Passport 37 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Passport 37 began production in 1984, primarily at the Hai Yang and King Dragon yards in Taiwan, which were integral to Passport Yachts' early reputation for quality and offshore capability. Robert Perry, the boat's designer, noted that the Passport 37 was "a sweet little boat" and specifically designed it to improve upon the Passport 40 while offering a smaller footprint. Perry aimed for a finer bow compared to the Passport 40, which contributes to better upwind performance. Passport Yachts, under its founders Wendell Renken and Peter Hoyt, emphasized building premium offshore cruising sailboats with a blend of modern innovation and traditional features, a philosophy evident in the Passport 37's sturdy fiberglass construction and classic masthead sloop rig. The company's focus on meticulous craftsmanship for each yacht, even in smaller models, was a hallmark of their production during this era. While the suggests a standard rig, the boat was also available with a "Short Rig" option.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Passport 37's design ratios provide insight into its performance characteristics. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 16.02, she offers decent performance, particularly in moderate to stronger winds, though she is not optimized as a light-air flyer. Her Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of about 37.4% indicates good initial stability, allowing her to stand up to a decent breeze without excessive heel, a desirable trait for an offshore cruiser. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 298.7 classifies the Passport 37 as a heavier, more traditional cruising yacht. This higher D/L suggests a comfortable motion in a seaway, prioritizing stability and load-carrying capacity over out-and-out speed. Owners have described the Passport 37 as "well-mannered" and "very capable" for bluewater cruising. While generally praised for its sailing characteristics, one common anecdotal complaint concerns its handling under power, particularly when reversing.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Passport 37 is highly regarded for its beautifully appointed and elegant finish, typical of the quality seen in Taiwan-built boats of that era. The joinery, often solid teak with rounded surfaces, contributes to a bright and inviting atmosphere. The boat was notably available in five different interior layouts, offering a degree of customization. A highlight for many owners is the spacious galley, considered large for a 37-foot vessel, often featuring practical elements like poured foam insulated refrigerator and freezer compartments. While specific headroom figures are not provided in the primary data, the interiors are generally described as well-equipped and comfortable, offering a layout suitable for extended cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Passport 37 consistently praise its solid construction and seaworthiness, often referring to it as a robust bluewater cruiser. Its ability to handle diverse conditions and provide a comfortable motion in a seaway are frequently highlighted as strengths, making it a reliable choice for serious cruisers. The classic aesthetics and the quality of the interior joinery are also commonly admired features. Given the relatively low production numbers (approximately 25 built), these boats are highly retained by their owners and infrequently appear on the market, speaking to their enduring appeal. While overall satisfaction is high, some owners on forums discuss specific maintenance tasks common to boats of its age, such as potential diesel fuel issues or considerations for upgrading original deck fittings. The keel type, reportedly a fin keel, is often iron and encapsulated, which is common for Perry designs and generally not a source of concern.