Varianta 37 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Varianta 37 draws its heritage directly from the well-regarded Hanse 370, with production commencing in 2012. The model's name itself is a nod to the popular Dehler Varianta of 1962, signaling an intention to offer a more basic, cost-effective yacht. Hanse Yachts, founded by Michael Schmidt in 1993, has consistently focused on producing "fast cruising" yachts that are easy to handle, even single-handedly. The design firm Judel/Vrolijk & Co., a long-standing collaborator with Hanse, engineered the Varianta 37, inheriting the performance-oriented principles of its predecessor, the Hanse 370.

While based on the Hanse 370, the Varianta 37 distinguished itself by being an intentionally simplified build, aiming for lower cost. Notably, its construction featured a solid glass hull, differentiating it from the sandwich construction of the Hanse 370. The Varianta 37 also presented a new deck design and an updated interior layout compared to the Hanse 370/375, though some forums suggest the cockpit design also differed. One key departure from many Hanse models was the absence of a self-tacking jib as standard, instead featuring a small overlapping genoa. The production run for the Varianta 37 began in 2012, though its end year is not specified in the provided data.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Varianta 37 is designed for vigorous and fast sailing in various conditions, reflecting Judel/Vrolijk & Co.'s expertise in yacht design for performance cruising. With a length overall of nearly 38 feet and a waterline length of almost 33 feet, this monohull boasts a respectable hull speed of approximately 7.69 knots.

To interpret its performance characteristics qualitatively:

• Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of 18.55: This ratio, calculated from a total sail area of 717.24 sq ft and a displacement of 15212 lbs, suggests a boat with good light-air performance. Vessels with an SA/D ratio above 18 generally demonstrate a responsive feel and can move well in lighter breezes.
• Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D) of 0.33: With 5071 lbs of ballast in a 15212 lb displacement, this ratio indicates a moderately stiff boat. While not exceptionally high, it suggests a reasonable ability to stand up to a breeze and maintain stability.
• Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) of 189.66: This ratio, calculated using a displacement of 15212 lbs and a waterline length of 32.97 ft, places the Varianta 37 in the lighter, more performance-oriented cruiser category, rather than a heavy, traditional cruiser. This aligns with Hanse's reputation for "fast cruising" yachts.

The Varianta 37 features a fractional sloop rig, a bulb keel, and a spade rudder, all contributing to its maneuverability and performance. Anecdotal reviews suggest the boat is well-suited for sailors and is considered a simple, sleek cruiser/racer. Owners of its close relative, the Hanse 370, often praise its ease of single-handed sailing, a hallmark of Hanse's design philosophy.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Varianta 37 was designed to be modern and functional, offering a simpler approach compared to the more customizable Hanse 370. As an intentionally "no-frills" build, the emphasis was on essential comforts and a clean aesthetic rather than luxurious finishes.

Reports indicate that the Varianta 37 typically offers a two or three-cabin layout, accommodating up to six guests comfortably. The interior of the Varianta 37 has been described by some as "much nicer" than some other models in its class. Common layouts include a salon, a forward cabin (V-berth), and aft cabins. The boat generally includes at least one toilet and one shower, with a water capacity of 78 gallons. While specific maximum headroom is not provided, the interior is often described as spacious, with Hanse's design philosophy for the 370 aiming for unique solutions for comfort and storage, providing a "home-like experience."

Owner's Perspectives

Owners and reviewers of the Varianta 37, and its close relative the Hanse 370, often highlight the boat's excellent sailing characteristics and ease of handling, particularly for short-handed sailing. The design, which prioritizes performance, is frequently praised.

However, some common points of discussion among owners of the Hanse 370, which shares many structural aspects, include potential issues with corrosion of the rudder stock and leaks around windows and deck fittings. These are points that prospective buyers of a used Varianta 37 might consider for inspection. Overall, the Varianta 37 is viewed as a good value proposition, offering significant sailing capability and a modern interior for its price point.