I am looking at these two sailboats....1998 376 and a 1995 37.5....same price range mid 60's.....they are very different....new style vs traditional.....round vs square.....both fractional rig.....376 with a roller main....more of an entertaining boat.....37.5....nice interior wood.......any comments on these two as a comparison?...thanks...also what areas of weakness in each should I be looking at...
376 vs 37.5 Opinions
- Thread starter shavdog
- Start date
Shavdog, I have an H376, '98 for past 5 yrs. and LOVE it. I was first turned-off by "hot tub" cockpit, but it's been very comfortable, easy to move around, etc. The H376 was the Boat of the Year when it came out. Below, you can't beat the pass-thru Master Cabin, NO claustrophobia. Boat is fast, and goes well in light winds of July/Aug on Chesapeake Bay, whilst Beneteaus & Catalinas are standing still. A LOT of Boat for thr money. The open stern makes for easy access to dingy, swim, drainage, etc. I looked at both models, and made RIGHT choice. Fair Winds and Following Seas....... MRF
I purchased my 37.5 for a few reasons over the 376. For me, I hate when the main sheet is mid-boom. On my 37.5, the mainsheet traveler is in the cockpit, and the mainsheet is very close to the end of the boom. This way I can use the vang for mid main shape, and the main sheet for leech tension. Also, my 37.5, the hull and deck are bolted together with a strong aluminum toe rail which I like very much. I very much enjoy the sailing characteristics of my 37.5. For me, I didn't like the layout of the 376 cockpit. As the previous poster called it, the hot-tub cockpit. Also, I didn't like the fixed port-lights all over. I was worried about taking a wave to those, or leaks.
All that said, when I walked onto my current boat, the 1990 37.5, I fell in love. The boat really spoke to me (sound ridiculous). I didn't get the same vibe from the 376 I was on, or for that matter, the 40.5 legend.
The 37.5 fits our family of 5 perfectly, and our two dogs. Also, on my 37.5, the side decks are very wide and makes walking the deck very easy for humans and dogs.
One fine day sailing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gg2pH4D0pRI
Sailing to Annapolis:
https://www.youtbue.com/watch?v=DxtPv3VS-4
Good luck!!!
Ben
All that said, when I walked onto my current boat, the 1990 37.5, I fell in love. The boat really spoke to me (sound ridiculous). I didn't get the same vibe from the 376 I was on, or for that matter, the 40.5 legend.
The 37.5 fits our family of 5 perfectly, and our two dogs. Also, on my 37.5, the side decks are very wide and makes walking the deck very easy for humans and dogs.
One fine day sailing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gg2pH4D0pRI
Sailing to Annapolis:
https://www.youtbue.com/watch?v=DxtPv3VS-4
Good luck!!!
Ben
Shavdog,
Some of the "negative features" of my 37.5 are as follows:
I would have to say that the below decks in my 37.5 can be a bit dark with the smaller port holes. My step son is 6'4" and cannot stand upright below. Also, the aft cabin although a centerline queen berth is a bit like sleeping in cave. I have a 10 inch mattress which leaves just enough clearance to turn while sleeping. At the beginning of each season, i log about 10 head bonks and 10 elbow bonks on the "ceiling" while sleeping until I re-orient. My legend does not have a swim platform, just a ladder and a slanted stern. Initially I liked this for following seas, but.....it is a nuisance to get on and off the boat.
I have 75 gallon fresh water, 25 gal waste and 35 gal diesel. The boat sails so well, I have only spent $54 in diesel in three seasons.
The 376 is similar weight and displacement and most likely has similar sailing characteristics. I agree with John Murphy.....i sail constantly, even when other are at the dock in light Chesapeake winds. In fact, my bets days have been in July and August. I think the 376 may be more spacious and light down below, and has better accommodations than the 37.5.
One last thing, my 37.5 doesn't have a separate stall shower, so when we shower the whole head gets wet. The boats you're looking at are 5 years younger than mine. I suspect things have improved greatly in the 5 years.
I wanted to give you an honest opinion of the negatives of the 37.5 as well as the positives. I most certainly mean no disrespect to John and his 376. That is a great boat. It is a tough choice. For me, it came down to which boat I felt was maintained better, and the 37.5 was the best maintained of the ones I saw. Incidentally, I had to add a 100 amp alternator, a fridge system, and a wheel pilot since she had none of the above. Also, no A/C, and no electric windlass. I use two small stand up portables down below when at a marina.
Good luck!
Some of the "negative features" of my 37.5 are as follows:
I would have to say that the below decks in my 37.5 can be a bit dark with the smaller port holes. My step son is 6'4" and cannot stand upright below. Also, the aft cabin although a centerline queen berth is a bit like sleeping in cave. I have a 10 inch mattress which leaves just enough clearance to turn while sleeping. At the beginning of each season, i log about 10 head bonks and 10 elbow bonks on the "ceiling" while sleeping until I re-orient. My legend does not have a swim platform, just a ladder and a slanted stern. Initially I liked this for following seas, but.....it is a nuisance to get on and off the boat.
I have 75 gallon fresh water, 25 gal waste and 35 gal diesel. The boat sails so well, I have only spent $54 in diesel in three seasons.
The 376 is similar weight and displacement and most likely has similar sailing characteristics. I agree with John Murphy.....i sail constantly, even when other are at the dock in light Chesapeake winds. In fact, my bets days have been in July and August. I think the 376 may be more spacious and light down below, and has better accommodations than the 37.5.
One last thing, my 37.5 doesn't have a separate stall shower, so when we shower the whole head gets wet. The boats you're looking at are 5 years younger than mine. I suspect things have improved greatly in the 5 years.
I wanted to give you an honest opinion of the negatives of the 37.5 as well as the positives. I most certainly mean no disrespect to John and his 376. That is a great boat. It is a tough choice. For me, it came down to which boat I felt was maintained better, and the 37.5 was the best maintained of the ones I saw. Incidentally, I had to add a 100 amp alternator, a fridge system, and a wheel pilot since she had none of the above. Also, no A/C, and no electric windlass. I use two small stand up portables down below when at a marina.
Good luck!
Thanks For The Information
Thanks for your opinions....owners responses are a good source of information...thanks again
Thanks for your opinions....owners responses are a good source of information...thanks again