The Rafiki 37 is a popular sailing boat that was designed by Stan Huntingford and built by the Rafiki Yachts company in Taiwan. It is a bluewater cruising sailboat known for its sturdy construction and comfortable accommodations.
Here are some key features and specifications of the Rafiki 37:
1. Design: The Rafiki 37 has a traditional full-keel design with a moderate displacement hull. It features a long keel, a raked bow, and a canoe stern, which provides stability and excellent tracking ability.
2. Construction: The boat is constructed using solid fiberglass, making it strong and durable. The hull is hand-laid fiberglass, and the deck is cored with marine plywood for added strength.
3. Dimensions: The Rafiki 37 has an overall length of 37 feet (11.3 meters), a beam of 11.5 feet (3.5 meters), and a draft of 5.5 feet (1.7 meters). It has a displacement of around 22,000 pounds (10,000 kilograms).
4. Sailing Performance: The boat is known for its good sailing performance, especially in heavy weather conditions. It has a cutter rig with a large mainsail, a genoa, and a staysail. The cutter rig allows for versatile sail combinations, making it suitable for various wind conditions.
5. Interior Layout: The interior of the Rafiki 37 is spacious and well-designed for comfortable living aboard. It typically features a V-berth cabin in the forward section, a head with shower, a main salon with a settee and a dining table, a well-equipped galley, and a navigation station. There is also a quarter berth aft.
6. Accommodations: The boat can comfortably accommodate up to six people, making it suitable for extended cruising or liveaboard. The interior is finished with teak woodwork, giving it a warm and classic look.
7. Storage: The Rafiki 37 offers ample storage space throughout the boat, including lockers, cabinets, and drawers. This allows for easy organization of personal belongings and provisions during long voyages.
8. Seaworthiness: The Rafiki 37 is known for its seaworthiness and ability to handle rough conditions. Its full-keel design and heavy displacement contribute to its stability and motion comfort, making it a reliable choice for offshore cruising.
Overall, the Rafiki 37 is a well-regarded sailing boat that offers a combination of traditional design, solid construction, and comfortable accommodations. It is favored by many sailors for its seaworthiness and ability to handle long-distance cruising.
