Islander 37 MS Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Islander 37 MS is a heavy-displacement cruiser that prioritizes stability and momentum over agility. With a displacement-to-length ratio typically hovering in the "heavy" category and a relatively modest sail area-to-displacement ratio, the boat requires a stiff breeze to reach its hull speed under sail alone. According to design notes from Robert H. Perry Yacht Designers, the MS series was intended to provide a "60/60" experience—delivering roughly 60% of the performance of a dedicated sailboat and 60% of a dedicated powerboat.

In practice, the 37 MS tracks exceptionally well due to its long fin keel and protected skeg-hung rudder. It exhibits a motion that is predictable and "kind" in a seaway, reducing crew fatigue during long passages. However, the high-profile pilothouse creates significant windage, which can make docking in a crosswind challenging and causes the boat to "hunt" or tack slightly at anchor. While it will not point as high as its sloop-rigged cousins, the 37 MS excels on a reach, where its weight provides a stable platform that resists healing more than lighter performance cruisers.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The primary draw of the Islander 37 MS is its "galley-up" pilothouse arrangement, which provides 360-degree visibility from the main salon. This layout was revolutionary for its time, allowing the cook and the navigator to remain part of the social environment while enjoying panoramic views of the anchorage. The interior is characterized by the extensive use of teak joinery, which was a hallmark of Islander’s production during this era.

The 37 MS was the largest of a three-boat motorsailer family designed by Perry for Islander, which included the Islander 28 MS and the Islander 32 MS. While the smaller siblings felt cramped in their pilothouse execution, the 37-foot hull provided enough beam (nearly 12 feet) to allow for a spacious master stateroom forward and a functional head with a separate shower stall—a luxury in the 1970s. Variations in the model often centered on the secondary steering station; while most came with a traditional cockpit pedestal, many were equipped with an internal helm station inside the pilothouse, allowing for foul-weather operation under power or sail.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their inspections on the specific engineering challenges of a 1970s pilothouse vessel. The large windows in the salon are a frequent source of trouble; the original seals often fail, leading to hidden rot in the teak cabinetry below the ports. Because the Islander 37 MS uses a balsa-cored deck, any unsealed hardware or leaking window frame can lead to significant delamination.

Mechanically, the 37 MS was often powered by the Perkins 4-108 diesel engine. While these are considered "bulletproof" workhorses, they are known for rear main seal leaks. A critical inspection point is the engine access; despite the large salon, the engine is tucked beneath the cabin sole, and major service can be labor-intensive. Additionally, owners frequently report that the original aluminum fuel tanks can suffer from "pitting" or internal corrosion after 40 years of service, a common issue for boats of this vintage. Finally, the chainplates, which are glassed into the hull structure on some Islander models, should be checked for signs of water intrusion or crevice corrosion where they exit the deck.

Community & Resources

The Islander 37 MS benefits from a robust and active owner community that shares the legacy of the more common Islander 36. The Islander 36 Association often welcomes MS owners, providing a wealth of technical knowledge regarding the hull construction and shared components used across the Islander line. Because Robert Perry remains an active and revered figure in the yachting community, his technical archives often provide the best source for original sail plans and rigging specifications.

The Verdict

The Islander 37 MS is an ideal coastal cruiser for a couple who prioritizes "living in the boat" rather than "living on the boat." It sacrifices some upwind performance for an interior that feels significantly larger than its 37-foot length suggests.

Pros:

• Exceptional all-weather protection via the raised pilothouse.
• Strong, heavy-displacement hull that handles rougher seas with ease.
• Superb interior light and visibility, preventing the "cave-like" feel of traditional sailboats.
• Designed by Robert Perry, ensuring a seaworthy hull form despite the motorsailer compromise.

Cons:

• Significant windage makes maneuvering in tight marinas difficult.
• Mediocre light-wind sailing performance; will require the engine more often than a sloop.
• Potential for expensive repairs if pilothouse window seals have been neglected.
• High displacement and windage result in higher fuel consumption under power compared to lighter boats.