Yachtcraft 37 MS Information, Review, Specs

Because these vessels were sold as kits, the final displacement and trim of a Yachtcraft 37 MS can vary significantly from the factory-finished Islander 37. However, the foundational design remains rooted in the late 1960s aesthetic of moderate displacement, a fin keel, and a skeg-hung rudder. This pedigree ensures that despite its motorsailer deckhouse, the 37 MS maintains the DNA of a true sailing vessel rather than a "box with a mast."

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Yachtcraft 37 MS are defined by its Bruce King hull, which was originally optimized for the light-to-moderate winds of the West Coast. With a generous beam and a relatively long waterline for its era, the hull provides a stable platform that resists excessive heeling. In the "MS" configuration, the increased windage of the raised pilothouse is noticeable when beating to windward in a blow, yet the boat remains remarkably sea-kindly. According to historical design notes from the Islander 36 Association, Bruce King’s early designs were praised for their balance; the 37 MS follows this trend, tracking well even in a following sea.

In lighter air, the 37 MS requires its engine more often than the sloop-rigged Islander 37, due to the added weight of the interior cabinetry and the larger fuel tanks often installed by kit builders. However, when the breeze freshens, the boat finds its stride. Owners often report that the secondary interior steering station is a godsend during inclement weather, though the visibility from the pilothouse can be limited compared to the cockpit. The handling is predictable, though the spade or skeg-hung rudder requires a firm hand if the boat is over-canvased.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Yachtcraft 37 MS is its most distinctive feature, but it is also the area of greatest variation. Because Yachtcraft sold these boats in various "stages" of completion—ranging from a bare hull and deck to a nearly finished boat—no two interiors are identical. The standard MS layout features a spacious raised salon with large windows that flood the living area with natural light, a rare luxury for a boat designed in the 1970s.

Typically, the layout includes a lower galley and a forward V-berth, with the raised salon serving as the primary social hub. The "motorsailer" aspect often allowed for a dedicated inside helm station with a throttle and wheel, situated to starboard in the pilothouse. Materials range from professional-grade teak joinery to more utilitarian plywood finishes, depending on the original builder's skill and budget. Headroom is generally excellent in the pilothouse, often exceeding 6'4", though it tapers in the forward sections of the vessel. The sibling model, the standard Islander 37 sloop, lacks this vertical volume and instead offers a traditional, deeper "cave-like" cabin.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Purchasing a Yachtcraft 37 MS requires a more rigorous inspection than a factory-built Islander, as the quality of the systems depends entirely on the original owner’s craftsmanship.

1. Bulkhead Tabbing: In kit-built boats, the structural integrity of the hull-to-deck joint and the tabbing of bulkheads to the hull should be the primary concern. Insecure tabbing can lead to hull flexing and rig tension issues.
2. Deck Core Integrity: Like many Islander-derived hulls of the 1970s, the Yachtcraft 37 MS utilizes a balsa-cored deck. Moisture ingress around the large pilothouse windows or stanchion bases can lead to significant rot. A percussion test (hammer sounding) or moisture meter is essential.
3. Wiring and Plumbing Standards: Because these were owner-finished, the electrical systems often lack the standardized color-coding or fusing found in factory boats. Prospective buyers should look for "rat's nest" wiring behind the panel and ensure all through-hull fittings are properly bonded.
4. Fuel Tank Material: Many 37 MS models were fitted with oversized black-iron or aluminum fuel tanks for long-range motoring. These tanks are now reaching the end of their lifespan and can be difficult to remove without cutting into the cabin sole.
5. Chainplate Leakage: The chainplates pass through the deck and are prone to slow leaks that can saturate the plywood bulkheads they are bolted to. Inspect for dark staining or "soft" wood in the cabinetry surrounding the chainplates.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for information regarding this lineage is the Islander 36 Association, which, despite its model-specific name, maintains extensive archives on the "Sibling" Islander and Yachtcraft models. This association provides technical manuals, original brochures, and a collective knowledge base that is invaluable for sourcing replacement parts or understanding the original Bruce King design intent.

The Verdict

The Yachtcraft 37 MS is a "sailor’s motorsailer" that offers a rare combination of 1970s performance design and modern pilothouse comfort. While its kit-built nature demands a discerning eye during the survey process, it remains a robust and capable cruiser for those who value protection from the elements.

Pros:

• Exceptional Light: The pilothouse windows provide a bright, airy interior compared to traditional sailboats of the same era.
• Dual-Station Steering: Offers the comfort of a heated, dry cabin during foul-weather passages.
• Bruce King Pedigree: The hull is more capable of actual sailing than most contemporary motorsailers.
• Value: Often priced lower than factory-finished competitors like the Gulf 32 or Pearson 365.

Cons:

• Build Variance: Quality ranges from "professional-grade" to "amateurish" depending on the original kit builder.
• Windage: The high profile of the pilothouse makes docking in a crosswind and tacking in light air more challenging.
• Resale Complexity: Appraising a kit boat can be difficult, as buyers must look past the "Yachtcraft" label to the actual quality of the interior work.