Chinook 37 Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Chinook 37 began in the mid-1970s, a period when Canadian maritime architect Stanley Charles Huntingford applied his expertise to design a vessel capable of extended cruising. The construction was undertaken by Philbrook's Boatyard, a venerable institution on Canada's West Coast with a long-standing reputation for high-quality craftsmanship. During this era, Philbrook's was known for its detailed interior wood joinery and was actively transitioning towards incorporating fiberglass construction techniques, allowing them to build custom and semi-custom yachts with meticulous attention to detail. The Chinook 37 itself features a solid fiberglass hull, reflecting the builder's commitment to durable construction. The boat is rigged as a masthead sloop, a common and efficient configuration for cruising yachts of its size.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Chinook 37's design specifications translate into a distinctive sailing profile, emphasizing stability and seaworthiness over raw speed. With a reported sail area of 641 square feet and a displacement of 18,600 pounds, the boat has a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 14.56. This ratio suggests that while the Chinook 37 might be considered slightly underpowered in very light airs, it is well-suited to handle heavier wind conditions effectively.

A significant aspect of its handling characteristics is indicated by its ballast to displacement ratio of about 0.43, stemming from 8,000 pounds of ballast in an 18,600-pound displacement hull. This high ratio contributes substantially to the boat's excellent stiffness and stability, providing a comfortable and secure motion even in challenging seas. Furthermore, its displacement to waterline length ratio, calculated at approximately 272.08 (based on a 31.25-foot waterline), places it firmly in the moderate-to-heavy displacement category, reinforcing its credentials as a dedicated bluewater cruising vessel. The Chinook 37 is described as very stable and stiff, possessing an excellent righting capability, making it well-suited for offshore passages. It boasts a theoretical hull speed of 7.49 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the specific interior layout and finishes of the Chinook 37 is not extensively documented in available public resources. However, given Philbrook's Boatyard's reputation for intricate wood joinery and quality construction during the period, it can be inferred that the interior would have featured a well-crafted, functional arrangement typical of cruising boats from the mid-1970s. These vessels often provided practical layouts with a focus on comfortable liveability at sea, usually including a forward V-berth, a main salon with settees and a table, a galley, and a head. The boat is equipped with a substantial water capacity of 100 gallons (378 liters), underscoring its design for extended cruising. While specific headroom figures are not available, cruisers of this size from that era typically aimed for comfortable standing room in the main living areas.