Wauquiez Centurion 37S Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Centurion 37S is characterized by its stiffness and exceptional upwind ability, largely thanks to its high ballast-to-displacement ratio and deep 2.15-meter fin keel. While the standard 37 was a capable cruiser, the 37S features a more aggressive fractional rig that allows for finer tuning of mast bend and headstay tension. This makes the boat particularly responsive in light to moderate airs, where the high-aspect sail plan provides the necessary lift to outpace heavier cruisers of the same vintage.

Handling is described by owners as "surgical" compared to more modern, wide-beamed coastal cruisers. The hull features a relatively narrow beam by today's standards, which results in a narrower tacking angle and a smooth motion in a seaway. According to technical archives from the designer, Ed Dubois, the hull was optimized for stability and tracking, ensuring the boat remains balanced even when pressed hard under a large genoa. The steering is typically via a large-diameter wheel that provides excellent feedback, allowing the helmsman to feel the "groove" of the boat easily. The Sail Area-to-Displacement ratio (SA/Disp) sits in a range that suggests a performance-oriented cruiser, capable of double-digit speeds in a stiff breeze without the flighty behavior of a dedicated racing hull.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its "Sport" moniker, the interior of the Centurion 37S does not compromise on the luxury for which Henri Wauquiez was known. The cabin is finished in high-quality teak with a level of joinery that is rarely found in contemporary production boats. The layout typically consists of a traditional two-cabin, one-head configuration. The forward V-berth serves as a comfortable owner's cabin, while the aft cabin, tucked under the cockpit, offers a large transverse or longitudinal double berth depending on the specific production year.

The salon features a central folding table flanked by two straight settees, providing ample seating for six. The galley is L-shaped and positioned to port, designed to be functional even while the boat is heeled. One of the standout features is the dedicated navigation station to starboard, which is sized for full Admiralty charts—a nod to the boat's intended use as a serious offshore navigator. Variations between the 37S and the standard 37 are primarily technical rather than aesthetic; however, some "S" models were delivered with more minimalist interior options to save weight, though most retained the full cruising amenities.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Centurion 37S should focus their inspection on several specific areas common to high-performance French builds of this era.

• Grid Structure: The internal fiberglass grid (the "matrix") is bonded to the hull to provide stiffness. In boats that have been raced hard or suffered a grounding, this bond can sometimes crack or delaminate. Inspect the bilge areas and the areas around the keel bolts for any signs of movement or stress fracturing.
• Balsa Core Decks: While Wauquiez used high-quality materials, the decks are balsa-cored. If deck hardware has been replaced or added without proper sealing, moisture can ingress. A moisture meter check around the chainplates and stanchion bases is essential.
• Rudder Bearings: The 37S uses a deep spade rudder. Over time, the bearings can develop play, leading to a "clunking" sensation in the wheel. While not a structural failure, replacing these bearings is a labor-intensive task.
• Rigging Age: Given the "S" model's taller fractional rig, the standing rigging is under higher tension than the standard version. If the rigging is more than 10-12 years old, it should be replaced before any serious offshore passage.

Community & Resources

The Centurion 37S enjoys a dedicated following, supported by the broader Wauquiez community. Technical support and historical documentation can often be found through the Wauquiez Owners Association, which maintains a repository of manuals and tuning guides for the Dubois-designed range. Because many of these boats remain in Europe, the French owners' groups are also a wealthy source of information regarding specific refit projects and hardware upgrades.

The Verdict

The Wauquiez Centurion 37S remains one of the most elegant and capable cruiser-racers of its generation. It is a boat for the sailor who values build quality and upwind performance over the voluminous interiors of modern "condo-marans."

Pros:

• Excellent upwind performance and pointing ability.
• Superb interior joinery and material quality.
• Robust construction capable of offshore passages.
• Timeless, sleek aesthetic that still turns heads in a marina.

Cons:

• Narrower interior volume compared to modern 37-footers.
• Deep draft (2.15m) may limit access to some shallow cruising grounds.
• The fractional rig requires more active sail trimming than a simple masthead rig.