Wiggers 37 (Peterson) Information, Review, Specs

The narrative of the Wiggers 37 begins in 1981, when Wiggers Custom Yachts Ltd. commenced its production. The collaboration with Doug Peterson, a leading figure in performance sailboat design, was pivotal. Peterson was known for crafting fast, well-balanced yachts, and the Wiggers 37 reflects this philosophy. Wiggers Custom Yachts, founded by Andy Wiggers in 1978, quickly established itself as a premier Canadian builder, leveraging Andy's extensive woodworking background to deliver custom boats of exceptional quality. The company's reputation for high-performance builds was solidified by its success in constructing Canada's Cup-winning racing yachts in both 1981 and 1984, demonstrating a manufacturing ethos focused on precision and competitive excellence.

As a semi-custom model, the Wiggers 37 saw some variations during its production run. Owners have noted differences in deck layouts, with some featuring T-cockpits for wheel steering, and distinct interior arrangements, showcasing the builder's flexibility to client preferences. An example hull, number 6 of 14, was completed in 1983.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Wiggers 37's design specifications translate into a lively and capable sailing experience. With a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of approximately 20.22, the boat is well-powered, suggesting excellent performance in light to moderate wind conditions. This is corroborated by owner observations that the boat "powers up nicely in light to moderate winds."

Its high Ballast to Displacement Ratio (Bal/D) of 0.50 indicates a very stiff and stable hull, capable of standing up to a significant amount of wind without excessive heel. While this contributes to strong initial stability, like many performance-oriented designs with a deep fin keel and spade rudder, it would inherently possess a lower ultimate stability if fully capsized. The Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) of approximately 181.56 places the Wiggers 37 in the light-to-moderate displacement category, further confirming its performance-cruiser characteristics. The combination of a deep fin keel (6.75 ft maximum draft) and a responsive spade rudder ensures agile handling and effective upwind performance. The masthead sloop rig provides a generous sail plan, allowing the boat to maintain speed across various points of sail.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior layout details are not comprehensively available in structured data, the Wiggers 37's semi-custom nature means that interior arrangements could vary. Owners have generally described the interior as "nice", reflecting Wiggers Custom Yachts' commitment to quality finishes and custom detailing. Typically for a 37-foot performance cruiser of its era, the layout would likely feature a V-berth forward, a main salon with opposing settees that convert to berths, a central drop-leaf table, a functional galley, and an enclosed head compartment. Given its focus on performance, the interior would likely prioritize functionality and robust construction, with good use of wood trim and solid fiberglass components that were characteristic of quality Canadian builders of the period. The deck layout has also been praised as "nice," suggesting good ergonomics and efficient line handling for sailing.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Wiggers 37 frequently express satisfaction with its sailing characteristics and build quality. There is an active interest among owners to connect and share information, highlighting a shared appreciation for these unique vessels. Owners consistently praise the boat's competitive nature and its ability to perform well in various wind conditions, particularly its capacity to "power up nicely" in lighter air. The solid construction and pleasant interior and deck layouts are also frequently noted as strong points. While specific common weaknesses are not broadly documented, the nature of custom or semi-custom builds often means that systems and finishes can vary depending on the original owner's specifications and subsequent maintenance.