The Tayana 37 Sailboat: Specs, Performance Analysis & Cruising Characteristics

Key Takeaways: The Tayana 37 is a heavy-displacement, full-keel cruiser designed by Robert Perry and widely regarded as a benchmark for bluewater voyaging. It offers exceptional stability, a high comfort ratio, and a traditional aesthetic. While it is not a strong light-air performer and needs a breeze to find its stride, its robust construction and generous interior volume make it a leading choice for liveaboard sailors and offshore cruisers.

A Tayana 37 sailboat on a mooring ball in Prickly Bay, Grenada, West Indies.A Tayana 37 - a heavy displacement, long-keeled, canoe-sterned cruising boat.

Table of Contents

Design & Construction

The Tayana 37, originally introduced as the CT 37, was designed by Robert Perry and built by Ta Yang Yacht Building in Taiwan. Since debuting in the mid-1970s, it has become one of the most successful offshore cruising designs ever produced, with more than 600 hulls launched. The hull is constructed of solid hand-laid GRP (glass reinforced plastic), while the decks were traditionally built with a teak overlay over a balsa or plywood core—a common point of maintenance for modern buyers.

A defining feature of the Tayana 37 is its traditional canoe stern and full foil keel with a protected, double-ended rudder. This configuration provides excellent directional stability and protects the running gear from sea debris, though it also makes the boat less maneuverable in tight marinas than modern fin-keel designs.

The yacht was offered in several configurations to suit different cruising styles. Most were rigged as cutters, though ketch and even occasional sloop versions exist. Buyers could choose between a Mark I or Mark II interior, with the latter often featuring a more open layout. The boat was also available in a pilot house version for those seeking a protected steering station.

Regarding safety standards, the Tayana 37 fits the profile of a classic "Category A" (Ocean) vessel. While it predates the widespread use of the STIX (Stability Index) system, its high ballast-to-displacement ratio and hull shape would place it comfortably in the highest offshore category, indicating an ability to handle significant wave heights and wind speeds above Beaufort Force 8.

Sail Areas & Rig Dimensions

Sketch setting out the four key rig dimensions I, J, P & E, primarily of interest to sailmakers and riggersRig dimensions

The cutter rig is the most popular choice for the Tayana 37 because it offers a versatile sail plan that can be reduced easily as the wind builds.

  • Mainsail Area: 324 ft² (30.1 m²)
  • 100% Foretriangle: 537 ft² (49.9 m²)
  • Total Sail Area (Nominal): 861 ft² (79.9 m²)
  • I (Forestay Height): 48'0" (14.63 m)
  • J (Foredeck Length): 19'4" (5.89 m)
  • P (Mainsail Hoist): 41'9" (12.72 m)
  • E (Boom Length): 15'6" (4.72 m)

Configuration, Layout & Cruising Characteristics

Step below and it is easy to see why the Tayana 37 is a liveaboard favourite. The interior features extensive solid teak joinery, creating a warm, ship-like atmosphere. The galley is typically U-shaped and positioned near the companionway for safety at sea, with deep sinks and ample storage for long-range provisioning.

Tayana 37 Accommodation LayoutTayana 37 Accommodation Layout

Tankage is generous, though the original black iron fuel and water tanks are a known age-related concern.

The cockpit is deep and well protected by high coamings, which adds a sense of security when the weather turns foul. However, it is relatively small compared to modern 37-footers, prioritising a larger interior and safer offshore footing over "dockside entertaining" space.

Published Specs: The Tayana 37 Blueprint

Specification Measurement
LOA (Length Overall) 36'8" (11.18 m)
LWL (Waterline Length) 31'0" (9.45 m)
Beam 11'6" (3.51 m)
Draft 5'8" (1.73 m)
Displacement 22,500 lbs (10,206 kg)
Ballast 8,000 lbs (3,629 kg)
Rig Type Cutter (Standard) / Ketch
Hull Material Solid GRP
Production Dates 1975 – 2000+

Performance Analysis: Understanding the Design Ratios

The Tayana 37 is the definition of a "heavy" boat. Its ratios confirm that it was designed for comfort and safety rather than light-wind speed. For more context on these figures, see our guide on Understanding Boat Performance & Design Ratios.

Ratio Value Interpretation
SA/D 15.1 Moderate to Low. Needs more wind to move efficiently.
D/L 337 Heavy Cruiser. High load-carrying capacity for long voyages.
B/D 36% Good stability. Solid resistance to heeling.
CSF 1.63 Excellent. Well below the 2.0 limit for offshore safety.
Comfort Ratio 40.5 Very High. Predictable, easy motion in heavy seas.

The Buyer’s Checklist: Common Problem Areas

If you are considering a Tayana 37, a thorough survey is essential. Look for:

  • Teak Decks: Many were fastened with screws that can leak into the core. Replacing a teak deck is a massive financial undertaking.
  • Iron Fuel Tanks: These are notorious for rusting from the outside in. If they have not been replaced with stainless steel or plastic, budget for it.
  • Chainplates: Check for crevice corrosion where they pass through the deck.
  • Spars: Some older models have wooden spars that require constant varnish and inspection for rot.

Comparison: The Tayana 37 vs The Competition

Compared with the Westsail 32, the Tayana 37 is significantly faster and offers much more interior room. Compared with the Baba 35, another Perry design, the Tayana feels larger and more "ship-like," though the Baba is often cited as having slightly finer finish work.

Set against more modern cruisers like the Island Packet 38, the Tayana offers a more traditional "sailing" feel and a prettier profile, though the Island Packet may offer easier maintenance because it lacks exterior teak.

If you'd like to compare this boat with others in this size range, take a look at Cruising Boats from 35' to 40' overall....

Could this be your ideal cruising boat?

It may well be, but before going any further, it might be worth taking a look at my eBook 'How to Avoid Buying the Wrong Sailboat'...

Summing Up

The Tayana 37 is purpose-built for sailors who intend to go over the horizon. While its heavy displacement and full keel mean it will not win many around-the-buoys races in light air, it provides a level of security and comfort that many modern lightweight production boats cannot match. It requires a diligent owner willing to manage its teak and aging systems, but in return it offers a legendary pedigree and the capability to take you almost anywhere in the world.

This article was written by Dick McClary, RYA Yachtmaster and author of the RYA publications 'Offshore Sailing' and 'Fishing Afloat', member of The Yachting Journalists Association (YJA), and erstwhile member of the Ocean Cruising Club (OCC).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How does the Tayana 37 perform in light winds?

Due to its high displacement and relatively low sail area-to-displacement ratio, it can be sluggish in winds under 10 knots. Most owners rely on a large genoa or cruising chute to keep moving in light air.

Is the Tayana 37 easy to sail single-handed?

Yes, especially in the cutter configuration. The sail plan is broken down into smaller, manageable pieces, and the boat's excellent directional stability allows the helm to be left for short periods without the boat veering off course.

Are there differences between the Taiwan-built hulls and others?

Virtually all Tayana 37s were built at the Ta Yang yard in Taiwan. While the quality of the teak joinery was consistently high, the quality of the stainless steel and electrical systems can vary depending on the original owner's specifications.

Can the iron tanks be removed without cutting the deck?

In many layouts, the tanks were installed before the deck was joined to the hull. This often means the cabinetry or even parts of the cabin sole must be removed or cut to replace the tanks.

What is the realistic cruising speed under power?

Most Tayana 37s are equipped with 30-50hp diesels. You can expect a comfortable cruising speed of 5.5 to 6 knots under power, though the hull shape is prone to "squatting" if pushed too hard.

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