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Norlin 37
Designer: Peter Norlin  ·  Builder: Solna Marine (Swe)  ·  First built: 1972
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About the Norlin 37

Designed by Peter Norlin, the Norlin 37 is a Swedish performance cruiser that earned a solid reputation in Scandinavian sailing circles during the 1970s and 1980s. Norlin was a prolific and respected naval architect whose designs were known for their balance of speed and seaworthiness, and the 37 reflects that philosophy well. Well-suited to coastal and offshore passage making, the Norlin 37 appeals to sailors who want a boat capable of handling the demanding conditions of northern European waters without sacrificing enjoyable sailing performance. Her hull form is characteristic of the era, offering a responsive and rewarding sail, while remaining practical enough for extended cruising with a small crew. Though detailed specifications can be limited in readily available sources, the boat has built a loyal following among owners who value her heritage and on-the-water behavior. For those researching a purchase, connecting with Norlin 37 owner communities or Scandinavian sailing associations is strongly recommended, as these networks often hold the most reliable information about specific examples, refit histories, and practical ownership experience.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 36.17 ft / 11.02 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 29.50 ft / 8.99 m
Beam 12.00 ft / 3.66 m
Max Draft 6.42 ft / 1.96 m
Displacement 16,940.00 lb / 7,684 kg
Ballast 8,140.00 lb / 3,692 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Peter Norlin
Builder Solna Marine (SWE)
First Built 1972
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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
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
48.05
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
294.58
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. 7.59 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 16.63
J (Foretriangle Base) 16.00 ft / 4.88 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 683.00 ft² / 63.45 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) 294.58
How It Compares

vs. Contrast 36, J/36, Sweden Yachts 36

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Norlin 37 ★
36.2 ft
Contrast 36
36.1 ft
J/36
36.3 ft
Sweden Yachts 36
36.1 ft
LWL
Norlin 37 ★
29.5 ft
Contrast 36
30.5 ft
J/36
30.0 ft
Sweden Yachts 36
29.5 ft
Beam
Norlin 37 ★
12.0 ft
Contrast 36
10.8 ft
J/36
11.3 ft
Sweden Yachts 36
12.0 ft
Displacement
Norlin 37 ★
16 lbs
Contrast 36
10 lbs
J/36
11 lbs
Sweden Yachts 36
14 lbs
Ballast
Norlin 37 ★
8 lbs
Contrast 36
4 lbs
J/36
4 lbs
Sweden Yachts 36
5 lbs
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Norlin 37 ★
113 s/nm
Contrast 36
J/36
84 s/nm
Sweden Yachts 36
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Norlin 37 ★
48.1 %
Contrast 36
J/36
38.2 %
Sweden Yachts 36
41.6 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Norlin 37 ★
Contrast 36
22.1
J/36
29.1
Sweden Yachts 36
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Norlin 37 ★
Contrast 36
1.95
J/36
1.65
Sweden Yachts 36
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Norlin 37 ★
294
Contrast 36
J/36
138
Sweden Yachts 36
248
Hull Speed
Norlin 37 ★
Contrast 36
7.4 kts
J/36
8.6 kts
Sweden Yachts 36
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