Dickerson 37 CC Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Dickerson 37 CC lies in a transformative period for Dickerson Boatbuilders. Founded in 1946 with a focus on traditional wood construction, the company, under the ownership of Ted Reed since 1978, sought to modernize its offerings while honoring its legacy of "rugged" and "well-built boats of real value." Reed commissioned naval architect George Hazen to design a new high-performance cruiser, leading to the launch of the first Dickerson 37 in 1981. This model heralded a significant transition to fiberglass hull construction, featuring a balsa-cored fiberglass hull and deck for strength and light weight.

Hazen's design incorporated a modern moderate fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, a departure from earlier traditional designs, aimed at improving maneuverability and reducing wetted surface. Despite these modern underwater profiles and construction materials, the Dickerson 37 retained the brand's cherished traditional aesthetic above the waterline, offering a blend of classic looks with contemporary performance. The Dickerson 37 was also available with a ketch rig, providing versatility to owners. Notably, the builder article also mentions a separate, high-performance Bruce Farr-designed Dickerson 37 racer introduced in 1983, which is distinct from the George Hazen-designed cruiser model.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Dickerson 37 CC, with its design focused on comfortable cruising, exhibits a moderate performance profile. Its Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 14.38 suggests a boat that performs adequately across a range of conditions, but might require more wind to truly excel in light airs. The Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of about 38.1% indicates a good level of stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a decent breeze without excessive heeling. With a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 303.7, the Dickerson 37 CC falls into the category of a heavier, more traditional cruiser, known for its comfortable motion in a seaway rather than outright speed.

Owners have described the Dickerson 37 as sailing well to windward, particularly in its cutter-rigged configuration with two headsails. While not designed as a racing boat, many owners find it to be a capable and enjoyable vessel for cruising. Its moderate fin keel and skeg-hung rudder contribute to responsive handling and good directional stability, making it manageable for both experienced and less experienced sailors.

Accommodations and Layout

The Dickerson 37 CC is distinguished by its center cockpit design, which typically allows for a spacious interior divided into three cabins: a forward cabin, a main salon, and an aft cabin. The layout commonly includes a V-berth forward, followed by a head compartment. The main salon usually features settees and a dinette, with a functional galley often located either amidships or further aft. A dedicated aft navigation station is a notable feature for many models, which can be ideal for single-handing. A significant advantage of the center cockpit layout is the generous aft cabin, often providing privacy and comfort comparable to larger vessels. Owners have praised the tri-cabin interior layout of the D37 as "near perfect" for a boat of its size. Interior finishes generally reflect the era's preference for warm wood accents combined with practical fiberglass surfaces, offering a comfortable and traditional ambiance. Ventilation and storage are typically well-considered for extended cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Dickerson 37 CC consistently praise its solid construction and seaworthy characteristics. Many consider it an excellent choice for bluewater sailing, appreciating its robust build quality which is often compared favorably to other respected cruisers of its time. The Dickerson Owners Association (DOA) provides a vibrant community for enthusiasts, highlighting the strong camaraderie among owners and the enduring appeal of these vessels. While specific common problems were not extensively detailed in general reviews, the positive sentiment often centers on the boat's durability and its comfortable cruising experience. As with any boat of its age, potential maintenance considerations typically involve routine upkeep of systems and components, but the fundamental hull and deck structures are widely regarded as sound.