Santana 37 Information, Review, Specs

The Santana 37 emerged during a period of innovation for American sailboat design, with its production commencing in 1969 and concluding in 1972. The vessel was designed by Gary Mull, a prominent naval architect known for a diverse portfolio of successful designs in the latter half of the 20th century, including other popular Santana models. During this era, W.D. Schock, founded by William "Bill" D. Schock, had established itself as a leading West Coast builder, specializing in fiberglass sailboats and earning a reputation for practical design, robust construction, and performance. The company's manufacturing ethos was characterized by a commitment to quality, a tradition evident in the enduring nature of many of their earlier fiberglass models. While the includes a note about a "Tall rig" with different dimensions, search results do not explicitly detail significant variations like MkI or MkII versions for the Santana 37, suggesting the initial design remained largely consistent throughout its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of just under 38 feet (37.67 ft) and a waterline length of 30 feet, the Santana 37 exhibits characteristics of a well-proportioned cruiser-racer from its era. Her reported sail area of 678 square feet, combined with a displacement of 15,000 pounds, results in a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 17.7. This suggests a moderate performance profile, indicating the boat should offer respectable speed in light to moderate winds without being overly tender in heavier conditions.

The Santana 37's stability is further enhanced by a ballast-to-displacement ratio of 0.44 (6,600 lbs ballast in a 15,000 lb displacement), which is a relatively high figure for a boat of this size, contributing to a stiff and stable platform capable of standing up to its canvas. Equipped with a fin keel and a spade rudder, the Santana 37 is designed for good maneuverability. Her displacement-to-length ratio, around 248, categorizes her as a moderately heavy displacement vessel, promising a comfortable motion in a seaway.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts for the Santana 37 are not extensively documented in general search results, the design by Gary Mull, combined with the general observation of similar boats of the era, suggests a functional and potentially "spacy" interior. Boats of this size and vintage typically featured a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that often converted into berths, a galley, and a head compartment. Given W.D. Schock's reputation for quality fiberglass construction, the interior finish likely combined fiberglass liners with wood trim, common for the period, offering a practical and durable living space. Storage would typically be provided in lockers and under settees, catering to cruising needs for a few days or weeks at a time.