Valiant Esprit 37 Information, Review, Specs

The Valiant Esprit 37 was introduced in 1978, initially as the Esprit 37 by Nordic Yachts. Around 1980, Uniflite Inc., a prominent American boat builder known for its robust fiberglass construction, acquired Nordic Yachts, and production of the boat transitioned. Under Uniflite, the model became known as the Valiant 37, fitting into their growing lineup of Valiant sailboats. The boat is occasionally referred to as the Valiant 39, highlighting the evolution of its branding.

Robert Perry famously designed the Esprit 37 for his own use, aiming to create a vessel that skillfully bridged the gap between a pure racing yacht and a comfortable performance cruiser. His design philosophy prioritized a balance of speed, seaworthiness, and comfortable accommodations suitable for serious offshore sailing.

Uniflite, the builder, had a strong reputation for pioneering the use of fire-retardant resins in fiberglass boat construction. However, a change in their resin supplier after 1975 unfortunately led to widespread hull blistering issues in many of their later models, a problem that also affected the Uniflite-built Valiant 37s. This issue became a notable characteristic of Uniflite boats from that era.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Valiant Esprit 37's design specifications translate into a capable and balanced sailing performance. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 16.13, the boat is moderately powered, suggesting a respectable performance across a range of wind conditions without being overly sensitive in light airs or overpowered in heavy winds. Its Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 0.394 indicates a relatively stiff and stable hull form, capable of standing up well to a breeze and providing a comfortable motion even in challenging sea states.

The Displacement to Length ratio of about 238.9 positions the Esprit 37 as a moderate displacement cruiser. This balance reflects its design brief as a performance cruiser, offering a good compromise between the speed of lighter designs and the comfortable motion of heavier, more traditional cruisers. Owners frequently describe the Valiant Esprit 37 as quick and nimble, offering a sea-friendly ride and being an easy boat to sail well and fast. These characteristics underscore its suitability for extended voyages in various waters.

Accommodations and Layout

Below decks, the Valiant Esprit 37 is designed for comfortable cruising, providing good accommodation for a crew of four or five on extended trips. A notable feature is the generous interior headroom, reportedly reaching 6 feet 7 inches.

The typical layout begins forward with a good-sized V-berth, offering considerable storage space beneath it. Aft of the forward cabin is the head compartment, which includes a sink and a shower, often with a dedicated seat for comfort. The main salon usually features an L-shaped dinette to port, complemented by cabinetry and lockers lining the hull sides, providing ample storage for provisions and personal gear.

The U-shaped galley is generally located to port, designed to be compact yet entirely sufficient for offshore meal preparation. It offers generous storage in lockers for dishes and dry goods and often includes practical features such as freshwater foot pumps. The interior joinery is typically of high quality, often featuring teak, which contributes to a warm and inviting atmosphere. The cabin is illuminated by fixed, teak-trimmed salon windows, and attention was paid to ventilation, including systems for water tanks.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Valiant Esprit 37 generally praise its solid construction and robust nature, confirming its reputation as a capable blue water cruiser. The boat's comfortable motion in a seaway and its agreeable handling characteristics are frequently highlighted as strengths. The well-conceived interior, particularly the generous headroom and spacious galley, also garners appreciation for enhancing livability during extended cruises.

However, the most commonly cited weakness or maintenance concern among owners is the potential for hull blistering. This issue is directly linked to Uniflite's change in fire-retardant resin suppliers after 1975, which impacted many of their fiberglass vessels, including the Valiant 37. 2, 8, Builder Article While some owners report that their specific boat has not experienced this problem, it remains a known characteristic for models from certain production years. Additionally, some mid-1980s Esprit models have been noted to develop gel coat issues.