Crowther Spindrift 37 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Lock Crowther was a proponent of the "slender hull" theory, and the Spindrift 37 reflects this with a high length-to-beam ratio on each hull. This allows the boat to pierce waves rather than hobby-horsing over them, resulting in a remarkably smooth motion in a seaway. Handling is typically described as "active" and rewarding; the boat responds quickly to helm inputs, a trait often attributed to its daggerboard configuration, which was standard on many performance-oriented builds. According to historical design notes from Crowther Multihulls, these boats were engineered to achieve double-digit speeds with ease, often reaching 10–12 knots in moderate breezes while maintaining a flat sailing attitude.

The Spindrift 37’s sailing sensations are dominated by its light displacement. While this makes it exceptionally fast, it also means the boat is highly sensitive to payload. Overloading a Spindrift 37 with excessive cruising gear can significantly degrade its bridgedeck clearance, leading to the "slamming" effect common in older catamarans. However, when kept light, the high bridgedeck allows for quiet passages even in confused seas. Tracking is generally excellent, provided the daggerboards are utilized correctly for upwind work.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Spindrift 37 is a product of its era, prioritizing functional sea-berths and weight distribution over expansive open-plan living. Most configurations feature a "galley-down" arrangement, situated in the starboard hull to keep the bridgedeck clear for a compact saloon and navigation station. This design choice helps lower the center of gravity but results in a more segmented living experience compared to modern catamarans.

The hulls typically accommodate three double cabins—one in the aft of each hull and one forward—though the forward hulls are occasionally dedicated to large heads or storage in long-distance cruising setups. Headroom is generally sufficient in the hulls (often exceeding 6'2"), but can be tighter in the bridgedeck saloon. The Spindrift 37 has several siblings that utilized the same design philosophy, most notably the Spindrift 40, which was effectively a stretched version of the 37 offering better pitch damping and a larger aft cockpit. There was also a Spindrift 38 variant, which occasionally featured fixed keels instead of daggerboards to cater to the charter and entry-level cruising markets.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Spindrift 37 with a focus on build quality and structural integrity, as many were completed from kits or by various yards with differing standards.

• Core Integrity: Many Spindrifts used balsa or foam coring for weight savings. It is critical to inspect for delamination or moisture ingress, particularly around deck hardware, stanchion bases, and the bridgedeck-to-hull joins.
• The "Crowther Crack": While a colloquialism, it refers to stress crazing that can appear at the corners of the bridgedeck cabin or the main crossbeam bulkheads. A structural surveyor should verify that the primary laminate remains sound in these high-load areas.
• Daggerboard Trunks: For models equipped with daggerboards, the trunks are a common source of leaks and wear. Inspect the internal trunk laminate for impact damage from groundings and ensure the gaskets (if fitted) are in good repair.
• Rigging Loads: The Spindrift 37 often carries a powerful fractional rig. Check the chainplate attachments within the hulls, as the high righting moment of a catamaran puts significantly more stress on these points than a monohull of similar size.

Community & Resources

The legacy of Lock Crowther is preserved through a dedicated community of multihull enthusiasts. While there is no longer a formal factory support system, the Crowther Multihulls Facebook Group and various Australian multihull associations serve as the primary repositories for technical drawings and refit advice. These groups are essential for owners seeking to verify whether their specific hull was built to the original composite specifications or modified by a previous builder.

The Verdict

The Crowther Spindrift 37 is a "sailor’s catamaran" that offers a level of performance rarely found in contemporary cruising designs under 40 feet. It is an ideal vessel for a couple or small family who prioritizes speed and sea-kindliness over interior volume.

Pros:

• Exceptional light-air performance and high top speeds for its class.
• Excellent bridge deck clearance (when not overloaded) reducing wave slam.
• Proven blue-water pedigree with many successful ocean crossings.

Cons:

• Highly sensitive to weight; performance suffers significantly if over-provisioned.
• Older interior layouts feel cramped compared to modern wide-body catamarans.
• Variability in build quality due to the wide range of original builders.