Sailing Performance & Handling
The sailing characteristics of the Princess 37 are defined by its traditional long keel and significant overhangs. With a length overall of 37 feet and a waterline length of approximately 25 feet, the hull shape is classic "metacentric" design, a signature of Arthur Robb’s philosophy. This design ensures that as the boat heels, the immersion of the long overhangs increases the effective waterline, boosting hull speed and providing a graceful, balanced helm.
In terms of motion, the Princess 37 is remarkably sea-kindly. Its heavy displacement—typically exceeding 18,000 pounds—allows it to power through a chop that would stall lighter modern cruisers. However, owners frequently note that the high wetted surface area of the full keel makes it sluggish in light airs (under 8 knots). It is a "momentum boat" that requires a stiff breeze to truly come alive. Once established on a point of sail, its tracking is exceptional; many owners report the ability to leave the helm for long periods, as the boat resists rounding up even in heavy gusts. While most were rigged as sloops, a few were commissioned as yawls, offering better balance and sail-trimming options for heavy weather.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the Princess 37 is a showcase of mid-century maritime craftsmanship. Cheoy Lee utilized high-grade Burmese teak throughout, creating a cabin that feels more like a fine study than a utilitarian vessel. The layout is a classic offshore arrangement: a forward V-berth with ample hanging locker space, followed by a head and shower compartment. The main salon typically features a U-shaped settee or facing bench seats with a center-drop table, providing a social hub that benefits from the 9'6" beam.
Because these boats were often built to order, variations exist. Some Princess 37 models feature a "Great Cabin" feel with extra pilot berths outboard of the settees, while others prioritized storage for extended voyaging. Headroom is generous for a boat of this vintage, typically clearing 6'2" in the main cabin. The galley is generally located aft near the companionway to ensure ventilation and proximity to the cockpit, a layout favored by the Cheoy Lee Association for its practical use at sea. Unlike its smaller sibling, the Robb 35, the 37 provides a noticeably more voluminous bilge and wider sole, making it feel significantly larger than its two extra feet of length would suggest.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Purchasing a Robb Princess 37 requires a specialized survey focusing on the "marriage" of wood and fiberglass. While the hulls are generally bulletproof solid laminate, the integration of timber components presents specific maintenance challenges.
- Teak Deck Leaks: Most Princess 37s were delivered with thick teak decks screwed into a fiberglass sub-deck. Over decades, the bedding compound fails, allowing water to penetrate the screw holes. This often leads to core saturation in the sub-deck and unsightly leaks in the interior headliner.
- Chainplate Corrosion: The stainless steel used in the 1960s was prone to "crevice corrosion," especially where the chainplates pass through the deck. Buyers should inspect the knees and bulkheads for structural staining or "bleeding."
- The "Cheoy Lee Bleed": Owners often refer to the weeping of rust from the internal iron ballast or the degradation of the mild steel floors used in some early builds. Ensuring the ballast remains encapsulated and the floor bolts are sound is critical.
- Spud-Mast Issues: If the vessel has its original wooden mast, a thorough inspection for dry rot—particularly at the spreaders and the mast base (the "boot")—is essential. Many have since been retrofitted with aluminum spars.
Community & Resources
The primary repository for technical knowledge and historical documentation for this model is the Cheoy Lee Association. This group maintains an extensive archive of original brochures, sail plans, and owner-contributed maintenance logs specifically for the Arthur Robb designs. Additionally, because Arthur Robb’s designs were popular in the United Kingdom, the Classic Boat community often features these vessels in regattas and heritage discussions.
The Verdict
The Robb Princess 37 is a quintessential "gentleman’s yacht" that offers a level of aesthetic soul and seaworthiness rarely found in modern production boats. It is best suited for the traditionalist who values the journey over the destination and is willing to trade modern speed for classic comfort and beauty.
Pros:
- Exceptional Aesthetics: The combination of Arthur Robb’s lines and Cheoy Lee’s teak joinery is visually stunning.
- Sea-Kindliness: A heavy-displacement hull that provides a secure, comfortable ride in heavy weather.
- Proven Pedigree: Capable of circumnavigation and long-range blue water cruising.
Cons:
- High Maintenance: The extensive exterior teak requires significant upkeep to prevent leaks and UV damage.
- Light Air Performance: Struggles to move in light winds due to a low sail area-to-displacement ratio.
- Age-Related Systems: Original wiring and plumbing often require a complete overhaul to meet modern safety standards.
