Beneteau introduced the boat at the U.S. Sailboat Show in Annapolis in October 2006, then put it into production as one of three models for 2007, alongside the Oceanis 43 and 40. The 37 shows its Finot/Conq lineage under sail, while Nauta Design gave the interior its sleek décor. Beneteau had begun that partnership only the year before with the Oceanis 50. The result is a well-thought-out, attractive 37-footer that, in the builder’s words, adds speed and sensations to the qualities of its older brothers.
Design and Construction
The Oceanis 37 has an overall beam of 12 feet 10 inches, a dry weight of 14,359 lbs, and a bridge clearance of 54 feet 8 inches. Its beamy stern is paired with a high-performance cast-iron keel with a backwards-L profile. The boat also shares strong similarities—and, in some cases, components—with the Beneteau 43 and 40.
The tested example was built in France. An American version was subsequently put into production at Beneteau’s facility in Marion, South Carolina. Overall, the construction reflects predictable quality.
The bolt-on companionway hatch is an all-in-one arrangement with an articulated but separable top slide and drop board. When separated, the slide can open while the drop board remains in place. When connected, the slide carries the drop board with it, and the board can be pushed up for stowage beneath the slide. A clear washboard lives in a groove under the main hatch and drops into place when pulled aft.
Engine access is equally well considered. The four-step companionway ladder hinges just above its third step and is held open by gas struts, exposing the entire front of the engine. Panels in the head and aft cabin provide access to service points on the engine’s sides.
Rig, Sailing Performance, and Handling
The chainplates and shrouds sit well out on the gunwales. This wide shroud base gives the mast good support but limits headsail length and area. The relatively small headsail is easier to tack—a sensible arrangement for a family boat—and the slightly taller mast recovers some of the lost sail area.
The boat carries more sail area in the foretriangle than in the mainsail and uses an easy-to-handle 105-percent genoa. An in-mast furling mainsail is standard. On the wind, the Oceanis 37 embarrassed boats with greater waterline length despite that furling main. Off the wind, the large headsail produced solid performance across a wide range of angles.
In gusty conditions, taking the first reef in the mainsail immediately tamed the helm, although the boat remained a handful in larger puffs. Steering is light without being too light, and the gearing is quite high. The skipper can reach the Harken #44 headsail winches from near the wheel, which makes single-handing easy.
Under power, the 29-horsepower Yanmar handled normal maneuvers well; a 40-horsepower engine was optional. A rather under-pitched folding propeller made a full stop from ahead slow. The propeller is mounted on a conventional shaft and sits far enough aft to provide useful thrust over the rudder.
Cockpit and Deck
The cockpit is wide and long, with seat cutouts that make it easier to walk around the wheel. This layout lets the skipper work without disturbing guests. The Harken #44 headsail winches are within reach of the helm, reinforcing the boat’s short-handed practicality.
The helm bench can seat a family of four side by side. Its center section hinges open on a gas strut to give access to the transom platform. One tester, however, would have appreciated better footing at the preferred windward steering position.
The portside cockpit seat lifts to reveal space for a small inflatable tender or liferaft.
Accommodations
The standard interior has an owner’s cabin forward and two double cabins aft. The forward cabin provides generous standing room, a small dresser, and a spacious berth, along with a hanging locker, drawers, shelves, and shoulder-level cabinets.
The two aft cabins make good use of the wide stern. The starboard berth is almost as wide as it is long and has an opening transom port through which occupants can watch the waves. A two-cabin option replaces this arrangement with a transverse double berth aft and a sail locker to starboard.
In the saloon, rectilinear settees with square corners allow several seating positions around a centerline drop-leaf table. An icebox in the benchtop doubles as crockery storage, while the front-opening refrigerator leaves the countertop intact.
The galley is necessarily compact so that the crew can reach the aft sleeping cabin. It has centerline double sinks and robust fiddle rails. Testers noted two shortcomings: full-size dinner plates won’t fit in the slender outboard cabinets, and there are no drawers for utensils.
The head is a commodious all-in-one compartment finished in white, easy-clean gelcoat, with slanted, mirror-fronted cabinets. Forward of it, the chart desk passes the chart-book size test. The companionway also provides a secure descent directly beside the galley.
Access and Practical Shortcomings
Although the boat generally provides good service access, the steering system is an exception. The space between the aft bulkhead and transom creates extra stowage and appears to provide steering access, but doesn’t. Testers concluded that actual access seems to require dismantling the overhead.
The saloon lacks a fore-and-aft overhead grabrail. Stainless-steel design elements on the outboard shelves serve as neither fiddles nor handrails.
Refits and Ownership
The comprehensive standard outfit and predictable construction make the Oceanis 37 a straightforward ownership proposition. Routine engine service is helped by the hinged companionway ladder and removable side panels.
Common upgrades noted in the trade include fitting an electric winch on the portside coachroof to assist with the mainsail halyard.
The Verdict
The Oceanis 37 combines sprightly sailing with generous accommodations. Its Finot/Conq hull performs beyond its waterline length, while the Nauta interior feels modern without sacrificing cruising pragmatism. It’s a lively midsize cruiser that also provides comfort at rest.
Pros
- Beam-aft hull and tall rig provide strong upwind and offwind performance for the boat’s size
- Companionway and engine-access details simplify service and boarding
- Wide cockpit and reachable winches make short-handed sailing practical
Cons
- Limited galley storage, with no utensil drawers and slim cabinets that won’t hold full-size dinner plates
- Apparent steering-access space behind the aft bulkhead still requires overhead dismantling
- Under-pitched folding propeller slows a full stop from ahead under power
