Puma 37 Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Puma 37 in 1981 marked a continuation of Puma Yachts' (Nao-Glass) commitment to producing sturdy fiberglass sailboats. Operating from Llisà del Vall, Barcelona, Puma Yachts, leveraging its parent company INERGA's expertise in plastics, had already established itself as a notable builder by embracing fiberglass technology for its durability and reduced maintenance. The builder's ethos, as detailed by their history, was centered on delivering reliable cruising vessels.

The design of the Puma 37 was entrusted to Angus Primrose, a prominent British naval architect known for his extensive work, including designs for Moody shipyards. Primrose's philosophy, deeply embedded in the Puma 37, focused on optimizing criteria such as comfort, navigational performance, and overall liveability on board. This emphasis resulted in a vessel designed along similar lines to other successful center cockpit cruisers of the period, prioritizing a secure and comfortable experience at sea. The hull features a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration chosen for its balance of maneuverability and tracking ability. No significant variations in the production run, such as MkI or MkII versions, are widely documented for the Puma 37.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Puma 37 offers a sailing profile indicative of a solid cruising yacht, designed for comfortable passage making rather than outright racing. With a reported sail area of 732 square feet and a displacement of 15,000 pounds, the Puma 37 exhibits a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 19.33. This ratio suggests good performance in lighter winds, allowing the vessel to move efficiently even when conditions are not robust.

Its Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio stands at around 37.77%, indicating a respectable level of stiffness and stability. While slightly below the 40% often cited for very stiff boats, it provides sufficient ballast to stand up to a good breeze, contributing to a comfortable motion in a seaway. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio, calculated at approximately 260.5, places the Puma 37 in the mid-range of cruising sailboats, suggesting it is neither an ultralight performance boat nor an overly heavy, traditional cruiser. This mid-range displacement contributes to a balanced sailing experience. The fin keel design enhances maneuverability compared to full-keel vessels, though it may offer slightly less directional stability. The skeg-hung rudder provides protection for the rudder while maintaining responsive steering.

Accommodations and Layout

Designed as a center cockpit vessel, the Puma 37 typically features an interior layout that optimizes living space and privacy, a hallmark of this configuration. Owners often praise the emphasis on interior comfort. Descriptions of the interior frequently highlight the use of traditional wooden finishes, contributing to a warm and classic ambiance.

The interior arrangement commonly includes a three-cabin layout, providing ample sleeping accommodations. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the design intent suggests comfortable standing room in key areas. The central cockpit design allows for a substantial aft cabin, often a private owner's stateroom. Forward, there is typically a V-berth cabin, a main salon, and a galley, along with a head compartment. Some models feature a dedicated storage room with shelving and drawers, accessible from the interior, enhancing the boat's cruising utility. Many Puma 37s have undergone significant remodels over the years, often including updates to the interior flooring and general finishes, reflecting their solid underlying construction and suitability for long-term ownership.