Islander 37 MS Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Islander 37 MS dates back to 1974, emerging from a period when Islander Yachts, a company with roots in Joseph McGlasson's early wooden boat building, was well-established in fiberglass production. Designed by Bruce King, the Islander 37 MS shares its hull with the standard Islander 37, a testament to its proven lines. King’s design philosophy for this model aimed to integrate performance-oriented features with the practical necessities for longer journeys, a common goal for motorsailers seeking to offer the best of both worlds.

During this era, Islander Yachts, despite a complex history of ownership changes, maintained a consistent focus on producing sturdy, well-designed cruising yachts with an emphasis on robust construction. The company's commitment to quality meant that even though the Islander 37 MS was also offered in kit form under the Yachtcraft brand, the underlying hull design remained solid. While there isn't evidence of significant MkI or MkII variations, the "MS" designation itself signifies a distinct setup from the pure sailing version, offering a different emphasis on propulsion and accommodation.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 15.66, the Islander 37 MS presents as a moderately powered vessel. This suggests a balanced performance profile, capable of moving well in a breeze but potentially requiring more wind than lighter, performance-oriented boats to truly excel. Its ballast to displacement ratio, around 0.335, indicates reasonable initial stability, contributing to a comfortable motion in various conditions without being excessively stiff. The displacement to length ratio of approximately 269 categorizes her as a medium-heavy cruising boat, reinforcing her design as a stable platform rather than a light, nimble racer.

Qualitatively, the Islander 37 MS is described as a moderate-weight sailboat that offers sufficient stability and somewhat heavier handling characteristics. Owners often praise its stability in heavy seas and gale conditions, noting its good righting capability. This makes her a reassuring vessel in challenging weather, contributing to her suitability for extended voyages. However, as a heavier boat, she may struggle in lighter wind conditions, making her well-suited for motor sailing when the breeze is shy. Her underwater configuration features a fin keel and spade rudder, a common arrangement for good maneuverability.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior details can vary, especially considering some hulls were sold as kits, the Islander 37 MS typically features two cabins and offers sleeping arrangements for 4+2 berths, along with a functional galley. The motorsailer designation often implies a more substantial pilothouse or deck salon arrangement compared to a pure sailboat, providing better visibility and sheltered living space. Owners have been known to customize interiors, with some opting to convert areas like the starboard settee into a navigation station. The interior finish quality and materials, consistent with Islander's reputation, generally prioritize durability and comfort for cruising. Information regarding maximum headroom is not consistently available, but the design typically provides comfortable living spaces below deck, suitable for its intended purpose as a capable cruiser.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Islander 37 MS frequently highlight the boat's solid construction and its ability to handle rough seas with impressive stability. Many consider her a capable offshore or blue-water vessel, appreciating her reliable motion in a seaway. The good righting capability is a commonly praised attribute, providing peace of mind in challenging conditions.

However, as is typical with boats of this displacement, a recurring comment from owners is the tendency for the Islander 37 MS to struggle in very light winds, often necessitating motor-sailing in such conditions. While overall construction is robust, some owners have reported specific maintenance concerns, such as the need to address rudder issues, although this doesn't appear to be a widespread systemic problem. The active community of Islander owners, particularly those who appreciate the robust build and cruising comfort, speaks to the enduring appeal and functionality of these classic yachts.