Huisman 37 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Huisman 37 lies in a pivotal period for Royal Huisman, a shipyard celebrating over a century of boat-building heritage. While initially rooted in traditional wooden vessels, the company had, by the 1970s, fully embraced advanced materials, particularly aluminum, for which it would become world-renowned. The Huisman 37, produced from 1978 to 1981, stands as a testament to this transition, showcasing the shipyard's mastery in aluminum hull construction.

The design, penned by Jacques De Ridder, shared similarities with his earlier High Tension 36, a prototype of which famously secured a second-place finish at the 1974 One-Ton Cup. This lineage suggests De Ridder's philosophy for the Huisman 37 likely centered on creating a performance-oriented cruiser with competitive sailing capabilities, robust construction, and efficient handling. Only seven units of the Huisman 37 were reportedly built, making it a rare and coveted model. Royal Huisman, during this era, was establishing its identity for producing custom, high-quality yachts, and the Huisman 37 exemplifies this commitment, reflecting the shipyard's dedication to unique conception, quality, and execution.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Huisman 37 is characterized by a fin keel and a spade rudder, a combination known for offering splendid maneuverability, albeit with potentially less directional stability than a long keel. With a length overall of 36.81 feet and a waterline length of 31.5 feet, she possesses proportions that contribute to a respectable hull speed of 7.52 knots.

Analyzing her performance ratios provides further insight into her sailing characteristics. A Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 15.45 suggests that the Huisman 37 is a moderate performer, capable of good speeds but not necessarily designed as a light-air ghoster. She is likely to perform reliably across a range of wind conditions, though she might require more breeze to truly come alive compared to lighter, more racing-focused designs. Her Displacement to Length ratio of around 239.33 places her in the medium-heavy displacement category, indicating a solid, comfortable motion in a seaway, characteristic of a capable cruiser. Crucially, the Huisman 37 boasts a high Ballast to Displacement ratio of approximately 40.8%. This high ratio signifies a stiff and stable boat, well-equipped to stand up to strong winds and maintain its canvas, offering a powerful and reassuring feel at the helm. Owners and reviewers describe the Huisman 37 as sporty and still competitive, with a cockpit offering ample space for both sailing and relaxing at anchor.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed specifications on the interior layout are limited, grounded information indicates that the Huisman 37 was designed to offer comfortable and spacious accommodations for its size. The interior features a classic layout crafted with mahogany, contributing to a warm and traditional aesthetic. The saloon provides a comfortable headroom of approximately 1.82 meters (5.97 feet).

A typical Huisman 37 interior includes one cabin and provides up to six berths, a well-equipped galley, and toilet facilities. The design emphasizes functionality and comfort, making it suitable for extended cruising. Features like diesel ducted hot air heating further enhance liveability in various climates. The general finish quality, consistent with Royal Huisman's reputation, would have prioritized robust materials and meticulous craftsmanship, ensuring durability and a timeless appeal.

Owner's Perspectives

While extensive individual owner reviews for the Huisman 37 are not readily available due to the limited number built, the general sentiment surrounding Royal Huisman yachts speaks volumes about the owner experience. Owners of Huisman vessels consistently praise the "unmatched build quality" and "unique design" inherent in every boat from the shipyard. The aluminum construction of the Huisman 37 would have provided exceptional durability and peace of mind for those undertaking coastal or offshore voyages. Anecdotal evidence suggests owners appreciate the comfortable and spacious interior, making it a pleasant boat for extended stays. The enduring legacy of Royal Huisman fosters a strong owner community, highlighting the lasting pride associated with owning one of their meticulously crafted yachts. The Huisman 37, a testament to Royal Huisman's early aluminum cruising-racer designs, would likely be cherished by its owners for its solid construction, competitive sailing performance, and the prestige associated with its builder.