" interior decor. Typically, boats of this size and vintage would include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a table, a galley, and a head compartment. The use of robust materials, often including extensive wood trim, was common for Cheoy Lee vessels, contributing to a warm and classic aesthetic. Given her overall length of 36.83 feet and a waterline length of 28.0 feet, the interior would have offered comfortable living spaces for a couple or small family on extended cruises, prioritizing practical storage and ventilation suitable for life at sea.