Condor 37 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Condor 37 are defined by its exceptional power-to-weight ratio and minimal wetted surface. With a beam that stretches to approximately 26 feet, the boat offers a stable platform that resists the heeling forces common to monohulls, instead translating wind energy into immediate forward acceleration. The boat’s handling is frequently described as "active"; it requires a sailor who is comfortable with high-speed decision-making, as the vessel can easily outrun its own weather patterns.

In light air, the Condor 37 is remarkably efficient, often reaching wind speed in conditions where traditional cruisers are forced to motor. Its tracking is stabilized by a deep daggerboard in the main hull, which provides excellent upwind performance and minimizes leeway. However, because the boat does not "lean" to signal an overpower condition, sailors must adhere to strict reefing schedules based on true wind speed to prevent excessive loads on the crossbeams and rig. Editorial reviews of the brand’s larger lineage, such as those found in Cruising World, highlight the "monocoque" feel of the construction, which eliminates the creaks and groans often associated with lesser multihulls during high-load ocean passages.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Condor 37 is a functional compromise dictated by the hydrodynamic requirements of a narrow main hull. Unlike modern "condo-marans" that emphasize width, the Condor 37’s living space is concentrated in a slender central hull, creating an aesthetic often compared to a "hallway" or a high-performance glider. The layout typically features a V-berth forward, a compact central saloon with settee seating, and a modest galley.

A unique feature of the Condor design is the utilization of "wing berths" or wide settees that extend slightly into the flared sections of the hull, providing additional sleeping capacity without increasing the boat's wetted beam. Headroom is generally adequate in the center of the cabin but tapers quickly. While the 37 lacks the voluminous aft cabins of its monohull counterparts, the trade-off is an expansive "outdoor" living area; the massive trampolines between the hulls serve as the primary lounging space while at anchor. Sibling models, such as the Condor 30, offered a more trailerable but cramped experience, while the Condor 40 provided a more dedicated navigation station and a slightly larger galley for extended offshore work.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Condor 37 benefits from the cultural "halo effect" of the Condor 40, which was famously promoted by professional sailors and appeared in numerous technical retrospectives regarding the evolution of the racing trimaran. While the 37 itself was less of a "poster boat" for solo ocean racing than the 40, it remains a fixture in multihull history as one of the few production trimarans of its size that successfully bridged the gap between a pure racing machine and a viable coastal cruiser.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Purchasing a Condor 37 requires a specialized survey due to its advanced (for the time) construction methods and the unique stresses of multihull sailing.

• Core Integrity: The hulls and decks are vacuum-bagged with a PVC foam core. Over decades, moisture can ingress through poorly bedded deck hardware, leading to delamination. A percussion test (hammer sounding) and moisture meter readings are mandatory.
• Beam Attachment Points: The joints where the crossbeams (akas) meet the main hull and the amas are high-stress areas. Inspect for stress crazing in the gelcoat or signs of structural movement, which could indicate fatigue in the laminate.
• Daggerboard Trunk: The trunk is susceptible to damage from grounding. Check the internal structure of the trunk for cracks and ensure the board operates smoothly without excessive play.
• Trampoline Condition: The massive nets are vital for safety. UV degradation can weaken the webbing; any signs of fraying or "crunchiness" in the material necessitate immediate replacement.
• Rigging Loads: Because trimarans do not heel to bleed off pressure, the standing rigging is under constant high tension. Given the age of these vessels, a full replacement of the wire and a dye-penetrant test of the swage fittings are highly recommended.

Community & Resources

The Condor 37 is supported by a niche but dedicated community of multihull enthusiasts. Technical information is often shared through the Multihull Dynamics database and the United States Sailing Center archives, which occasionally house original design notes for 1980s-era performance boats. Owners also frequent the Multihull World technical forums to discuss specific modifications for the Nick Smith designs.

The Verdict

The Condor 37 is a specialist's vessel, offering a level of speed and excitement that few modern cruising boats can match, provided the owner is willing to sacrifice interior volume for velocity.

Pros:

• Exceptional Speed: Capable of double-digit speeds in moderate breezes.
• Shallow Draft: The daggerboard-up configuration allows access to thin water and "beaching" for maintenance.
• Robust Pedigree: Built during a time when Condor Ltd. was at the forefront of vacuum-bagging technology.

Cons:

• Narrow Living Quarters: Interior volume is significantly less than a 37-foot monohull.
• High Maintenance Costs: The cost of replacing trampolines and high-tech sails can be substantial.
• Dockage Challenges: The 26-foot beam may require two slips or specialized multihull marina pricing.