RM 1370 Information, Review, Specs

The RM 1370 entered production in 2017, representing a significant evolution in RM Yachts' range and continuing its production until 2022. From its inception, RM Yachts, founded by Jean-Claude Audrey in La Rochelle, has pioneered a unique construction method utilizing marine plywood and epoxy for the hull, combined with GRP decks. This approach, unusual for production boats, is central to Marc Lombard's design philosophy, aiming to create light-displacement vessels that offer exceptional stiffness, insulation, and a substantial weight advantage, all contributing to the yachts' acclaimed performance. The plywood-epoxy technique also boasts practical benefits, such as eliminating the risk of osmosis or delamination, issues sometimes associated with traditional fiberglass hulls.

Marc Lombard's design for the RM 1370 focused on enhancing both exterior and interior design, providing an "ocean" cockpit and filling the hull's generous volume below deck. A hallmark of RM's design, including the 1370, is the use of distinctive hard-chined hulls, which improve directional stability and maximize interior space. The yacht was offered with various appendage configurations, including a single deep fin keel (often a torpedo keel for a low center of gravity), twin keels, or a swing keel, catering to diverse sailing preferences and draft requirements. The single keel version, with its deep draft of 8.04 feet, is noted for providing splendid maneuverability.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The RM 1370 is engineered for impressive sailing performance, blending speed with ease of handling. Her design characteristics contribute to a lively yet stable motion. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 18.39, she is well-suited for light-air performance, suggesting she can get underway and maintain speed even in lighter breezes. Her Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 130.34 categorizes her as a light to moderate displacement vessel, further indicating her performance-oriented nature and ability to achieve good speeds.

The ballast-to-displacement ratio for the fin keel version is approximately 0.30 (6504 lbs ballast / 21605 lbs displacement). While this number might appear moderate compared to some heavy cruisers, the RM 1370's deep bulb keel (or torpedo keel) concentrates the ballast weight low in the hull, contributing to a low center of gravity and thereby enhancing stability and stiffness despite her relatively light displacement. Owners and reviewers describe the RM 1370 as solid, robust, and high-performance, emphasizing that operating the yacht is "as easy and simple as before" despite its impressive capabilities. The wide sterns are designed to allow for planing in suitable conditions, further underscoring her sporty characteristics. Anecdotal evidence suggests that even the twin keel versions can equal or exceed the performance of single-keel counterparts.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the RM 1370 is designed to leverage the wide beam (14.76 feet) and the inherent volume provided by the hard-chined hull, creating a spacious and welcoming environment. The bow area is dedicated to a very welcoming ship-owner's cabin, featuring a double bunk and a comfortable headroom of approximately 6 feet 2 inches (190 cm). The layout typically includes three guest cabins and is characterized by a "Mediterranean cockpit" design.

Marc Lombard's focus on filling the "huge volume" below deck results in a well-considered arrangement. The interior boasts a "clean interior styling" and benefits from the plywood-epoxy construction method, which provides excellent insulation and often showcases the warmth and aesthetic appeal of the natural wood finish. Owners can expect a comfortable living space with thoughtful ergonomics, ample storage, and good ventilation, making the RM 1370 suitable for extended cruising and liveaboard comfort.