Dickerson 37 (Farr) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The production of the Dickerson 37 (Farr), designated as Farr design #128, commenced in 1983. This particular model was conceived following expressed interest from yachtsmen in the Chesapeake Bay region who sought a highly competitive club racing yacht that could rate effectively at the top end of IOR Class B, while simultaneously offering a genuinely usable cruising interior and a safe cockpit. Bruce Farr, renowned for his successful racing yacht designs, integrated his philosophy of creating boats with moderate proportions of beam and displacement, coupled with a high sail area relative to displacement and wetted surface.

During the 1980s, Dickerson Boatbuilders was in a period of modernization, embracing fiberglass construction techniques and more contemporary underwater profiles, all while maintaining the brand's visually traditional sheer and cabin aesthetics. The introduction of the Bruce Farr-designed 37-footer marked Dickerson's commitment to offering high-performance sailing yachts within their lineup. While the design proved competitive, some owners later opted to enhance its stiffness by retrofitting a bulb to the keel or modifying the IOR bustle in the stern.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Dickerson 37 (Farr) boasts specifications that translate into a lively and capable sailing experience. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 19.93, she is well-suited for light-air performance, often described by owners as a "very good light air boat." Her ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.463 indicates a relatively high percentage of ballast, contributing to a good degree of stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up to a breeze effectively. The displacement to length ratio, calculated at approximately 221.7, places her as a moderate to heavy displacement vessel for a racer/cruiser of her size, suggesting a solid, capable platform for both spirited sailing and comfortable passages.

Anecdotal evidence from owners often highlights the boat as a "great racer" and a "quick, agile racing boat." Despite its strong light-air performance, some reports suggest a degree of tenderness, leading a few owners to modify the keel for increased stiffness. Overall, the design's emphasis on high sail area in relation to its displacement and wetted surface underpins its competitive edge.

Accommodations and Layout

While primarily designed with performance in mind, the Dickerson 37 (Farr) was also conceived to offer a "clearly usable cruising interior." Online resources and owner accounts describe a comfortable cabin layout, often accommodating up to eight berths. The typical interior arrangement includes a forward V-berth, an enclosed head, a salon area, and often generous double berths aft. Reviews have praised the interior as being "nice" and, in some cases, "the nicest interior" found on quick racing boats of its type, suggesting a good standard of finish and livability for a performance vessel. Owners' photos often reveal traditional wood trim, contributing to a classic and inviting atmosphere, indicative of the era's design preferences. The overall layout supports the boat's dual purpose as both a capable racer and a comfortable weekend cruiser.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Dickerson 37 (Farr) generally commend its construction, noting that these boats were "built well and they were light." Many appreciate the solid construction that was characteristic of Dickerson Boatbuilders, contributing to a robust and durable vessel. The boat is often regarded as a capable and competitive sailboat available at an affordable price in the used market.

A recurring theme in owner discussions pertains to the boat's performance characteristics, with praise for its light-air capabilities, tempered by observations of tenderness in certain conditions. This led some owners to undertake modifications like adding a bulb to the keel to enhance stiffness, particularly for racing with smaller crews. Despite these individual modifications, the Dickerson 37 (Farr) maintains a strong reputation, with many examples being well-maintained by their owners over decades, underscoring their enduring value and the dedication of the ownership community. Online forums like SailNet and Sailing Anarchy serve as active hubs for owners to share experiences and knowledge.