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Apache 37 Chris Craft
Designer: Sparkman & Stephens  ·  Builder: Chris-Craft (Usa)  ·  First built: 1966
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About the Apache 37 Chris Craft

Designed by the legendary Sparkman & Stephens naval architecture firm, this classic 37-footer represents Chris-Craft's venture into serious sailing yachts during the late 1960s. Built between 1966 and 1970 with only 80 hulls completed, the Apache 37 has become a sought-after example of American fiberglass yacht construction from the era. The boat's substantial 13,022-pound displacement and generous ballast-to-displacement ratio create exceptional stability and seakeeping ability, making her well-suited for both coastal cruising and offshore passages. Her fin keel with rudder mounted on a skeg provides reliable directional control while maintaining good upwind performance. The masthead sloop rig delivers 594 square feet of working sail area, offering respectable performance without being overly challenging for a cruising crew. With a comfort ratio of 31.01, the Apache 37 prioritizes motion comfort over pure speed, typical of Sparkman & Stephens' cruising designs. The moderate beam of just over 10 feet keeps marina fees reasonable while providing adequate interior volume. Her capsize screening value of 1.74 indicates good stability for extended cruising. This classic design appeals to sailors seeking a well-built, traditionally proportioned yacht with proven offshore capabilities and timeless Sparkman & Stephens pedigree.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 37.00 ft / 11.28 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 26.25 ft / 8.00 m
Beam 10.19 ft / 3.11 m
Max Draft 5.75 ft / 1.75 m
Displacement 13,022.00 lb / 5,907 kg
Ballast 5,304.00 lb / 2,406 kg
Ballast Type Iron
Sail Area (Reported) 594.00 ft² / 55.18 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Sparkman & Stephens
Builder Chris-Craft (USA)
First Built 1966
Last Built 1970
Number Built 80
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
17.23
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
40.73
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
321.4
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
31.01
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
1.74
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 6.87 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
1.61
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 955.76 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 17.24
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 44.00 ft / 13.41 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 14.33 ft / 4.37 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 38.21 ft / 11.65 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 14.60 ft / 4.45 m
SA Fore 315.26 ft² / 29.29 m²
SA Main 278.93 ft² / 25.91 m²
SA Total (100%) 594.19 ft² / 55.20 m²
Est. Forestay Length 46.27 ft / 14.10 m
Mast Height (DWL) 48.67 ft / 14.83 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Universal
Engine Model Atomic 4
Engine Type Gas
Horsepower 30
Fuel Capacity 25 gals / 95 L
Water Capacity 49 gals / 185 L
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