Wasa 37 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Wasa 37 is widely regarded by owners and naval historians as a "sailor’s boat," characterized by its exceptional stiffness and ability to point high into the wind. This performance is largely a result of its high ballast-to-displacement ratio—roughly 40%—with a 2,200kg lead keel providing a low center of gravity. In an era where many cruisers were becoming increasingly voluminous and sluggish, Ängermark prioritized a narrower beam and a deep fin keel, which allows the 37 to track with precision and maintain momentum through a chop.

The vessel typically carries a tall masthead sloop rig, which provides ample sail area for light-air performance. In heavier conditions, the boat remains remarkably composed; owner anecdotes often highlight its "sea-kindly" nature, noting that it heels to a certain point and then stiffens significantly, allowing for controlled sailing even when over-canvased. While it lacks the raw downwind speed of modern wide-stern planing hulls, its displacement-to-length ratio makes it a formidable passage-maker in the variable conditions of the Baltic and North Seas. The steering is typically via a large-diameter wheel, which provides the necessary leverage to manage the boat’s powerful sail plan, though the feedback remains tactile and responsive.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Wasa 37 is a showcase of traditional Scandinavian craftsmanship, dominated by high-quality mahogany or teak finishes and robust solid-wood moldings. The layout is classic for its era: a V-berth forward, a central salon with opposing settees and a folding table, a dedicated navigation station to starboard, and a functional L-shaped galley to port. Because Wasa focused on semi-custom builds, slight variations exist in the cabinetry and storage solutions, though the structural bulkheads remained consistent.

One of the defining features of the Wasa 37 is the aft cabin, which, while somewhat constrained by the boat's narrow stern, provides a private double berth that was considered a luxury for a 37-footer in the late 70s. Headroom is generous throughout the main salon, typically exceeding 6 feet, which contributes to an airy feel despite the darker wood tones. The Wasa 37 shares its design DNA with several siblings: the Wasa 38 evolved from this hull form with a modified transom, and the Wasa 34 offered a smaller-scale version of the same performance philosophy. The Wasa 55, though much longer and narrower, represents the extreme end of this design lineage, prioritizing speed and "skerry cruiser" aesthetics over the 37's more balanced cruising volume.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When inspecting a Wasa 37, the primary concern is often the condition of the teak deck. Like many Swedish yachts of this vintage, the teak was typically screwed into a sandwich-core fiberglass deck. Over decades, these screws can allow moisture to penetrate the balsa or foam core, leading to delamination or rot. Potential buyers should use a moisture meter or perform a "tap test" across the deck surface to identify soft spots.

The original power plant was frequently a Volvo Penta MD series engine (such as the MD11C or MD17). While these are rugged engines, many are reaching the end of their service life, and parts availability is decreasing. Prospective owners should check for smoke under load and ensure the saildrive diaphragm (if equipped) has been replaced within the manufacturer’s recommended intervals. Additionally, because the Wasa 37 was often used for club racing, the mast step and chainplates should be inspected for signs of stress or movement, and the rudder bearings should be checked for excessive play, which can develop after years of high-load offshore use.

Community & Resources

Wasa owners benefit from the fact that the original builder still exists as a dedicated service center. Wasa Yachts in Södertälje maintains historical knowledge of these builds and continues to provide technical support, spare parts, and specialized refit services for the older fleet. While there is no longer a formal international "class association" in the way one exists for brands like Hallberg-Rassy, the Wasa community is tightly knit within Sweden and Germany, often organizing informal gatherings and sharing technical data through regional sailing forums.

The Verdict

The Wasa 37 remains a premier choice for the offshore sailor who refuses to sacrifice sailing pedigree for interior volume. It is a robust, elegantly built yacht that rewards a skilled hand on the helm and continues to outpace many modern cruisers in upwind performance.

Pros:

• Exceptional upwind performance and stiffness in heavy weather.
• High-grade Scandinavian interior joinery and construction.
• Support available from the original builder’s service facility.
• Timeless, sleek aesthetic that avoids the "clunky" look of modern high-volume cruisers.

Cons:

• Narrow beam results in less interior volume and a smaller cockpit than modern equivalents.
• Aged teak decks are a common and expensive maintenance liability.
• Original Volvo Penta engines may require replacement or significant overhaul.