The Beneteau Evasion 37 is a classic motorsailer produced in the early 1980s, designed to combine the best of sailing and motoring for comfortable cruising. Building on the success of its predecessor, the Evasion 36, this model aims at sailors seeking a solid, reliable boat capable of offshore passages with a strong emphasis on comfort and protection from the elements. Its target audience includes couples and small families who enjoy coastal and bluewater cruising without sacrificing liveaboard amenities.
Design and Construction
The Evasion 37 features a full keel with a skeg-hung rudder, which contributes to excellent directional stability and protection for the steering gear. The hull is constructed of fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), typical of Beneteau’s high-quality builds of the era, ensuring durability and relative ease of maintenance. The pilothouse design provides excellent shelter and visibility from inside, enabling comfortable navigation in harsh weather. The ketch rig, standard on many models, allows for flexible sail handling and balanced sail plans in varying wind conditions. The deck layout is practical, with wide side decks and secure handrails enhancing safety.
Performance
This motorsailer performs well for its class, favoring comfort and steady progress over speed. The full keel results in a slower but very stable and seaworthy ride. Under sail, the boat is easy to handle and points adequately but is best appreciated when motoring supplements the sails, especially in light winds or tight maneuvering situations. The pilothouse helm station allows for safe operation during poor weather, while the aft cockpit provides a more traditional sailing experience. The Evasion 37 behaves predictably in rough seas, making it a reassuring choice for cruisers venturing offshore.
Comfort and Accommodations
The interior of the Evasion 37 is spacious and well-thought-out, emphasizing comfort for extended cruising. The pilothouse includes a large salon with panoramic windows that flood the space with natural light and offer excellent visibility. Below decks, the boat typically includes two cabins, a functional galley, and a well-equipped navigation station. Ample headroom and quality wood finishes create a cozy yet practical living environment. Storage is abundant, and the layout supports easy movement and good ergonomics, enhancing liveability on longer voyages.
Safety and Practicality
Safety features on the Evasion 37 are notable, with high bulwarks, strong lifelines, and sturdy handholds throughout the deck. The skeg-hung rudder offers additional protection against underwater hazards, while the full keel provides a strong keel-to-hull bond, increasing durability. Dual helm positions (inside pilothouse and outside cockpit) give sailors options depending on weather and personal preference. The rig and deck hardware are designed for ease of handling, making shorthanded sailing feasible. While not a racer, the boat is well-suited for both coastal cruising and moderate offshore passages.
Conclusion
The Beneteau Evasion 37 is a dependable, comfortable motorsailer tailored for cruisers who prioritize safety, shelter, and versatility over speed. Its strong build, generous interior space, and dual helming stations make it ideal for sailors planning extended voyages or liveaboard lifestyles, especially in variable weather conditions. While it lacks the performance edge of lighter cruisers, the Evasion 37’s strengths in comfort and seaworthiness make it a timeless choice for bluewater-capable cruising sailors.
Specifications
| Hull Type | Keel/Cbrd. |
|---|---|
| Rigging Type | Masthead Ketch |
| LOA | 37.17 ft / 11.33 m |
| LWL | 31.30 ft / 9.54 m |
| Beam | 11.75 ft / 3.58 m |
| Displacement | 17,637.00 lb / 8,000 kg |
| Ballast | 5,000.00 lb / 2,268 kg |
| Max Draft | 7.75 ft / 2.36 m |
| Min Draft | 4.07 ft / 1.24 m |
| Construction | FG |
| First Built | 1980 |
| Builder | Beneteau (FRA) |
| Designer | André Bénéteau |
| Make | Perkins |
| Model | 4-108 |
| Type | Diesel |
| Horsepower | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 75 gals / 284 L |
| Water Capacity | 150 gals / 568 L |
| S.A. / Displ. | 20.67 |
| Bal. / Displ. | 28.35 |
| Disp. / Len. | 256.77 |
| Comfort Ratio | 30.98 |
| Capsize Screening Formula | 1.81 |
| Hull Speed | 7.50 kn |
| Pounds/Inch Immersion | 1,314.10 pounds/inch |
Disclaimer
The considerations and analyses presented regarding the Beneteau Evasion 37 sailboat are of a general nature and are based on the available information and technical data on this model, interpreted to the best of our knowledge and understanding. It is important to note that the specific characteristics of any particular sailboat may vary due to custom modifications, maintenance performed, and conditions of use over time, among other factors. Therefore, the details and performance of the boat you are considering may not exactly match the information provided here.
We strongly recommend that, before making any purchasing or usage decisions, you conduct a detailed inspection of the boat in question, consult with nautical professionals and other sailors, and consider your personal needs, expectations, and capabilities. Each sailboat may have unique particularities that affect its performance and suitability for different types of sailing and sailors.
The information contained in this analysis should be used as a general guide and not as a definitive reference. Professional evaluation and personal inspection are essential to ensure that the boat meets your specific requirements and expectations.