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Elite 37
Designer: Ron Holland  ·  Builder: Kirie  ·  First built: 1981
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About the Elite 37

Finding detailed information about the Elite 37 can be challenging, as this sailboat remains somewhat elusive in marine databases and manufacturer records. What emerges from available sources suggests a vessel designed with performance and versatility in mind, though comprehensive specifications prove difficult to verify. Based on the 37-foot length, this boat likely falls into the popular mid-size cruising category that appeals to sailors seeking a balance between manageable size and comfortable accommodations. Boats in this range typically offer sufficient space for extended coastal cruising while remaining nimble enough for spirited sailing in varied conditions. Without extensive production records or widespread ownership, the Elite 37 appears to represent either a limited production run or a regional manufacturer's offering. This scarcity can present both opportunities and challenges for prospective buyers—potentially offering unique character and exclusivity, while making parts sourcing and technical support more difficult to secure. The lack of comprehensive data suggests interested buyers should conduct thorough surveys and research ownership history carefully. For sailors drawn to distinctive boats with less common pedigrees, the Elite 37 may offer an intriguing alternative to mass-produced models, provided due diligence reveals sound construction and seaworthiness.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 37.08 ft / 11.30 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 31.58 ft / 9.63 m
Beam 12.08 ft / 3.68 m
Max Draft 5.92 ft / 1.80 m
Displacement 12,787.00 lb / 5,800 kg
Ballast 5,221.00 lb / 2,368 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 636.00 ft² / 59.09 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Ron Holland
Builder Kirie
First Built 1981
Last Built 1987
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
108
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
18.68
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
21.54
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
2.07
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. 7.53
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
3.15
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. 1.0
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 48.49
J (Foretriangle Base) 14.76
P (Mainsail Luff) 41.95
E (Mainsail Foot) 13.25
SA Fore 357.86
SA Main 277.92
How It Compares

vs. Express 37, First 375 Beneteau, X 372

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Elite 37 ★
37.1 ft
Express 37
37.1 ft
First 375 Beneteau
37.1 ft
X 372
37.0 ft
LWL
Elite 37 ★
31.6 ft
Express 37
30.8 ft
First 375 Beneteau
33.2 ft
X 372
29.5 ft
Beam
Elite 37 ★
12.1 ft
Express 37
11.5 ft
First 375 Beneteau
12.3 ft
X 372
11.7 ft
Displacement
Elite 37 ★
12 lbs
Express 37
9 lbs
First 375 Beneteau
15 lbs
X 372
11 lbs
Ballast
Elite 37 ★
5 lbs
Express 37
4 lbs
First 375 Beneteau
5 lbs
X 372
4 lbs
Sail Area
Elite 37 ★
636 sq ft
Express 37
639 sq ft
First 375 Beneteau
648 sq ft
X 372
593 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Elite 37 ★
108 s/nm
Express 37
72 s/nm
First 375 Beneteau
X 372
95 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Elite 37 ★
18.7
Express 37
22.4
First 375 Beneteau
16.8
X 372
19.0
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Elite 37 ★
Express 37
46.9 %
First 375 Beneteau
34.3 %
X 372
43.1 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Elite 37 ★
21.5
Express 37
17.9
First 375 Beneteau
24.5
X 372
20.6
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Elite 37 ★
2.07
Express 37
2.15
First 375 Beneteau
1.98
X 372
2.10
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Elite 37 ★
Express 37
149
First 375 Beneteau
188
X 372
195
Hull Speed
Elite 37 ★
7.5 kts
Express 37
7.4 kts
First 375 Beneteau
7.7 kts
X 372
7.3 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Elite 37 ★
3.2
Express 37
4.1
First 375 Beneteau
2.8
X 372
3.0
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