Prout Snowgoose 37 Elite Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Snowgoose 37 Elite utilizes the signature Prout "mast-aft" rig, a design philosophy that places the mast further aft than on most contemporary sloops. This configuration results in a relatively small, easily handled mainsail and a large, high-aspect genoa. In practice, this allows a short-handed crew or a solo sailor to perform most maneuvers from the safety of the cockpit, as the primary driving power comes from the headsail. According to editorial analysis from Yachting Monthly, the boat is not a "greyhound" of the seas; its displacement-to-length ratio reflects a heavy, robust build that prioritizes momentum and sea-kindliness over outright speed.

While the boat tracks exceptionally well on a reach or a run, its windward performance is hampered by shallow fixed keels and a relatively heavy displacement. It typically tacks through 100 to 110 degrees. However, in heavy weather, the Snowgoose 37 Elite excels; its low center of effort and balanced sail plan make it an incredibly stable platform. Owners often report a sense of security in Force 7 conditions where lighter, wider modern cats might feel skittish. The "Prout Slam"—the sound of waves impacting the low bridge deck clearance—is a known characteristic when heading into short, steep chop, but the structural integrity of the hull rarely gives cause for concern.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Elite is defined by its clever use of the bridge deck and the increased beam. Unlike many modern catamarans that feature a "galley-up" layout in the saloon, the Snowgoose 37 Elite typically utilizes a "galley-down" configuration in the starboard hull. This frees up the bridge deck for a massive, wrap-around U-shaped seating area that offers panoramic views through the iconic forward-sloping windows.

Standard layouts usually feature three private sleeping cabins: one in the forward section of the bridge deck (the "master"), and one in the aft section of each hull. The Elite’s extra width is most noticeable in the saloon and the increased storage capacity in the hulls. Prout’s joinery was traditionally high-quality teak or ash, giving the interior a "proper boat" feel compared to the more clinical, plastic finishes of modern mass-production cats. Variations exist depending on whether the boat was factory-finished or sold as a kit; the factory-built versions are generally more sought after for their consistent fit and finish.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Snowgoose series gained international fame through the exploits of legendary cruisers and authors. Most notably, the model is frequently cited in the works of cruising gurus who value the Prout's "indestructible" reputation. The boat has been featured in numerous documentary-style logs of circumnavigations, often highlighted as the most affordable and reliable entry point for families looking to cross oceans in a multihull.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Snowgoose 37 Elite should conduct a focused survey on several model-specific areas:

• The Drive Leg: Many Snowgoose models utilize a single central engine (often a Yanmar or Bukh) connected to a steerable Sillette Sonic drive leg. These legs require meticulous maintenance; the lifting mechanism can seize, and the bellows must be replaced regularly to prevent water ingress.
• Window Leaks: The large forward-facing saloon windows are prone to crazing and leaking over decades. Resealing them is a labor-intensive task, and many owners eventually replace the original acrylic with toughened glass.
• Osmosis: While Prout hulls are robust, models from the 1980s were built before the widespread use of vinylester resins. A thorough hull inspection for osmotic blistering is essential.
• Bulkhead Tabbing: In older Elites that have seen heavy offshore use, the tabbing where the main bulkheads meet the hull should be inspected for signs of movement or delamination, particularly around the mast step area.

Community & Resources

The legacy of these vessels is preserved by a dedicated global community. The Prout Owners Association is the primary technical resource, maintaining extensive archives of original manuals, wiring diagrams, and modification guides. Because so many of these boats were used for long-distance cruising, the collective knowledge regarding refitting a Snowgoose for modern self-sufficiency (solar arrays, lithium conversions, and watermakers) is vast and readily accessible through owner technical wikis.

The Verdict

The Prout Snowgoose 37 Elite is a "slow and steady" ocean voyager that trades modern aesthetics for proven structural reliability. It remains one of the most cost-effective ways to acquire a blue-water capable catamaran.

Pros:

• Exceptional safety record and proven blue-water capability.
• Easy to handle for couples or solo sailors due to the mast-aft rig.
• High-quality interior woodwork and a very social saloon layout.
• Low maintenance costs compared to twin-engine modern catamarans.

Cons:

• Bridgedeck slamming can be noisy and uncomfortable in head seas.
• Windward performance is inferior to boats with daggerboards or deeper keels.
• The steerable drive leg system requires more attention than a standard shaft or sail drive.