Sailing Performance & Handling
The Huisman 37 is defined by its stiff, powerful sailing characteristics, largely attributed to its high-grade 5083 aluminum alloy construction and an impressive ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 41%. With a lead fin keel and a deep spade rudder, the boat offers the maneuverability typical of IOR-era (International Offshore Rule) designs, allowing it to turn sharply and accelerate out of tacks with agility. Technical analysis of the hull indicates a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of roughly 15.5, which, while conservative by modern racing standards, was optimized for the heavier conditions of the North Sea.
Under sail, the boat is known for its "seakindly" motion. Its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 239 places it firmly in the medium-heavy category, providing a steady platform that does not "hobby-horse" in a chop. While some owners suggest the boat is slightly under-canvased in light air—requiring a large 150% genoa to maintain momentum—it excels as the wind increases. The masthead sloop rig is typically keel-stepped, providing significant structural rigidity that prevents the pumping often seen in older fiberglass boats of similar size.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the Huisman 37 reflects the shipyard’s obsession with joinery and finish, long before they moved exclusively into the superyacht bracket. The cabin is typically finished in high-gloss mahogany, creating a warm, traditional atmosphere that contrasts with its industrial aluminum exterior. The layout is optimized for offshore passage-making, featuring a classic IOR-style configuration: a sea-berth-heavy saloon, a dedicated navigation station, and a compact but functional galley.
Headroom is notably generous for a vessel of this era, measuring approximately 1.82 meters (5.97 feet) in the main saloon. Most hulls were configured with two cabins and six berths, utilizing the pilot berths in the saloon for sleeping while underway. Because these were semi-custom builds, minor variations exist; some hulls feature a slightly more cruiser-oriented V-berth, while others prioritized the sail-storage and pipe-berth arrangements required for a racing crew.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of a Huisman 37 must prioritize a specialist surveyor familiar with metal hulls. While aluminum is exceptionally strong and impervious to osmosis, it is vulnerable to galvanic corrosion if electrical systems are not perfectly isolated.
- Electrolysis & Anodes: Check for "pitting" around the waterline and through-hull fittings. Ensure that the boat has been fitted with a sacrificial anode system and that no stray currents from shore power or aftermarket electronics are "eating" the hull.
- Teak Deck Longevity: Many Huisman 37s were delivered with teak decks laid over the aluminum sub-deck. At over 40 years old, these decks may have reached the end of their lifespan. Look for signs of "re-rubbering" or thinning timber, which can lead to moisture trapping against the aluminum plate.
- Paint Adhesion: Aluminum requires a sophisticated priming process. Bubbling or "blistering" in the topsides paint often indicates a failure of the bond between the metal and the paint system, a costly repair involving specialized sandblasting.
- Chainplates and Rigging: Being a keel-stepped mast, the area where the mast passes through the deck (the partners) should be inspected for leaks, as saltwater intrusion here can lead to corrosion in the bilge areas where the mast step is welded to the floors.
Community & Resources
Due to the scarcity of the model, no dedicated "Huisman 37" class association exists. However, owners are frequently welcomed into the Association of Owners of Historical Huisman Boats, a group dedicated to preserving the legacy of the yard's earlier, smaller vessels. Technical support and original design drawings can sometimes be sourced through the Jacques de Ridder design office or by contacting the Royal Huisman shipyard archives, which maintains a commitment to the service and refit of their historical fleet.
The Verdict
Pros:
- Legendary Build Quality: Constructed by arguably the world’s finest shipyard using "superyacht-grade" materials and engineering.
- Offshore Pedigree: A stiff, stable, and safe platform capable of serious blue-water cruising.
- Aesthetic Rarity: A sleek, "flush-deck" look (on some variants) that remains timeless and draws attention in any marina.
Cons:
- Maintenance Sensitivity: Aluminum hulls require obsessive attention to electrical isolation and sacrificial anodes.
- Light Air Performance: Requires significant sail area to perform in under 10 knots of breeze.
- Limited Availability: With only seven built, finding one on the market is a rare occurrence.
