Hunter 37 Information, Review, Specs

The Hunter 37 began its production run in 1978, at a time when Hunter Marine was rapidly expanding its presence in the sailboat market, applying lessons learned from powerboat manufacturing to create accessible and well-built sailing yachts. John Cherubini, a primary designer for Hunter during these formative years, was instrumental in developing models like the Hunter 25, 27, 30, 33, 36, 37, and 54. The Hunter 37, specifically, was conceived for bluewater cruising, reflecting a design philosophy focused on combining seaworthiness with comfortable living spaces. Production continued for a number of years after its initial launch, with owner reviews found for models as late as 1984, highlighting its sustained popularity. It is important to distinguish this original Hunter 37 from later models with similar designations, such as the Hunter 37 Legend (designed by Warren Luhrs in 1986) and the Marlow-Hunter 37 (designed by Glenn Henderson in 2014).

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Hunter 37 is characterized by its solid construction and a design geared towards comfortable cruising. With a total calculated sail area of 649.11 sqft and a displacement of 17,800 lbs, its Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio is approximately 15.28. This figure suggests that while the boat may not be a spirited performer in light airs, it is likely to be a comfortable and capable vessel that performs well in moderate to stronger breezes, prioritizing stability over outright speed. The ballast-to-displacement ratio stands at approximately 38.48% (6,850 lbs ballast for 17,800 lbs displacement). This indicates a good level of stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a fair amount of wind, though it's just shy of the typically higher ratios found in exceptionally stiff offshore designs. Furthermore, its Displacement-Length (D/L) ratio, calculated at around 294.3, places it firmly in the category of a heavier, more traditional cruiser. This contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, a desirable trait for extended cruising. Owners have often praised its sailing characteristics, noting that the boat "sails very well with original sailplan". Equipped with a fin keel and a spade rudder, the Hunter 37 offers a good balance of tracking ability and maneuverability.

Accommodations and Layout

The Hunter 37 was offered with a singular interior layout, designed to maximize comfort and utility for cruisers. This arrangement typically features spacious staterooms situated at both the forward and aft ends of the vessel, providing privacy and generous sleeping quarters. The central section of the boat houses the main saloon, galley, and head. While specific details on the finish quality of the 1978 model are less prominent in available information, Hunter Marine's general design philosophy during that era emphasized comfortable family cruising with spacious interiors, aligning with the needs of its target market. Owners have generally found the interior layout to be functional.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Hunter 37 frequently highlight its strengths, often praising its robust construction and comfortable sailing characteristics. Many express satisfaction with the boat's design and its ability to deliver an enjoyable sailing experience, even referring to it as a "good solid boat and a joy to sail". The spaciousness for its size is also a commonly appreciated feature.

However, as with many vessels of its age, certain common issues have been noted by owners. A recurring concern relates to the original deck hardware, with instances of "original deck hardware fails often (old plastic)". Furthermore, water intrusion can be a common problem, an issue frequently discussed in owner forums. Like any older boat, some vessels may require significant age-related maintenance, with some owners undertaking extensive projects such as re-engining, rebuilding rudder posts, or re-glassing main bulkheads. These points underscore the need for a thorough survey and ongoing maintenance for prospective and current owners of these classic cruisers.