Farr 37 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Farr 37 is defined by its Bruce Farr lineage, characterized by a light-to-moderate displacement and a hull form optimized for speed and agility. Unlike its cruising-oriented siblings, the Farr 37 features a deep, high-aspect fin keel and a balanced spade rudder, which provide exceptional lift and responsiveness. According to technical archives from Farr Yacht Design, the design (Design No. 131) was intended to be a competitive IOR 3/4 tonner, emphasizing a powerful sail plan and a stable, wide-beamed hull.

In terms of handling, the boat is known for its ability to point high into the wind and maintain momentum in light air, a common challenge for the heavier traditional Dickersons. However, like many IOR-influenced designs of the 1980s, the Farr 37 can be demanding when reaching in heavy seas, requiring active trimming and helming to prevent "broaching" if over-canvassed. Its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio is significantly lower than the Hazen-designed 37, making it feel more like a modern racing yacht than a traditional cruiser. Owners often report that the boat feels "alive" in double-digit wind speeds, rewarding a skilled crew with speeds that easily exceed its theoretical hull speed on a reach.

Interior Comfort & Variations

While the exterior of the Farr 37 is built for speed, the interior retains the high standards of joinery that defined Dickerson Boatbuilders. The layout is surprisingly functional for a performance-oriented boat, typically featuring a traditional V-berth forward, a central salon with twin settees, and a navigation station to starboard. The use of warm teak and mahogany finishes distinguishes it from the more clinical, "stripped-out" interiors of contemporary pure-racing machines.

The primary variation of the Dickerson 37 hull is the George Hazen version. While they share a length overall, they are entirely different designs: the Farr 37 is the "Racer/Cruiser" with a spade rudder and flatter hull sections, while the Hazen 37 is the "Performance Cruiser" featuring a skeg-hung rudder and a more voluminous hull for long-term live-aboard comfort. Other siblings in the Dickerson fiberglass era include the Dickerson 50, which served as the flagship of the fleet, and the Bruce Farr-designed 38, which some sources suggest was an evolution of the 37's performance characteristics.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Dickerson Farr 37 should focus their inspections on the specific stresses associated with performance sailing and the transition to fiberglass construction at the Dickerson yard.

1. Deck Core Integrity: Like many vessels of this era, the Farr 37 utilizes a balsa-cored fiberglass deck. Moisture intrusion around high-load racing hardware (winches, genoa tracks, and the mast step) can lead to soft spots and core delamination if the sealant was not maintained.
2. Keel Bolt and Grid Inspection: Given its racing pedigree, the keel-to-hull joint should be inspected for "smile" cracks. Ensure the internal reinforcement grid is secure and that there is no evidence of "hard grounding" which can stress the fiberglass around the keel stump.
3. Spade Rudder Bearing: The spade rudder lacks the protection of a skeg. Check for play in the rudder bearings and inspect the rudder blade for moisture or swelling, which can indicate water ingress into the foam core.
4. Chainplate Leakage: The chainplates on Dickersons are robustly built but can leak over decades, leading to moisture damage in the bulkheads they are through-bolted to. Inspect the wood around these points for staining or rot.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for owners and historians is the Dickerson Owners Association, which maintains a comprehensive archive of the builder's history, hull lists, and technical specifications. The association is particularly active in the Chesapeake Bay area, hosting annual rendezvous where both the traditional wooden ketches and the modern Farr-designed racers are celebrated.

The Verdict

The Dickerson Farr 37 is a rare breed: a pedigree racing design built by a yard that refused to compromise on interior craftsmanship. It is an ideal choice for the sailor who wants a boat capable of winning club trophies on Saturday and providing a comfortable, aesthetically pleasing environment for a coastal cruise on Sunday.

Pros:

• Performance: Exceptional speed and pointing ability compared to other cruisers of the same era.
• Build Quality: Superior interior woodwork and structural integrity provided by a legendary American yard.
• Pedigree: Designed by Bruce Farr, one of the most successful naval architects in modern sailing history.

Cons:

• Complexity: The performance rig and IOR-style hull require more active sail management than a pure cruiser.
• Draft: The deep fin keel may limit access to the shallower "gunkholes" of the Chesapeake or Florida Keys.
• Maintenance: Older racing hardware and balsa-cored decks require diligent upkeep to remain seaworthy.