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Sailboat Specifications

Valiant 37

Cutter · Fin With Rudder On Skeg

Designed by Robert Perry · Built by Nordic/Uniflite · First built 1977

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LOA 37.00 ft  ·  Beam 11.50 ft  ·  Displacement 17,000.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 667.00 ft²  ·  Cutter  ·  Fin With Rudder On Skeg
About the Valiant 37 Sailboat

Designed by renowned naval architect Robert Perry and built by Nordic/Uniflite starting in 1977, this 37-footer represents classic American cruising boat design from the late 1970s. With only 50 hulls produced, the Valiant 37 has achieved something of a cult following among serious cruising sailors who appreciate its blend of seaworthiness and sailing performance. Perry's design emphasizes offshore capability, evident in the boat's substantial 17,000-pound displacement and conservative sail plan. The cutter rig configuration provides excellent sail handling options for varying conditions, while the fin keel with rudder on skeg offers a good compromise between performance and directional stability. At 31.58 feet on the waterline, she achieves a respectable hull speed of 7.53 knots. The comfort ratio of 30.59 indicates a motion that favors stability over speed, making long passages more comfortable for the crew. Her capsize screening formula of 1.79 suggests good stability characteristics suitable for offshore work. The moderate sail area to displacement ratio of 16.2 points to a boat that will perform adequately in light to moderate conditions while remaining manageable when the wind picks up, making her well-suited for serious coastal and offshore cruising.

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Known Issues View all 8 issues →
High
Early Valiant 37s were built by Uniflite with a balsa-cored deck. The balsa core around chainplates, stanchion bases, and hardware fittings is prone to moisture intrusion and rot when fastener bedding fails. Core samples or moisture meters around all deck hardware are essential.
1977–1982 models
High
The lead keel is attached with stainless steel keel bolts that pass through a relatively thin sump area. Galvanic interaction between the stainless bolts and lead keel can cause crevice corrosion in the bolt threads within the keel; the keel-to-hull interface should be inspected closely for cracking or weeping.
High
The skeg supporting the rudder is an integral fiberglass structure but has been reported to develop hairline cracks at the skeg-to-hull junction, particularly on boats with hard offshore miles. This area should be carefully inspected for stress cracking that may indicate structural fatigue.
+ 5 more issues — see full list →
Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 37.00 ft / 11.28 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 31.58 ft / 9.63 m
Beam 11.50 ft / 3.51 m
Max Draft 5.80 ft / 1.77 m
Displacement 17,000.00 lb / 7,711 kg
Ballast 6,700.00 lb / 3,039 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 667.00 ft² / 61.97 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction FG
Designer Robert Perry
Builder Nordic/Uniflite
First Built 1977
Number Built 50
Related Sailboats Esprit 37 · Pacific Seacraft 37 · Passport 37 · Endeavour 37 · Oyster 37
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Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Westerbeke
Engine Type Diesel
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Valiant 37's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Valiant 37 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 16.2. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Valiant 37's comfort ratio?

The Valiant 37 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 30.59. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Valiant 37 safe for offshore sailing?

The Valiant 37 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.79. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Valiant 37?

The theoretical hull speed of the Valiant 37 is 7.53 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Valiant 37 weigh?

The Valiant 37 has a displacement of 17,000.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 37.00 ft.

Who designed the Valiant 37?

The Valiant 37 was designed by Robert Perry, first built in 1977.

Resources & Community
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