Sailing Performance & Handling
Under sail, the Santana 37 is a quintessential Gary Mull design, characterized by a high-aspect-ratio rig and a balanced, albeit narrow, underwater profile. With a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio typically falling in the moderate range and a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) ratio that leans toward the performance side of the spectrum, the boat is particularly adept in light to moderate air. Owners frequently report that the boat "powers up" quickly, finding its groove in as little as 6 to 8 knots of breeze.
The influence of the IOR is visible in its hull shape, featuring a relatively wide beam that tapers toward the ends. While some IOR designs of this vintage are notorious for "death rolls" when pushed hard downwind in heavy seas, the Santana 37 is generally regarded as more forgiving than its pure-racing cousins. The boat utilizes a deep fin keel and a high-performance spade rudder, providing excellent tracking and a responsive feel at the wheel. On the wind, the 37 is known for its ability to point high, though like many designs from the 1970s, it requires an active hand on the traveler and mainsheet to keep the boat flat and minimize weather helm as the wind rises.
Interior Comfort & Variations
Unlike the stripped-out interiors of pure IOR racers, the Santana 37 was finished with a level of craftsmanship that reflected W.D. Schock’s commitment to quality. The layout is traditional for a mid-sized cruiser of the 1970s, featuring a generous V-berth forward, followed by a full-width head and hanging locker. The main salon is dominated by rich teak joinery, often featuring a U-shaped settee to port and a straight settee to starboard. Gary Mull’s design maximized the 10-foot 6-inch beam, creating a cabin that feels wider than many contemporary 35-footers.
The galley is typically located to starboard at the base of the companionway, designed for functionality at sea with deep sinks and adequate bracing for the cook. To port, a dedicated navigation station and a quarter berth provide additional sleeping capacity. While most Santana 37s were delivered with a standard deck configuration, Schock also produced the Santana 35 on a similar lineage, which featured a more flush-deck appearance. The Santana 37, by contrast, maintains a distinct coachroof that provides standing headroom throughout most of the cabin—a feature that solidified its status as a viable cruiser.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should approach a Santana 37 with a focus on the structural realities of 1970s fiberglass construction.
- Deck Core Saturation: Like many Schock-built boats of this era, the Santana 37 uses a balsa-cored deck. Moisture ingress around stanchion bases, chainplates, and mast steps is a common "gotcha." High-moisture readings or "spongy" sections of the deck often necessitate a core replacement.
- The "Schock Smile": Owners and surveyors often look for the "Schock Smile," a hairline crack at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint. While often a cosmetic result of the hull flexing around a heavy lead keel, it can indicate the need for tightening keel bolts or reinforcing the floor timbers.
- Mast Step Corrosion: The aluminum mast step is prone to galvanic corrosion, particularly if the boat has been sailed in saltwater and the bilge has not been kept dry.
- Chainplates: Given the age of the fleet, the stainless steel chainplates should be pulled and inspected for crevice corrosion, especially where they pass through the deck.
Community & Resources
The Santana 37 enjoys a legacy supported by the broader W.D. Schock community. While there is no longer a dedicated "Santana 37 Class Association" with the same racing fervor as the Santana 20 or Harbor 20, technical support is frequently found through the W.D. Schock Corporation legacy archives. Additionally, owners often congregate in general Santana or Mull-design forums to share technical diagrams and restoration tips.
The Verdict
The Santana 37 is an elegant, performance-oriented classic that offers a level of sailing engagement often missing in modern, high-volume cruisers. It is a boat for the sailor who enjoys "tweaking" the rig and feeling the immediate response of a well-balanced hull.
Pros:
- Exceptional light-air performance and pointing ability.
- Classic Gary Mull aesthetics with high-quality teak interior joinery.
- More interior volume and cruising amenities than the later Schock 35.
Cons:
- Subject to typical 1970s balsa-core moisture issues.
- Narrower beam at the waterline (IOR influence) can make it "tippy" if not reefed early.
- Aging standing rigging and deck hardware often require significant updates for modern safety standards.
