Dickerson 37 AC Information, Review, Specs

The Dickerson 37, specifically the George Hazen-designed cruising model, began production in 1980, with the aft cockpit "AC" variant, as featured in this analysis, starting production in 1983. This era marked a significant period for Dickerson Boatbuilders, then under the ownership of Ted Reed, a seasoned blue-water sailor. Reed's vision was to honor Dickerson's tradition of producing "rugged" and "well-built boats of real value" while modernizing designs and construction techniques.

George Hazen, a naval architect known for his pioneering work in applying advanced mathematics to yacht design and developing sophisticated software tools, brought a unique blend of theoretical insight and practical application to the Dickerson 37. His design philosophy for this model deliberately combined a traditional appearance, evident in its classic sheer and cabin profile, with contemporary underwater foils. The hull was constructed predominantly of fiberglass over an Airex core, providing strength while keeping weight manageable, and the deck also utilized balsa-cored fiberglass. This marked a departure from Dickerson's earlier wooden boats, fully embracing modern materials. The design incorporated a moderate fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, chosen to enhance maneuverability and reduce wetted surface, offering improved performance over more traditional full keels.

Throughout its production, the Dickerson 37 was offered in various configurations, including both aft cockpit (AC) and center cockpit (CC) layouts, and could be rigged as a sloop, cutter (as is the case with this specific 37 AC), or ketch. The versatility in rig and cockpit arrangement allowed Dickerson to cater to a wide range of cruising preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Dickerson 37 AC, with its moderate displacement and conservative sail plan, exhibits characteristics typical of a stable and comfortable cruising yacht. Its sail area to displacement ratio (ratio_sa_disp) of approximately 14.06 suggests that while she might not excel in very light airs, she is likely to be a steady performer in moderate to stronger breezes, prioritizing comfort and control over outright speed. The ballast to displacement ratio (ratio_bal_disp) of around 37.6% indicates a good degree of initial stability, allowing the boat to stand up to its canvas effectively and maintain a relatively upright stance in a seaway.

With a displacement to length ratio (ratio_disp_lwl) of approximately 297, the Dickerson 37 AC falls into the category of a heavier, more traditional cruiser, consistent with its reputation for solid construction and blue-water capability. This contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, reducing pitching and hobby-horsing in choppy conditions.

Owners generally report that the Dickerson 37 AC, particularly when cutter-rigged, sails well to windward, benefiting from its dual headsails. Its fairly long keel contributes to good tracking, making it a predictable and easy boat to steer. Weather helm is noted as being easily managed with proper sail trim. Despite its cruising orientation, the design, developed for the sometimes light airs of the Chesapeake Bay, also offers good light-air performance. Many owners find the Dickerson 37 AC to be well-suited for single-handed sailing, especially with a thoughtful routing of lines for easy control.

Accommodations and Layout

The Dickerson 37 AC, being an aft cockpit model, offered several interior arrangements to suit different cruising needs. Three primary layouts were available from the factory: "traditional," "tri-cabin," and "short-handed."

The "traditional" layout typically features a V-berth forward, followed by the head just aft. An aft starboard double berth is provided, with a chart table positioned just forward of it. The main salon includes a port-side L-shaped dinette table and a settee berth opposite, while the galley is situated aft on the port side.

The "tri-cabin" arrangement reconfigures the aft section, moving the double berth to the port side and creating an enclosed aft cabin that incorporates the navigation station. In this setup, the head is located amidships.

For those prioritizing storage and a larger navigation area, the "short-handed" version eliminated the aft berth, dedicating that space to an expanded navigation station and additional aft storage, with the galley moved to the starboard side aft.

Common to all arrangements is a well-equipped galley, typically featuring a three-burner alcohol-fired stove and pressurized water. The interior finish generally includes a teak and holly cabin sole, adding a classic marine aesthetic. An anchor locker is conveniently located in the bow. For ventilation, the cabins are equipped with main and bow hatches, as well as several opening ports. The aft cabin in these models often benefits from its own companionway from the cockpit, in addition to an internal passage from the main salon, enhancing privacy and access. On deck, the extensive use of teak for handrails, cap rails, the bow platform, and cockpit coamings contributes to the boat's traditional look and robust feel.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Dickerson 37 AC consistently praise its solid construction, often describing the boats as "overbuilt" and appreciating their robust nature. 1, 8, Builder Article Many attest to their blue-water capability, with some having completed circumnavigations. The Dickerson 37 is generally regarded as a comfortable cruising boat, offering a steady and seakindly motion, which is highly valued on longer passages. The ability to single-hand the vessel is also a frequently mentioned positive.

However, owners also acknowledge that the generous use of exterior teak, while contributing to the classic aesthetic, necessitates significant ongoing maintenance, often described as "high maintenance" due to the amount of wood. Some minor design points, such as the original placement of cleats on the genoa track instead of a dedicated midship deck cleat, have been noted, though these are typically considered easy to remedy.

The Dickerson 37 AC benefits from a strong and active owner community, exemplified by the Dickerson Owners Association (DOA). This association serves as a valuable resource for current and prospective owners, facilitating knowledge sharing, troubleshooting, and social gatherings, which further enhances the enduring appeal and longevity of these well-regarded cruising yachts., 15]