Farr 3.7 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Farr-designed Dickerson 37 are distinct from its predecessors, defined primarily by a high sail area-to-displacement ratio and a sophisticated underwater profile. Unlike the Hazen 37’s skeg-hung rudder, the Farr variant utilizes a high-aspect spade rudder and a deep fin keel, which significantly reduces wetted surface and enhances maneuverability. On the water, the boat is known for its exceptional light-air performance and ability to point much higher than traditional cruisers of the same era.

Owner anecdotes often highlight the boat's "twitchy" but rewarding nature; it requires more active trimming than the steadier Hazen model but offers a significant speed advantage, particularly off the wind. According to technical archives at the Dickerson Owners Association, the Farr 37 was a frequent winner in PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) events, proving that the Dickerson brand could compete with contemporary performance builders like J/Boats or Beneteau. Its sea-kindliness is rated as moderate; while it lacks the heavy-displacement "tank" feel of earlier wooden Dickersons, its balanced hull form prevents excessive pounding in a head sea.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its racing pedigree, the interior of the Farr 37 remains true to the Dickerson legacy of "real value" and livability. The layout typically features a classic offshore arrangement with a V-berth forward, a central salon with settee berths, and a functional galley. Because these boats were often semi-customized, variations exist in the woodwork, though most utilize high-quality teak joinery and a warm, traditional aesthetic that belies the modern performance of the hull.

The primary variation of this hull is its "sibling," the George Hazen-designed Dickerson 37. While they share a name and a general length overall, they are entirely different boats. The Hazen 37 is a cruiser with a 26.75-foot waterline and a skeg-hung rudder, whereas the Farr 37 features a longer 30.33-foot waterline and a more aggressive racing beam of over 12 feet. Potential buyers must verify which designer’s hull they are viewing, as the Farr model offers significantly more internal volume due to its increased beam, making the cabin feel much larger than the more conservative Hazen design.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When inspecting a Dickerson 37 of this vintage, the primary concern is the integrity of the balsa-cored fiberglass hull and deck. This construction technique was advanced for the early 1980s but is susceptible to moisture ingress if deck hardware has not been properly re-bedded over the decades.

• Deck Core Saturation: Pay close attention to areas around the chainplates and stanchion bases. Soft spots in the balsa core can lead to expensive delamination repairs.
• Keel Bolt Inspection: Given the high-performance nature of the Farr design, the keel-to-hull joint should be inspected for "smile" cracks, which may indicate past groundings or the need for bolt torquing.
• Spade Rudder Bearing Wear: Unlike the protected skeg-hung rudders on the Hazen models, the Farr’s spade rudder is more exposed. Check for play in the rudder post and wear in the bearings, which can lead to vibration at higher speeds.
• Chainplate Anchors: On some hulls, the chainplate attachments to the bulkheads should be scrutinized for signs of movement or water staining, a common point of stress on racing-oriented rigs.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for this model is the Dickerson Owners Association, an exceptionally active group that maintains a registry of surviving hulls and organizes annual rendezvous in the Chesapeake Bay. This association is the best source for original builder blueprints and technical advice specifically tailored to the Farr-designed variants.

The Verdict

The Dickerson 37 (Farr Design) is a rare "crossover" vessel that successfully bridges the gap between a traditional American cruiser and a world-class racing yacht.

Pros:

• Superior Speed: Outstanding performance in light air and competitive PHRF ratings.
• Interior Volume: The 12'4" beam provides a much more spacious salon than other 37-footers of its era.
• Dual-Purpose: Capable of winning club races on Saturday and hosting a family cruise on Sunday.

Cons:

• Maintenance Intensive: The balsa-cored construction requires vigilant moisture management.
• Draft Limitations: The deep fin keel (approximately 7 feet on some versions) may limit access to shallower cruising grounds like parts of the Florida Keys or the Bahamas.
• Complexity: The performance-oriented rig and sail plan require more skill to handle than a simplified cruising ketch.