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Reliance 37
Designer: Robert Perry  ·  Builder: Markos Yachts (Can)  ·  First built: 1981
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About the Reliance 37

Designed by renowned naval architect Robert Perry and built by Markos Yachts in Canada starting in 1981, this 37-footer represents a thoughtful blend of cruising comfort and sailing performance. Perry's signature design philosophy shines through in the Reliance 37's balanced proportions and seaworthy characteristics, making it well-suited for both coastal cruising and offshore passages. The boat's moderate displacement of 17,200 pounds, combined with a fin keel and skeg-hung rudder configuration, delivers predictable handling and solid tracking ability. With a comfort ratio of 31.96, the Reliance 37 strikes an appealing middle ground between performance and motion comfort, while the capsize screening value of 1.76 indicates good stability for extended cruising. The masthead sloop rig provides versatile sail handling options, and the SA/Displacement ratio of 16.56 suggests respectable sailing performance in moderate conditions. Perry's hull design typically emphasizes seaworthiness over pure speed, and the Reliance 37 follows this tradition with its proven offshore capabilities. Built during an era when Canadian yacht construction was highly regarded, these boats are known for solid fiberglass construction and practical layouts that maximize the 37-foot length for comfortable cruising accommodations.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 37.00 ft / 11.28 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 31.00 ft / 9.45 m
Beam 11.33 ft / 3.45 m
Max Draft 6.25 ft / 1.91 m
Displacement 17,200.00 lb / 7,802 kg
Ballast 5,642.00 lb / 2,559 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 687.00 ft² / 63.82 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Robert Perry
Builder Markos Yachts (CAN)
First Built 1981
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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
 16.56
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
 32.8
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
 257.75
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
 31.96
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
 1.76
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. 7.46 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
 2.06
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. 1,254.98 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. 16.56
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 50.00 ft / 15.24 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 15.40 ft / 4.69 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 45.80 ft / 13.96 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 13.20 ft / 4.02 m
SA Fore 385.00 ft² / 35.77 m²
SA Main 302.28 ft² / 28.08 m²
SA Total (100%) 687.28 ft² / 63.85 m²
Est. Forestay Length 52.32 ft / 15.95 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Isuzu
Engine Model C190
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 48
Fuel Capacity 70 gals / 265 L
Water Capacity 130 gals / 492 L
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