Easy 37 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Easy 37 is engineered for predictable, stable cruising rather than high-performance racing. Weighing approximately 8,818 lbs (4,000 kg), the vessel is notably light for its length, a characteristic of its wood-epoxy construction. This low displacement, paired with a reported sail area of roughly 635 square feet, gives the boat a surprisingly high sail area-to-displacement ratio (approximately 23.8), which translates to efficient performance in light to moderate air.

Under sail, the Easy 37 utilizes twin fixed keels rather than daggerboards, a design choice that simplifies handling and allows for easy beaching or drying out in tidal zones. While this configuration results in slightly more leeway when beating to windward compared to performance cats, it contributes to excellent tracking and "sea-kindliness" in ocean swells. According to technical discussions on Boat Design Net, the boat is regarded as a solid, reliable cruiser that feels safe in heavy weather due to its wide beam and conservative rig height. Owners often report comfortable cruising speeds of 7 to 9 knots, with the boat remaining responsive and "easy" to manage for short-handed crews.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Easy 37 is characterized by its "bridgedeck" layout, which provides a centrally located salon with 360-degree panoramic views—a feature that remains a major selling point for live-aboards. Because these boats are built from plans, the interior finish varies wildly from utilitarian painted plywood to high-end timber cabinetry. The standard configuration typically places the galley and a navigation station in the hulls (midships), with two king or queen berths located forward.

The model has several close siblings built on similar design principles. The Easy 11.6 is perhaps the most famous variant, essentially an evolved, slightly larger version (38 feet) that Peter Snell designed for himself as a demonstrator. Other family members include the smaller Easy 32 and the more modern Easy Sarah 12, which features updated hull lines and refined interior volume. Detailed accounts of the building process for these variants, such as those found on the Building Selah Blog, highlight how the interior can be customized to maximize storage for long-term cruising, often featuring massive pantry spaces and dedicated workshop areas in the aft hulls.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Easy 37 and its close relative, the 11.6, have gained a significant following in the digital sailing community. The YouTube channel Sailing Take It Easy chronicles the voyages of a French couple living aboard a Peter Snell-designed 11.6. Their content provides a comprehensive visual guide to the boat’s offshore capabilities, interior livability, and the practicalities of maintaining a custom-built multihull while cruising Southeast Asia and Australia.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Because most Easy 37s are amateur-built, the primary "gotcha" for any prospective buyer is the quality of the original construction and the integrity of the epoxy sheathing.

• Plywood Rot: Any breach in the fiberglass skin—often around deck fittings, stanchion bases, or chainplates—can allow moisture to enter the plywood core. A moisture meter and "tap testing" the hulls are essential to identify delamination or soft spots.
• Keel-to-Hull Joins: As the boat features integrated keels, the joint where the keel meets the hull is a high-stress area. Inspect for "smile" cracks or signs of hard groundings that may have compromised the watertight integrity.
• Engine Maintenance: Many Easy 37s use twin high-thrust outboards (like the Yamaha 9.9hp) in wells. While simple, these require consistent flushing and inspection of the lifting mechanisms, which can seize if not used regularly.
• Amateur Wiring: DIY electrical systems are common. Buyers should verify that the wiring is marine-grade (tinned copper) and that the DC panels are correctly fused and organized to modern standards.

Community & Resources

The community surrounding Peter Snell's designs is active and technically proficient. The Easy Catamaran Owners Group (often organized via social media and regional Australian sailing forums) serves as the primary hub for sharing technical drawings, refit advice, and modification ideas. While Peter Snell has retired, his legacy is maintained through these technical networks where former builders offer guidance on everything from rig tensioning to hull extensions.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Exceptional Value: Offers the volume and stability of a catamaran at a fraction of the price of production fiberglass models.
• Ease of Repair: Plywood/epoxy construction is straightforward for DIY owners to maintain or modify.
• Shallow Draft: Twin fixed keels allow access to shallow anchorages and the ability to beach the boat for maintenance.
• Light-Air Performance: A high sail area-to-weight ratio keeps the boat moving when heavier production cats are forced to motor.

Cons:

• Variable Build Quality: Every boat is unique; a poorly built example can be a liability.
• Maintenance Intensive: Requires a vigilant eye on the exterior paint and glass sheathing to prevent timber rot.
• Limited Windward Ability: Fixed keels and a cruiser-oriented rig mean it will not point as high as daggerboard-equipped catamarans.