CR 371 Information, Review, Specs

The hull and deck are constructed using a hand-laid sandwich laminate with a Divinycell core, providing excellent thermal insulation and structural stiffness while maintaining a moderate displacement. After 2007, the hull design continued a second life under the "Cryss 37" moniker produced by CR Composite.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The CR 371 is frequently described as a "sailor’s boat," characterized by its 19/20 fractional rig and a high ballast ratio of approximately 41%. With 2,450 kg of lead situated in a deep bulb keel, the boat is remarkably stiff and capable of carrying its sail area well into freshening conditions. According to editorial testing by Zeilen.nl, the yacht exhibits a "remarkably friendly" behavior under sail compared to more modern, wide-stern designs, maintaining a balanced helm and excellent tracking even when pressed.

The standard sail plan typically includes a 140% furling genoa or a self-tacking jib, the latter being a popular choice for short-handed cruising in the Swedish archipelagos. Its pointing ability is a standout feature; the relatively narrow beam of 3.24 meters allows for tight sheeting angles. Owners often note that the boat feels nimble in light airs due to its efficient underwater profile, yet remains a category A (Ocean) rated vessel capable of comfortable offshore passages. The 1.75-meter draft is a deliberate compromise, providing enough leverage for stability while remaining practical for accessing shallower European coastal waters.

Interior Comfort & Variations

True to the semi-custom nature of the CR Yachts shipyard, the interior of the CR 371 was often tailored to the specific requirements of the first owner. However, the foundational layout remains consistent: a master cabin forward with a V-berth, a large saloon, and a spacious aft cabin. The interior is typically finished in satin-varnished Khaya mahogany, executed with the high-level joinery expected from a boutique Orust builder.

The saloon features a U-shaped sofa to port and a straight settee to starboard, which can serve as excellent sea berths due to the boat’s moderate beam. A significant improvement over the older CR 370 is the "raised" coachroof design over the galley and navigation station, which provides generous headroom of approximately 1.93 meters in the main living area. The L-shaped galley is positioned to port of the companionway, while the starboard side houses a dedicated forward-facing navigation station and a head with a wet locker. Some variations exist in the aft section; while most models feature a single large aft cabin to port and a deep cockpit locker to starboard, some hulls were configured with a focus on maximum storage for long-distance cruising.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the CR 371 with the understanding that these are high-quality but aging vessels that require specific technical scrutiny.

• Teak Deck Condition: Most CR 371s were delivered with hand-laid teak decks. At this age, the condition of the caulking and the thickness of the teak should be verified. Since the deck is a Divinycell-cored sandwich, any moisture ingress through failing screws or seams is a high-priority repair.
• Saildrive Seal and Engine Maintenance: The standard powerplant is the Yanmar 3GM30F (approx. 29hp). Buyers should check the age of the rubber saildrive diaphragm; Yanmar recommends replacement every seven years, a task that requires pulling the engine or saildrive.
• Through-Hull Fittings: Like many Scandinavian boats of this era, original brass through-hulls may be approaching the end of their service life. Technical archives from brokerage specialists such as Båtagent suggest that well-maintained examples often have these replaced with composite (TruDesign) or bronze fittings.
• Rigging and Chainplates: The 19/20 rig utilizes a through-deck mast (keel-stepped). While this adds significant strength, the mast boot at the deck level is a common source of minor leaks that can damage the mahogany interior if not periodically resealed.

Community & Resources

The CR 371 is supported by a niche but dedicated community of owners, primarily centered in Scandinavia and Northern Europe. Technical information and historical context are best found through the CR Yachts Owners' Association, which maintains links to the original shipyard records in Henån. For technical specifications and heritage data, the manufacturer’s official archive at CR Yachts remains the primary authority.

The Verdict

The CR 371 is a "connoisseur’s cruiser" that bridges the gap between traditional heavy-displacement cruisers and modern performance yachts. It offers a level of build quality and material finish that is rarely seen in contemporary high-volume production boats.

Pros:

• Exceptional build quality with a premium mahogany interior.
• High ballast ratio leads to a very stiff and safe sailing experience.
• Excellent windward performance and nimble handling.
• Semi-custom nature means many units have unique, thoughtful upgrades.

Cons:

• Narrower beam results in less interior volume than modern 37-footers.
• Teak maintenance can be a significant recurring cost.
• Limited number of units on the second-hand market.