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Peterson 37
Designer: Doug Peterson  ·  Builder: Wiggers Custom Yachts Ltd.(Can)  ·  First built: 1981
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About the Peterson 37

Designed by Doug Peterson, one of the most celebrated yacht designers of the modern era, the Peterson 37 carries the pedigree of a naval architect renowned for blending racing performance with practical offshore capability. Peterson made his name in the 1970s with a string of successful IOR-era designs, and boats bearing his signature are generally respected for their speed, stiffness, and seakeeping ability. The Peterson 37 appeals to sailors who want a performance-oriented yacht capable of handling both spirited coastal racing and serious offshore passages. Peterson's designs typically feature a well-balanced hull with an emphasis on upwind efficiency and strong overall sail-carrying ability, making them competitive on the race course without sacrificing the seaworthiness demanded by bluewater passages. While detailed specifications for this model are limited, buyers researching the Peterson 37 will find a boat with a devoted following among experienced sailors who appreciate its racing heritage and capable sea manners. As with many IOR-influenced designs of its generation, the Peterson 37 rewards an experienced crew and suits those who prioritize sailing performance alongside genuine offshore readiness.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 37.00 ft / 11.28 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 30.92 ft / 9.42 m
Beam 11.92 ft / 3.63 m
Max Draft 6.75 ft / 2.06 m
Displacement 12,000.00 lb / 5,443 kg
Ballast 6,000.00 lb / 2,722 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Doug Peterson
Builder Wiggers Custom Yachts Ltd.(CAN)
First Built 1981
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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
 93
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
 50.0
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
 181.22
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. 7.9 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 20.46
J (Foretriangle Base) 15.10 ft / 4.60 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 668.00 ft² / 62.06 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) Universal
Engine & Accommodations
Horsepower 23
Water Capacity 55 gals / 208 L
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