Cruisemaster 37 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

As a true motorsailer, the Cruisemaster 37 is designed for reliability rather than regatta performance. With a high displacement-to-length ratio and a relatively modest sail plan, the boat excels in heavy air but requires the assistance of its auxiliary engine in light winds. The hull features a long keel with a protected propeller in an aperture, providing excellent directional stability and tracking. This makes the vessel particularly sea-kindly in a following sea, where its weight prevents the "skittish" behavior common in lighter, fin-keeled cruisers.

Under sail alone, the boat is best described as steady. It does not point particularly high—a common trait of its full-keel design—but it carries its momentum well through a chop. Technical data from historical archives suggests that most owners treat the 50-80 horsepower diesel engine as the primary mover, using the sails as "range extenders" or stabilizers to dampen roll. When the wind moves aft of the beam, the 37 finds its stride, providing a comfortable, upright sailing experience that minimizes crew fatigue.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Cruisemaster 37 is a testament to the "Old World" craftsmanship for which Cheoy Lee was famous. The layout is dominated by high-quality teak joinery, featuring solid wood doors, hand-fitted cabinets, and the signature teak-and-holly sole. Because it was designed as a motorsailer, the 37 features a raised deckhouse or a significant "doghouse" structure that provides excellent natural light and near-360-degree visibility from the salon—a luxury rarely found in traditional sailing yachts of the same era.

The standard configuration typically includes a V-berth forward, a large U-shaped galley, and a convertible dinette. One of the most appreciated aspects of the design is the headroom, which often exceeds 6'4" in the main salon, accommodating taller sailors who might feel cramped in a standard Offshore 36. Cheoy Lee offered several semi-custom variations during production; some hulls were fitted with an inside steering station (dual helm), allowing the skipper to navigate in inclement weather while remaining in the heated cabin. This interior helm station is a defining feature that separates the Cruisemaster from the more "purist" sailboats in the Cheoy Lee lineup.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Cruisemaster 37 must approach the vessel with an understanding of 1970s construction techniques. While the fiberglass hulls are famously thick, there are several "Cheoy Lee specific" areas that require rigorous inspection:

• Teak Deck Longevity: Most Cruisemasters were built with teak decks screwed into a fiberglass-and-wood sandwich. Over decades, the bungs wear down and the bedding compound fails, leading to freshwater intrusion into the core. A thorough moisture meter test of the sub-deck is essential.
• "Black Iron" Fuel Tanks: Cheoy Lee frequently used mild steel fuel tanks. Given the age of these vessels, these tanks are often prone to internal corrosion, especially at the bottom where condensation settles. Replacing these usually requires significant engine room disassembly.
• Chainplate Corrosion: The stainless steel used in early Asian imports can occasionally suffer from crevice corrosion where the plates pass through the deck. Because they are often hidden behind beautiful teak cabinetry, they are frequently neglected.
• Engine Serviceability: Due to the motorsailer design, engine access is generally better than on a standard sailboat, but the age of the original Perkins or Lehman diesels means that cooling systems and heat exchangers should be a primary focus during survey.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Cruisemaster 37 benefit from a robust and highly active secondary market community. The Cheoy Lee Association is the primary repository for technical manuals, historical hull registries, and restoration blogs. This association provides specific insights into the Cruisemaster series, including original brochures and wiring diagrams that are invaluable for modern refits.

The Verdict

The Cruisemaster 37 is a "gentleman’s cruiser" that offers a level of comfort and aesthetic warmth that modern production boats struggle to replicate. It is an ideal platform for a couple looking to do coastal hops or "Inside Passage" style cruising where the motor is used as often as the sails.

Pros

• Exceptional Craftsmanship: The abundance of hand-finished teak provides a luxury feel.
• Heavy Weather Stability: The high displacement and long keel offer a safe, predictable ride in rough conditions.
• Protected Living: The deckhouse design provides superior visibility and protection from the elements compared to a standard cockpit.

Cons

• High Maintenance: The extensive exterior and interior wood require significant labor to keep in top condition.
• Light Air Performance: Without the engine, the boat is sluggish in winds under 10 knots.
• Vintage Systems: Prospective owners should budget for significant electrical and plumbing upgrades if the boat has not been recently refitted.