Countess 37 (Colvic) Information, Review, Specs

The Colvic Countess 37 entered production in 1986, emerging from Colvic Craft's prolific yards on the Blackwater Estuary in Essex, England. Colvic Craft, founded in 1964 by Colin Burns and Vic Pascoe, was a pioneering force in the early adoption of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) construction in the UK, known for producing robust fiberglass hulls. The Countess 37, like many Colvic vessels, was designed to be solidly built and seaworthy, reflecting the builder's commitment to durability for blue water cruising.

Designer Ian Anderson crafted the Countess 37 to be an elegant yet deep-bodied vessel. While specific details on Anderson's design philosophy for this particular model are not extensively documented, the boat's characteristics align with Colvic's overall ethos of creating reliable and forgiving yachts capable of comfortable family cruising. The nature of Colvic's business, often supplying molded hulls for various yards and private individuals to fit out, meant that while the hull remained consistent, interior finishes and specific systems could vary between individual boats. The existence of a "Mk II DHW" variant also suggests some evolution or specific configurations during its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Colvic Countess 37 is characterized by its substantial build, designed for stability and comfort in varying sea conditions. With a ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 40.5%, she possesses significant stiffness, indicating her ability to stand up to a good breeze and maintain a more upright stance when sailing. This high ballast ratio contributes directly to her inherent stability, making her a forgiving vessel, particularly valuable for offshore passages.

Her displacement-to-length ratio, which is over 330, firmly places the Countess 37 in the category of a heavier, more traditional cruiser. This weight contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, often praised by owners for its superb offshore capability. Anecdotal evidence suggests the Countess 37 is known for good sailing qualities, offering a balanced feel at the helm, which enhances her reputation as a reliable cruising yacht. While detailed sail area to displacement figures are not widely published for this model, her overall design emphasizes seaworthiness and steady progress rather than outright speed.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Colvic Countess 37 is widely recognized for being spacious and comfortable, offering ample room for extended living aboard. While specific headroom figures for this model are not available in all datasets, the generous beam of 12.8 feet allows for a voluminous interior. Typical layouts often feature a large forecabin, often with a V-berth, providing a dedicated sleeping area. A head compartment is usually situated forward, serving both the forecabin and main salon.

The main salon typically includes comfortable seating, often converting into additional berths, and a dining area. The galley, positioned for practicality at sea, generally offers sufficient counter space, storage, and room for essential appliances. A notable feature often highlighted is the dry bilge area, which provides considerable space for storing provisions and gear. While the exact finish quality and materials can vary given Colvic's role as a hull molder for various fit-out yards, interiors generally reflect a practical and durable approach, often incorporating traditional wood trim and robust fiberglass components, aligning with Colvic's focus on sturdy, no-nonsense cruising platforms.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Colvic Countess 37 frequently laud her solid construction and the comfortable motion she provides in a seaway, making her a highly regarded choice for blue water cruising. The enduring quality of Colvic's fiberglass work is a consistent point of praise, with many owners appreciating the robust nature of these vessels. The spacious and comfortable interior, along with ample storage, is also a frequently mentioned strength, making her well-suited for liveaboards or long-term cruising.

While generally well-received, like many production boats of her era, potential owners often note that original systems may require updating or refitting to meet contemporary standards and personal preferences. Common maintenance considerations tend to revolve around aging equipment rather than fundamental structural issues, a testament to the hull's inherent durability. A strong community of Colvic owners exists, often sharing knowledge and maintenance tips, which speaks to the lasting appeal and practicality of these classic fiberglass yachts.