Prout Snowgoose 37 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Snowgoose 37 is defined by its unique "mast-aft" rig, a signature Prout design choice where the mast is stepped significantly further back than on a conventional sloop. This configuration results in a very small mainsail and a large, powerful staysail and genoa. The primary benefit is ease of handling; the headsails provide the bulk of the power and are easily furled from the safety of the cockpit, making the boat an ideal candidate for short-handed or solo cruising.

In terms of sea-kindliness, the Snowgoose 37 is noted for its stability and predictable motion. Because it lacks the massive beam of contemporary French catamarans—measuring approximately 15 feet for the standard model—it fits into many standard marina berths and avoids the "snap" motion associated with wider platforms. However, the solid bridge deck, while providing immense storage and a dry forward deck, can lead to "slamming" when heading into a choppy head sea. According to technical assessments often highlighted by Yachting Monthly, the boat excels on a reach but is not a close-hauled racer, reflecting its low Sail Area-to-Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio which prioritizes safety over raw speed.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Snowgoose 37 is surprisingly cavernous given its narrow hulls, though the layout is vastly different from the open-concept "condo-marans" of today. The central saloon is the heart of the vessel, offering a panoramic view through the wrap-around windows, while the hulls house the cabins, galley, and heads. Most hulls follow a "galley-down" configuration in the starboard hull, which provides a secure workspace for the cook even in heavy weather.

There are two primary versions of the hull that buyers must distinguish: the standard Snowgoose 37 and the Snowgoose 37 Elite. The Elite version, introduced in the mid-1980s, increased the beam to 16 feet 3 inches. This extra width allowed for a more expansive saloon and larger double berths. While the standard model is often praised for its ability to navigate narrower canals and tighter slips, the Elite is favored by long-term liveaboards for its significantly increased internal volume. Both models typically offer three separate sleeping cabins, though the "master" is often located on the bridge deck forward of the saloon.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Snowgoose 37 occupies a legendary status in cruising literature. It is the vessel of choice in numerous accounts of budget-friendly circumnavigations. It gained significant visibility through its inclusion in early multihull design compendiums, often cited as the practical alternative to the more radical racing catamarans of the 1980s. Its reputation for durability was further solidified by the fact that many early models are still actively cruising in remote corners of the world, often documented by modern sailing vloggers who prize the boat for its affordable entry point into the world of blue-water multihulls.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners should pay close attention to several technical areas unique to the Prout construction and the era in which these boats were built:

1. Sillette Sonic Drive Leg: Most Snowgoose 37s were equipped with a single central engine connected to a steerable, liftable Sillette Sonic outdrive leg. This system allows for excellent maneuverability and the ability to lift the prop out of the water to reduce drag and prevent fouling. However, the leg requires meticulous maintenance of its bellows and pivots; a neglected drive leg can be an expensive repair point.
2. Delamination and Core Health: While Prout used robust solid fiberglass below the waterline, the decks and coachroof often utilized balsa or plywood coring. Areas around the windows and stanchion bases should be checked for moisture ingress and soft spots.
3. Rigging Tension: The aft-stepped mast puts considerable load on the backstays and the bridge deck structure. Buyers should inspect the bulkhead interfaces for any signs of stress cracking or movement.
4. Window Leaks: The large forward-facing windows are a hallmark of the design but are prone to crazing and leaking over time. Many owners choose to replace the original acrylic with modern polycarbonate or toughened glass held in by improved adhesive systems.

Community & Resources

Owners of these vessels are supported by the Prout Owners Association, a highly active technical group that maintains an extensive archive of original manuals, wiring diagrams, and modification guides. Because Prout & Sons is no longer in business, this community is the primary source for sourcing replacement parts or advice on structural upgrades.

The Verdict

The Prout Snowgoose 37 is a quintessential "mariner’s catamaran"—a boat designed by sailors for the realities of the open ocean rather than the aesthetics of a boat show. While it lacks the speed of a daggerboard cat and the interior volume of a modern wide-beam cruiser, its pedigree for safety and its proven track record for ocean crossings remain nearly peerless in its price bracket.

Pros

• Exceptional safety record and proven blue-water capability.
• Easy-to-manage mast-aft rig, perfect for short-handed crews.
• Shallow draft (under 3 feet) allows for "gunkholing" and beaching.
• Solid bridge deck provides a dry, secure platform in heavy weather.

Cons

• Bridge deck slamming can be noisy and uncomfortable in short, steep head seas.
• Single-engine outdrive configuration requires more maintenance than a standard shaft drive.
• Narrower hulls mean less "social space" compared to modern multihull designs.