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Graves 37
Designer: J. Taylor  ·  Builder: Graves Yacht Yard (Usa)  ·  First built: 1980
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About the Graves 37

Designed by J. Taylor and built by Graves Yacht Yard starting in 1980, this 37-footer represents a well-balanced approach to coastal cruising and club racing. The masthead sloop rig configuration provides straightforward sail handling, while the moderate displacement of 16,220 pounds strikes an appealing balance between performance and comfort. The hull features a fin keel with rudder mounted on a skeg, offering good directional stability and protection for the rudder system. With a beam of just over 12 feet and a draft approaching 6 feet, the design emphasizes sailing performance over maximum interior volume. The sail area to displacement ratio of 17.49 indicates respectable light-air performance without being overly aggressive. Safety characteristics look favorable for coastal and offshore sailing, with a capsize screening value of 1.93 well within accepted limits for ocean passages. The comfort ratio of 27.56 suggests this boat will provide a reasonably comfortable motion in seaway conditions, making it suitable for extended cruising. Fiberglass construction ensures durability and relatively low maintenance, while the hull speed of 7.42 knots indicates solid passage-making capability. This design appeals to sailors seeking a capable coastal cruiser that can handle occasional offshore work while maintaining good sailing characteristics for weekend racing or spirited day sailing.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 37.17 ft / 11.33 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 30.67 ft / 9.35 m
Beam 12.17 ft / 3.71 m
Max Draft 5.75 ft / 1.75 m
Displacement 16,220.00 lb / 7,357 kg
Ballast 6,675.00 lb / 3,028 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 698.00 ft² / 64.85 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer J. Taylor
Builder Graves Yacht Yard (USA)
First Built 1980
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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
 113
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
 17.49
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
 41.15
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
 250.99
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
 27.56
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
 1.93
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. 7.42 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
 2.21
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. 1,333.68 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. 17.51
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 49.90 ft / 15.21 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 15.60 ft / 4.75 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 44.50 ft / 13.56 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 13.90 ft / 4.24 m
SA Fore 389.22 ft² / 36.16 m²
SA Main 309.28 ft² / 28.73 m²
SA Total (100%) 698.50 ft² / 64.89 m²
Est. Forestay Length 52.28 ft / 15.93 m
Mast Height (DWL) 54.60 ft / 16.64 m
Engine & Accommodations
Fuel Capacity 50 gals / 189 L
Water Capacity 100 gals / 379 L
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