Salona 37 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Salona 37 is frequently described as a "wolf in sheep's clothing." With a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 20.07, the boat is exceptionally responsive in light air, often accelerating in as little as 6 to 8 knots of true wind. Its Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio, recorded between 167 and 182 depending on the keel configuration, places it firmly in the "moderate-to-light racer" category. This allows the boat to carry full canvas longer than many of its contemporaries while maintaining a manageable heel.

Reviewers from Sailing World noted that the boat feels remarkably stiff, a direct result of the vacuum-infused vinylester hull and the rigid steel grid. The steering is light and precise, requiring only a gentle touch on the large-diameter wheel to find the groove upwind. The boat typically achieves upwind angles of 40–44 degrees with a VMG of roughly 5 knots in 12 knots of wind. Buyers could choose from three keel options: a "sport" keel drawing 7'6", a standard 6'6" fin, and a shoal draft version at 5'9", each featuring a low-center-of-gravity bulb for increased righting moment.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Unlike many performance-oriented boats that sacrifice livability for weight savings, the Salona 37 offers a refined interior available in three primary configurations. The "Owners Version" features two large cabins and a single head with a dedicated wet locker, while the charter-oriented version provides three cabins and one head. An uncommon fourth layout offered two staterooms and two heads, a rarity for a 37-foot hull.

A standout feature discussed in Cruising World is the versatility of the salon settees. The backrests can be hinged upward to create pilot berths, effectively allowing the boat to sleep up to eight people during overnight races or family cruises. The materials used reflect a move toward durability; while the joinery is often a warm mahogany or oak, the floorboards are frequently made of a composite "plastic" teak-and-holly that resists water damage better than traditional veneers. The navigation station is notably large for this class, designed to function as a genuine "onboard office" for long-distance cruisers.

On the same hull form, the shipyard later developed the Salona 38, which retained the 37’s underwater profile but introduced a nearly plumb stern and twin-wheel steering to modernize the cockpit layout. Other close siblings in the performance range include the Salona 35, which carries similar design DNA into a smaller package, and the larger Salona 40 and 45.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Salona 37 remains one of the most decorated yachts in the builder’s history. Beyond its 2007 industry awards, it achieved significant regatta success, including a third-place finish in Class C at the ORC Worlds and numerous victories in the Mediterranean circuit. The boat was extensively featured in Sailing Magazine and was praised for its "uncluttered deck arrangement" and the inclusion of a removable aft cockpit seat that transforms the boat from a comfortable cruiser into an open-transom racer in seconds.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

While the Salona 37 is robustly engineered, prospective buyers should investigate a few model-specific areas during survey:

• Stanchion Leaks: Some early production hulls (prior to 2008) have been reported to have leaks around the stanchion bases. If not addressed, this can lead to moisture in the deck core.
• Stainless Steel Grid Inspection: While the frame is a major selling point, the connection points where the shrouds meet the grid should be checked for any signs of movement or hairline stress fractures, particularly on boats that have been raced hard.
• Saildrive Membrane: Most units are equipped with a Volvo Penta D1-30 and a saildrive. The rubber hull seal (membrane) has a manufacturer-recommended replacement interval of seven years; verify the last service date.
• Hull Window Sealing: There has been at least one high-profile report involving the failure of a hull window seal. Modern adhesives can degrade over decades, so a pressure test of all large portlights is recommended.
• Quadrant Access: Ensure the large hatch aft of the wheel operates smoothly, as this provides critical access to the steering quadrant which can be restricted if aftermarket equipment has been poorly installed.

Community & Resources

The Salona community is largely centered in Europe, particularly in the Adriatic and Mediterranean. The Salona Owners Group (active on various technical wikis) is the primary resource for part sourcing and DIY modifications. Because Salona used high-end third-party hardware from brands like Harken, Spinlock, and Selden, most technical repairs are straightforward for standard boatyards.

The Verdict

The Salona 37 is a premier choice for the sailor who refuses to choose between a competitive rating and a comfortable cabin.

Pros:

• Exemplary structural stiffness due to the internal stainless-steel frame.
• Light-air performance that outpaces most mass-production cruisers.
• Highly adaptable cockpit with a removable transom bench.
• Award-winning design with strong resale value.

Cons:

• Interior volume is slightly less than "fat" cruisers like the Beneteau Oceanis or Jeanneau Sun Odyssey.
• The mainsheet traveler position on the cockpit sole can be an obstacle for non-sailing guests.
• Early models may require re-bedding of deck hardware.