Farr 37 (#128) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Farr 37 (#128) in 1983 marked a pivotal moment for Dickerson Boatbuilders, reflecting their strategic move towards modern fiberglass construction and high-performance designs. This specific model, Farr Design #128, arose from a demand among Chesapeake Bay yachtsmen for a competitive IOR Class B racer that maintained a usable cruising interior. Bruce Farr's design philosophy for this yacht emphasized moderate proportions of beam and displacement, coupled with a very high sail area relative to both displacement and wetted surface, aiming for superior performance. Under the ownership of Ted Reed, Dickerson Boatbuilders had embraced advanced techniques, utilizing balsa-cored fiberglass for both hull and deck, along with a modern moderate fin keel and spade rudder to optimize maneuverability and reduce wetted surface. This blend of Dickerson's robust construction ethos with Farr's race-winning design prowess resulted in a vessel that quickly proved its competitive mettle by achieving numerous racing victories. While Dickerson had also produced another Dickerson 37 designed by George Hazen starting in 1981, the Farr 37 (#128) is distinctly the high-performance racer, commissioned from Bruce Farr and launched two years later.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a total calculated sail area of 661.55 square feet and a displacement of 12,200 pounds, the Farr 37 (#128) boasts a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 216.1. This high ratio is indicative of a boat designed for exhilarating performance, particularly excelling in lighter winds and offering quick acceleration. Her ballast to displacement ratio (Bal/Disp) of around 0.463 suggests excellent stability and stiffness, enabling her to stand up to a strong breeze and carry sail effectively. Furthermore, a displacement to length ratio (Disp/LWL) of approximately 221.3 places her firmly in the category of a moderate displacement performance cruiser, striking a balance between nimble handling and a comfortable motion. Owners and reviewers consistently praise the Farr 37 for its great sailing capabilities and impressive turn of speed, often describing it as a "quick, agile racing boat" that can be sailed effectively to its rating.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its racing pedigree, the Farr 37 (#128) was designed with a "clearly usable cruising interior." The typical layout offers comfortable cabin arrangements, providing sleeping accommodations for up to eight individuals, often configured with a three-cabin layout where a salon table can convert into a double berth. The interior generally features a well-appointed galley, including two stainless steel sinks, a large eutectic refrigerator, and a two-burner stove. Additionally, the vessel usually includes two cozy cabins and a well-designed head, ensuring ample space for relaxation after a day on the water. While specific details on materials are limited in general reviews, some owners have noted the surprisingly high quality of the interior finish for a boat that is primarily a performance vessel.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Farr 37 (#128) frequently laud its robust construction and competitive performance. They consistently describe the design as "well constructed and a robust design," appreciating its capability as a competitive sailboat. The boat's ability to perform well in races, including winning championships, is a commonly cited strength among those who actively race her. While general owner feedback tends to be positive regarding the boat's sailing prowess and build quality, specific widespread weaknesses or recurring maintenance issues are not frequently detailed in available public forums, beyond isolated reports such as a mast prebend issue noted by one owner.