We are seriously considering purchasing a Rafiki 37 (similar to a Tayana 37). I've searched the forums and the Web in general and only found passing references here and there to the boat. There used to be a owners group, but it now appears to be dead.
Any current or past owners here? Any knowledgeable comments would be greatly appreciated. I'm particularly interested in:
- Her general sailing characteristics. Will she move in light airs? How high does she point? How easy does she balance?
- Any thoughts on iron tanks. They currently look good, but...
- Storage capacity. There appears to be plenty of tankage volume and lots of easy storage, but what about bulk storage for those long isolated journeys? Extra sails? Inflatable kayaks? 200 cans of peas?
Finally, I've seen reference to cored hulls, particularly with the Rafiki 35. Does anyone know if the 37 is a cored hull? I'd be surprised given its age (mid-late 70s) and its displacement (13+tons).
Thanks
Any current or past owners here? Any knowledgeable comments would be greatly appreciated. I'm particularly interested in:
- Her general sailing characteristics. Will she move in light airs? How high does she point? How easy does she balance?
- Any thoughts on iron tanks. They currently look good, but...
- Storage capacity. There appears to be plenty of tankage volume and lots of easy storage, but what about bulk storage for those long isolated journeys? Extra sails? Inflatable kayaks? 200 cans of peas?
Finally, I've seen reference to cored hulls, particularly with the Rafiki 35. Does anyone know if the 37 is a cored hull? I'd be surprised given its age (mid-late 70s) and its displacement (13+tons).
Thanks