valiant 37 sailboat

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Bluewater Sailboat – Valiant Esprit 37

Also called: esprit 37, nordic esprit 37, valiant 37, line drawing of the valiant esprit 37 sailboat.

The Valiant Esprit 37 is a yacht with a lot of names. Some referred to her as the Nordic Esprit 37 because Nordic built her when Valiant Yachts first announced her as the “Esprit 37” in 1977.

Later, when Valiant was owned by Uniflite, she was renamed the “Valiant 37,” and after further time passed and Valiant changed hands once more, the boat eventually became the Valiant 39 after being given a bowsprit that added two extra feet to its length. Despite the different names, the boat takes inspiration from its larger stablemate, the now quite legendary Valiant 40.

Owners of Valiant Esprit 37s have reported the boat’s quick and nimble go-anywhere performance, a sea-friendly ride, and a well-designed interior.

• LOA: 37′ 0″
• LWL: 31′ 7″
• Beam: 11′ 5″
• Draft Std: 5′ 9″
• Draft Shoal: 4′ 9″
• Displacement: 17,000 lbs
• Ballast: 6,600 lbs
• Sail Area: 667 sqft
• Water: 90 US. Gal. (340 l.)
• Fuel: 44 US. Gal. (166 l.)
• Engine: Westerbeke 30 hp diesel
• Designer: Robert H. Perry
• Year Introduced: 1977
• Builder: Nordic Yachts –  Uniflite – Valiant Yachts

1976, need of smaller boat

Valiant Yachts was searching for two smaller yachts in 1976, three years after the Valiant 40’s phenomenally successful launch, in order to expand their product line. One of these boats was to be the Valiant Esprit 37. The business once more tapped into the brilliance of Bob Perry, who applied the same magical Valiant 40 recipe to a 37-foot hull with a slimmer cabin trunk and a lighter interior.

Valiant chose a new manufacturer with significant ties to Uniflite, a business called Nordic Yachts, to build the boat instead of going with Uniflite, which was at the time making the Valiant 40. It was managed by Steve Nordvelt, who was also the son of Uniflite’s original founder and had previously worked in the company’s contracts division.

1977, the launch of Espirit 37

Valiant Yachts introduced and sold the vessel in 1977 under the name “Esprit 37,” however occasionally you can see yachts inadvertently listed in used boat listings as “Nordic Esprit” 37s.

1980, Uniflite era

After Uniflite bought Valiant in the early 1980s, manufacturing of the Esprit 37 was transferred to the Uniflite facility, and the boat was given the new name “Valiant 37.” The Valiant 40s suffered from non-osmotic blistering problems, including above- and below-waterline blistering that was typically cosmetic in nature, which also affected the Valiant 37s produced during the Uniflite era. Hetron, a fire retardant resin, interacted with the glass fibre layup and resulted in blistering.

1982-84, the evolution

It wasn’t until 1982–1984 that the usage of isophthalic resin provided a long-lasting solution to this issue. By this point, Valiant had changed hands once more, and Texas had replaced Seattle, Washington, as the location of production. The streamlined cabin trunk of the Valiant 37 gradually gave place to a boxy one that better matched the Valiant 40/42, and the internal layout was changed. Eventually, the Valiant 37 evolved into the Valiant 39. However most notably, the 39’s rig was modified to include a 2 foot bowsprit, giving the boat a 2 foot increase in LOA.

A total of 50 Valiant 37s were produced; as of 2000, five Valiant 39s were listed by the registrant at valiant-owners.org.

The 37 is a sturdy boat, just like all of the Valiant models. The hull is constructed by hand using the same 1.5-ounce fiberglass matt between layers of 24-ounce weave as the Valiant 40. A half-inch layer of closed-cell foam lining the interior of the hull above the waterline provides acoustic and thermal insulation; this thermal barrier has the benefit of lowering moisture buildup inside the hull.

With a through-bolt join, the fiberglass deck with balsa coring is firmly attached to the hull. All through-deck fittings were fastened to backing plates made of aluminum.

Owners claim that little differences exist between each Nordic-built boat, such as where the bulkhead is located in the V-berth.

Stainless wire rigging was used in older boats, although high-performance rod rigging was an option on newer boats.

 Above Deck

The beautiful sheer and canoe stern, in addition to potentially a more powerful tumblehome, are shared by the smaller Valiant Esprit 37 and its larger Valiant 40 stablemate. LWL has a respectable speed advantage thanks to the small overhangs. A cruising fin keel and skeg-hung rudder are found below the waterline. The 37 is more agile through the tacks than the Valiant 40 because the underside of the hull is a little flatter.

On the deck, the Valiant 40’s traditional boxy appearance is replaced by a sleek, sloped cabin design. The mast is rather tall, and it has a cutter rig with a mainsail with a high aspect on a short boom that was significantly inspired by IOR ocean racers of the day. Unfortunately, the shrouds extend really far aft, preventing the boom from efficiently swinging wide to catch downwind air. Back to the cockpit’s safety and comfort, all control wires are connected.

Now you can also precisely calculate the expenses related to boat ownership to make smart choices based on your budget and sailing needs. Use this bluewater Sailboat Calculator to explore different options and make the best decision.

Below Deck 

The layout below the deck is best defined as well-designed and functional. Stowage space is more than sufficient for prolonged cruising. As you descend the companionway, you will see a highly practical U-shaped galley to the port and a seaworthy quarter berth with a generously sized navigation station to the starboard. A single berth sofa is located across from an L-shaped couch that may be converted into a double berth further forward to the port. The cabin table, which can comfortably accommodate six people, folds up against a bulkhead to create more space, but the keel-stepped mast does slightly obstruct this space.

The head compartment is located in the port and is located between the main saloon and the V-berth. It features a separate shower cubicle with pressurized hot and cold water. Even in this location, there are smart storage spaces, such as an additional room beneath the shower bench covered by a watertight access cover. The master cabin is formed by the reasonably expansive V-berth, which has many drawers and a sizable hanging locker.

Accessible Engine

Under the companionway stairs, the engine is extremely easily accessible. The newer 39 has a 35hp Westerbeke diesel as standard, compared to the 37’s 30hp. The 30hp Weterbekes, according to owner Steve Long, only produce 30hp at 3000 RPM for the first hour of operation before being limited to 2500 RPM, which produces 25hp. With Beta 37.5 hp engines, which offer more practical power, many owners have repowered their boats.

 Performance

The 37, like its larger Valiant 40 stablemate, is incredibly quick for a boat of its size. They are well-balanced, quick to tack, and all-around highly nimble boats. The cockpit of the boat is extremely dry, and it is simple to single-hand.

The Valiant Esprit 37 is extremely close-winded in the weather, helped by its high aspect rig and mainsail’s high lift capacity. Due to the position of the shrouds, some owners complain that the boat is a touch slow downwind because the mainsail does not swing out very widely. Other spinnaker pilots claim outstanding performance.

In addition to being successful upwind, sailors also perform well in light air. The 37 may move more quickly than a Valiant 40 in fair conditions, according to Perry. One owner reported travelling 115 miles per day over the course of a 22-day voyage in primarily modest trade winds of 12 knots; their boat arrived 7 days sooner than another 42-foot medium displacement cruiser.

The boat keeps its cool and provides a smooth motion for its crew as the surface is rough, which is one of Valiants’ prominent features.

  Quick Notes

The “Valiant 37,” which Uniflite produced, has the same non-osmotic blister issues as the Valiant 40. Uniflite boats from the 1980s to 1982 are thought to have the affected hulls. Later boats converted to isophthalic resin, which is resistant to non-osmotic blistering, perhaps between 1982 and 1984. The early Nordic boats are thus unaffected.

Preventions

• Check for leaks and evidence of delamination around the chainplates on older boats.
• The aluminium gasoline tanks have not held up well over time, and they need to be examined for leaks. Aluminum water tanks are also found on some yachts; pay particular attention to these as well.
• Some boats use rod rigging, in which case having a rigger check for stress cracks may be beneficial.

Engine Installation

Examine the engine installation; some boats have replaced smaller, less effective engines with larger, more effective ones, but in certain cases, the companionway has been pulled forward, resulting in less cabin space.

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• Sailboat Guide

1978 Nordic Esprit 37

• Description

Seller's Description

bluewaterboats.org/valiant-esprit-37

1978 Nordic Esprit 37 aka Valiant 37. Well maintained with Phasor Marine 42hp (Kubota engine) (1999) has been meticulously maintained, dual fuel tanks. The boat has seen many upgrades throughout the years. Insulated hull, with new light wood panels. Updated headliner. New added lockers mid-ships along with a bookshelf and a comfortable extra wide berth. Clean grey modern cushion fabrics. Clear portlights (replaced in 2007) with new anodized aluminum frames.

Separate shower stall with thermostat controlled hot water mixer. Shower sump pump. Solar powered fan. Updated holding tank with larger capacity. New macerator pump and hoses. New fridge compressor and evaporator in ice box. PUR Watermaker 80. New standing rigging lowers (2017) and new chain plates. Radar, SSB, Pactor modem, wind, depth, speed.

SeaTiger 555 windlass with 150ft ⅜ chain. Spade anchor.

MORE Photos: photos.app.goo.gl/9j1jQmWtPBR45RKq7

Equipment: Hard dodger with 4x40W solar panels MPPT charge controller Radar - JRC 2000 Air X-Marine, wind turbine with blue blades replaced in 2018 Refrigeration unit replaced - 2018 2- propane tanks, (x & x size) Dickinson Diesel heater Flox-o-fold Propeller, 2 blade. Inner forestay Monitor Wind Steering Stereo with bluetooth Auto-pilot - G-Pilot 3100 with below deck GPS - Furuno Wind instrument. SSB SEA 235 with optional cooling fan for digital transmission. Swim Ladder - stainless steel Water maker. PUR 80E Lifesling Cockpit Sunshade Teak cup holder SeaBQue BBQ (2018)

Sails: Asymmetrical spinnaker (orange/yellow) Drifter on separate furler (purple/white) 140% Elvstrom genoa Staysail Full batten main w/ 3 reefs (2015) Sea Anchor Lazy-jacks Spinnaker pole

Not included: Outboard engine Dinghy Cockpit table

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

From BlueWaterBoats.org :

The Valiant Esprit 37 is a boat of many names, literally. When first introduced as the “Esprit 37” by Valiant Yachts in 1977 she was built by a company called Nordic so some called her the Nordic Esprit 37. Later when Valiant changed hands to Uniflite, she was rechristened the “Valiant 37”, and over time and another change of Valiant ownership, the boat evolved into the Valiant 39 with the addition of a bowsprit that gave it two extra feet of length. Names aside, the boat draws much from its larger stablemate, the now almost legendary Valiant 40 , and certainly owners of Valiant Esprit 37s have reported brisk and nimble go-anywhere performance, a seakindly ride, and an interior that is well thought out.

In 1976, three years on from the incredibly successful launch of the Valiant 40, Valiant Yachts was on the lookout for two smaller yachts to diversify their offerings. The Valiant Esprit 37 was to be one of these boats. The company once again used the genius of Bob Perry, who drew on the same magic Valiant 40 formula and applied it to a 37ft hull; this time sporting a sleeker cabin trunk and a brighter interior.

To build the boat, Valiant opted not to go with Uniflite who at the time were producing the Valiant 40, instead Valiant chose a new company with strong ties to Uniflite; a company called Nordic Yachts. It was headed up by Steve Nordvelt who had worked in the contracts department of Uniflite and also happened to be the son of of the original founder of Uniflite.

The boat was introduced in 1977 and sold by Valiant Yachts in that time as the “Esprit 37”, however you can sometimes boats improperly marked as “Nordic Esprit” 37s in used boat listings.

Around 1980, Uniflite acquired Valiant and production of the Esprit 37 was moved to the Uniflite factory and the boat was re-dubbed the “Valiant 37”. The Valiant 37s built during the Uniflite era were hampered by the same non-osmotic blistering issues that plagued the Valiant 40s; blistering above and below the waterline, usually cosmetic in nature. The blistering was caused by the use of a fire retardant resin called Hetron interacting with the glass fiber layup.

It wasn’t until some time around 1982-84 that this problem was permanently solved by the use of isophthalic resin. By this time, Valiant was again under new ownership and production shifted from Seattle, Washington to Texas. The Valiant 37 eventually evolved into the Valiant 39, with new a deck molding; the sleek cabin trunk giving way to a boxy one better matching the Valiant 40/42 as well as a revised interior layout. Perhaps more prominently, the 39 had its rig was redesigned to include a 2ft bowsprit which gives the boat 2ft of additional LOA.

In total 50 Valiant 37s were built, as of 2000 the registrar at valiant-owners.org list five Valiant 39s.

Boat Configuration and Layout

The Valiant Esprit 37 shares similar lines with its larger Valiant 40 stablemate, the same graceful sheer and canoe stern with perhaps a more aggressive tumblehome. The overhangs are relatively small making for a decent speed endowing LWL. Below the waterline is a cruising fin keel and skeg-hung rudder. The underside of the hull is a little flatter than the Valiant 40 which contributes to the 37 being more nimble through the tacks.

On deck the cabin trunk departs from the old boxy look of the Valiant 40 in favor of a sleek raked cabin profile. The mast is relatively tall and sports a cutter rig with a high aspect mainsail on a small boom, a design heavily influenced by IOR ocean racers of the time. The shrouds come quite far aft which unfortunately inhibits the boom from swinging wide to catch downwind air effectively. All control lines are routed back to the safety and comfort of the cockpit.

Below deck, the best words that describe the layout are well thought out and functional. There is more than adequate stowage areas for extended cruising. Descending from the companionway, there is a very functional U-shaped galley to port and to starboard is a seagoing quarter berth with comfortably sized navigation station. Further forward to port is a L-shaped settee which can convert to a double berth, opposite is a single berth settee. The cabin table is large enough to seat 6 spaciously and stows away against a bulkhead which opens up the area nicely, however the keel stepped mast does intrude slightly into this area.

Between the main saloon and the V-berth is the head compartment to port, it has a separate shower stall running pressurized hot and cold water. Even here there are clever stowage areas including extra space below the shower seat under a waterproof access cover. The V-berth forms the master cabin and is relatively spacious with lots of drawers and a generously sized hanging locker.

Access to the engine under the companionway stairs is very good.  The 37 comes standard with a 30hp Westerbeke diesel, while the newer 39 has a 35hp. Owner Steve Long notes the  30hp Weterbekes are only “30hp @3000RPM” in the first hour after which they are supposed to be run at a maximum of 2500 RPM delivering 25hp. Many owners have repowered with Beta 37.5 hp engines which provide a more useful amount of power.

Construction

Like all the Valiant boats, the 37 is solidly built. The hull is uses the same  hand layup as the Valiant 40 with 1.5 ounce fiberglass matt between layers of 24 ounce weave. Above the waterline lining the interior of the hull, is a half-inch layer of closed cell foam which provides acoustic and thermal insulation; this thermal barrier has the advantage of reducing condensation build up on the inside of the hull.

The deck is fiberglass with balsa coring and is solidly attached to the hull with a through-bolt join. All through-deck fittings bolted onto aluminium backing plates.

Owners report that the Nordic built boats vary slightly between boat to boat, such as the location of the bulkhead in the V-berth.

Early boats used stainless wire rigging while later boats had the option for high performance rod rigging.

Like its larger Valiant 40 stablemate, the 37 is remarkably fast for a boat of its relative size.  They are nicely balanced boats, quick through the tack and generally very nimble. The boat’s cockpit is remarkably dry and the boat is easy to single hand.

To weather the Valiant Esprit 37 is unusually close-winded, aided by its high aspect rig with a mainsail that produces a lot of lift. Downwind some owners report the boat being a little slow because the mainsail does not swing very wide due to the location of the shrouds. Others flying spinnakers report fantastic performance.

In addition to strong upwind performance another area of strength is in light airs. Perry himself has noted the 37 can be quicker than a Valiant 40 in light weather. One owner reported 115 mile days over a 22 day passage in mainly light 12 knot trade winds, their boat came in 7 days quicker than another 42ft medium displacement cruiser.

As conditions become heavy the hallmarks of Valiants come into play, the boat continues to maintain its composure delivering a comfortable motion for its crew.

Buyers Notes

• The Uniflite built “Valiant 37” suffers from the same non-osmotic blister problems as the Valiant 40. It is believed the hulls affected are Uniflite boats of around 1980-82. Later boats, most likely, 1982-84 onwards, switched to isophthalic resin which are immune from non-osmotic blistering. Early boats built by Nordic are also unaffected.
• Earlier boats had weak chainplates, check for leaks and signs of delamination around these areas.
• The aluminum fuel tanks have not aged well and should be checked for signs of leaking. Some boats also have aluminum water tanks, check these closely as well.
• Some boats have rod rigging, in which case it may pay to call in a rigger to inspect for stress cracks.
• Check the engine installation; some boats have substituted larger more useful engines, however on some installations the companionway has been moved forward resulting less cabin space.

As of 2010, at the time of writing, there a not many Valiant Esprit 37 / Valiant 39s on offer. Asking price for 37s range from $80k-$170k depending on year and condition and there is a 1997 Valiant 39 asking $189k.

Links, References and Further Reading

» Valiant Yachts official site, Valiant 37 information » Valiant Owners Association » Cruising World Magazine, Valiant 39 review . » Yahoo Groups, Valiant Sailboat Owners Group

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VALIANT 37 Detailed Review

If you are a boat enthusiast looking to get more information on specs, built, make, etc. of different boats, then here is a complete review of VALIANT 37. Built by Uniflite Inc. (USA) and designed by Robert Perry, the boat was first built in 1977. It has a hull type of Fin with rudder on skeg and LOA is 11.28. Its sail area/displacement ratio 16.20. Its auxiliary power tank, manufactured by Westerbeke, runs on Diesel.

VALIANT 37 has retained its value as a result of superior building, a solid reputation, and a devoted owner base. Read on to find out more about VALIANT 37 and decide if it is a fit for your boating needs.

Boat Information

Boat specifications, sail boat calculation, rig and sail specs, auxillary power tank, contributions, who designed the valiant 37.

VALIANT 37 was designed by Robert Perry.

Who builds VALIANT 37?

VALIANT 37 is built by Uniflite Inc. (USA).

When was VALIANT 37 first built?

VALIANT 37 was first built in 1977.

How long is VALIANT 37?

VALIANT 37 is 9.63 m in length.

What is mast height on VALIANT 37?

VALIANT 37 has a mast height of 13.41 m.

Member Boats at HarborMoor

Jamie Birch

Preferred yachts.

1-317-750-8664

[email protected]

1979 Valiant 37' Esprit 37

1979 valiant, 37' (11.28m) esprit 37 -.

• St. Petersburg Florida United States
• Fiberglass Hull

New Bottom Paint !

$ 50,000 usd, € 46,427 euros € 67,504 cad.

• EMAIL BROKER 1-317-750-8664
• TEXT MESSAGE BROKER

Description

PRICED TO SELL!!

You don't want to miss out on this special BLUE WATER CRUISER!!

*Teak interior sanded and varnished* *New cabin and cockpit cushions* *New V-berth mattress* *New cabin sole* *New ceiling panels* *Sails refurbished every other year* *New S/S fuel tank* *2007 - Hull Awlgrip Flag Blue with Red cove and boot stripes* *2016 - New Isinglass Panels* *2018 - Fresh Bottom Job*

This Valiant 37 is a MUST-SEE!!

The Valiant 37 Esprit is a Bob Perry designed blue water cruiser. Also know as a Nordic 37, and later Known as Valiant 39. This 1979 model is one of the "good years" Pre-Uniflight. It was built at the Nordic Shipyard in Bellingham, Washington. The Valiant was recognized by blue water Captain and author John Kretschmer in his book Sailing a Serious Ocean . It is on his short list of boats that any serious sailor should consider buying, along with the Contessa 32, Pacific Seacraft 34, Pretorian 35, Cape Dory/Robinhood 36, Prout Snowgoose 37, Alajuela 38, Privlidge 39, FReya 39, Passport 40, Baba 40, Hallberg Rassy 42, Taswell 43, Hylas 44, Norsman 447, Beneteau 456, Outbound 44, Hylas 46, Kaufman 47, Tayana 48, Hylas 49, Amel Marmu 53, and the Sunseer 60/64.

LOA: 37' " (11.28 Meters)

Type: Sail - Used

Beam: 11' 4"

Draft Max: 5' 10"

Single Berths: 2

Double Berths: 2

Maximum Speed: 8 Knots

Cruise Speed: 7 Knots

• Fuel Type: Diesel

Hull Material: Fiberglass

Fuel Tank: 38 Gallons ( Liters)

Fresh Water: 100 Gallons ( Liters)

Holding Tank: 20 Gallons ( Liters)

Designer: Robert Perry

Builder: Valiant/Nordic

Photos    click to view all

Line drawing 1

Line drawing 2

• Engine Make: Westerbeke
• Engine Model: 30B
• Engine Year: 1979
• Engine Type: Inboard
• Drive Type: Direct
• Hours: 3450.00

Full Details

Recent updates.

Updates in 2003 include:

• Teak interior sanded and varnished
• New cabin and cockpit cushions
• New V-berth mattress
• New cabin sole
• New ceiling panels
• Sails refurbished every other year
• 1999 - New S/S fuel tank
• 2007 - Hull Awlgrip Flag Blue with Red cove and boot stripes
• 2016 - New Isinglass Panels   
• 2018 - Fresh Bottom Job

Galley -  U-Shaped galley located port side

S/S Hillebrand 2-Burner Gimbaled Propane stove and oven

Propane solenoid shut-off controller

Two Aluminum Propane tanks stored in self draining cockpit locker

Hot and cold pressure water

Top-Loading Refrigerator/Freezer 12V, Adler-Barbour Super Cold Machine

In-Laid wooden cutting board cover over large storage bin

Full 6 piece dinnerware set, utensils, drink-ware, and wine glasses

Pots/Pans/Baking dishes and cooking utensils

Sails and Rigging

 Sails and rigging.

• Sail area 667 sq. ft.
• Doyle Stack Pac. With Lazy Jacks
• 150 Genoa by Wilson and Silby
• Hood Roller Furler
• Cruising Spinnaker in a Dousing sock

Ground Tackle

• Simpson-Lawrence Electric Windlass w/ line and chain gypsies
• 2 Delta 35# Plow Anchors each with 100' Chain and 100' Nylon rode
• Fortress 23 with 100' of Nylon rode
• Dual SS Anchor rollers

Upgraded  Electrical System , set up for "off the grid" living - Includes:

• 85 watt solar panels with smart controller and regulator.
• Hear Interface 2000W Inverter with Link 2000 Controller and Display,
• 4 6 volt Deep cycle batteries. (2014)
• 1 Group 27 Deep Cycle Battery
• 12V Led Anchor & cabin lights
• Balmar Engine-Driven 150A Alternator
• Balmar Max-Charge Multi-Stage Regulator
• 12V Adler-Barbour Super-Cold Machine Refrigeration
• 12V pressure H/C water with spare pump
• 12V Simpson-Lawrence Anchor Windlass
• 12V Bilge Pumps
• 120V AC Electrical system
• 15,000 BTU CruiseAir A/C System with SMX Digital Control
• 30 amp, 120 volt Battery Charger

Electronics

Raymarine ST 4000+ Autopilot (interfaced with Garmin 182C GPS)

Garmin 182C with charts,

Garmin GPS 76 with Laptop Interface (Laptop not included)

Interphase forward looking depth sounder

Standard-Horizon digital depth sounder

Standard-Horizon wind speed and direction

Standard-Horizon digital boat speed

Uniden ES VHF w/ DSC and Wireless Remote Mic

Sitex GPS receiver

WeatherFax 2000

GlobalStar GPS-1600 Tri-Mode Satellite Phone

Globalfix Epirb

Binnacle Compass at Helm

Kenwood Stereo and 6-CD Changer with 2 interior and 2  (cockpit speakers need to be wired)

Hull and Deck

Like all the Valiant boats, this 1979 Valiant Esprit 37 is solidly built. The hull uses a hand layup with 1.5 ounce fiberglass mat between layers of 24 ounce weave. Above the waterline, lining the interior of the hull, is a half-inch layer of closed-cell foam which provides acoustic and thermal insulation. This thermal barrier has the advantage of reducing condensation build up on the inside of the hull.

The deck is fiberglass with balsa coring and is solidly attached to the hull with a through-bolt join. All through-deck fittings are bolted onto aluminum backing plates. The rigging is all high-performance rod rigging and has been regularly inspected and updated.

The Valiant Esprit 37 sports a graceful sheer and canoe stern with an aggressive tumblehome. The overhangs are relatively small making for a decent speed-endowing LWL. Below the waterline is a cruising fin keel and skeg-hung rudder. The underside of the hull was designed flatter than other sailing vessels which contributes to the Valiant Esprit 37 being more nimble through the tacks.

On deck the cabin trunk has a sleek profile. The decks and cockpit surfaces are all installed with heavy duty non-skid material. The mast is manageable at 55 and has a sloop rig (with option of converting to a cutter rig), with a high aspect mainsail on a small boom, a design heavily influenced by IOR ocean racers. All control lines are routed back to the safety and comfort of the cockpit.

The hull was repainted with Awlgrip Flag Blue paint in 2007 and carries a high-luster shine, complemented by the racing-red cove and boot stripes. The exterior canvas, all navy Sunbrella, has been rebuilt or replaced. In 2016 new eisinglass panels were built with covers that protect the eisinglass when not under sail. The cockpit has full eisinglass enclosed panels with changeable mosquito netting panels.

Well-equipped for offshore cruising; this Valiant 37 Esprit Sloop has the following equipment and systems on-deck:

• Simpson-Lawrence 12V Windlass with line and chain gypsies

• 2 @ Delta 35# Plow Anchors each with 100' Chain & 100' of Nylon Rode

• Fortress 23 Anchor with 100' Chain & 100' of Nylon Rode

• Dual SS Anchor Rollers

• SS Dinghy Davits_Stern-mounted e-SS Dinghy Outboard Hoist

• Dinghy Outboard Motor Mount on Stern rail

• 4 @ hinged cockpit seats with storage lazarettes below

• Closed-cell Cockpit Cushions

• SS Stanchions with Double Lifelines

• Boarding Gates with SS Pelican Hooks, Port & Starboard near Cockpit e—TreadMaster Non-Skid Decking e-Sunbrella Bimini & Dodger with Connector, U-Zip Vinyl Windows (2016) & SS Frames •-Zippered Vinyl & Insect Screen Cockpit Enclosures c-LifeSling M.O.B. System

• Aluminum Toe Rail - including Transom

• Teak Sunbrella-Covered Grab Rails on Cabintop

• 2 @ Dorades above Salon

• 7 @ Opening Portlights

• 2 @ Opening Deck Hatches

• 4 @ Fixed Teak-Trimmed Salon Windows

Brokers comments

The Valiant 37 Esprit is a Bob Perry designed blue water cruiser. Also know as a Nordic 37, and later Known as Valiant 39. This 1979 model is one of the "good years" Pre-Uniflite. It was built at the Nordic Shipyard in Bellingham,Washington. The Valiant was recognized by Blue water Captain and author John Kretschmer in his book Sailing a Serious Ocean . It is on his short list of boats that any serious sailor should consider buying, along with the Contessa 32, Pacific Seacraft 34, Pretorian 35, Cape Dory/Robinhood 36, Prout Snowgoose 37, Alajuela 38, Privilege 39, Freya 39, Passport 40, Baba 40, Hallberg Rassy 42, Taswell 43, Hylas 44, Norseman 447, Beneteau 456, Outbound 44, Hylas 46, Kaufman 47, Tayana 48, Hylas 49, Amel Maramu 53, and the Sunseeker 60/64.      

If you are looking for a fast safe good looking Blue Water cruiser this is it.  

Preferred Yachts offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice. Co-Brokerage Agreement Preferred Yachts offers this listing on a 50-50 split with corresponding Florida licensed brokerages. Brokers unlicensed in Florida must contact listing broker to make arrangements that comply with Florida law.

Contact Broker

For more information about this yacht please contact Jamie Birch. We look forward to working with you!

Want more information about this yacht?

Dream Makers & Yacht Brokers Since 1984.

Licensed and Bonded Professional Yacht Broker

Jamie Birch grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana, and graduated from Indiana University in May of 2013 with her bachelor’s degree in marketing. After graduation, she moved down to St. Petersburg, Florida to pursue her dream of working and living on the water. Jamie grew up boating with family friends on various lakes in Michigan, where she first developed her love for boating and the water. With an education and background in sales and marketing, as well as two sales-related internships in college, she decided to gear her sales and marketing experience towards something she loves. Jamie has been a full time yacht broker since 2013.

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One important thing to know about the Esprit/Valiant 37 is that Bob Perry “drew the boat for myself. It’s the boat I wanted.” He owned hull number 1,  Ricky Nelson , for three years on Puget Sound. On the heels of the Valiant 40, the Esprit quickly established a reputation as a good all-around performer and a seaworthy passagemaker.

Thistle , hull number 136, is proof of that offshore capability. The owners have sailed it from the Pacific Northwest to New Zealand and back, plus two round trip circumnavigations of Moresby Island in the Queen Charlottes (Haida Gwaii) combined with three full circumnavigations of Vancouver Island.  Thistle  is equipped for offshore with self-steering gear, solar panel, and an intermediate stay with runners, among a full complement of cruising gear.

The boat spent its early life in Maine. When the current owners bought it in 1993, they shipped it to the Valiant factory in Texas, where builder and Valiant Yachts  owner Rich Worstell oversaw a refit, bringing it up to the current standards. It was then shipped to the Pacific Northwest.

Thistle ’s proven its voyaging capability, is well maintained, and is equipped to do it again.

Interior Accommodations

Because Bob Perry designed it for himself, two of the interior highlights are 6’7” headroom and a spacious galley. The quality interior joinery provides a warm and comfortable feel. Lockers and floorboards are all securely fastened for comfort at sea.

Starting forward, the V-berth features 6’8” berths with a seat between that serves as a good step-up point. The hull sides throughout the boat are lined with teak. Shelves are to port and starboard with removable rails. There is a locker with shelves to starboard and a hanging locker just aft of it. To port there are four drawers, providing plenty of storage for personal gear.

Moving aft to port, the head has a separate shower stall with a seat, rare for a boat of this size and vintage. The keel-stepped mast nestles unobtrusively next to the fold-down table.

The main salon features and L-shaped dinette to port, plus cabinetry and a settee to starboard. For extra accessible storage space during passagemaking,  Thistle  has a divider that holds gear inside the “L.” There are hinged leeboards both to port and starboard, laying flat under the cushions when not being used.  Lockers line both hull sides.

The U-shaped galley is to port, with generous storage in lockers for dishes and dry goods. An approximately 10 cubic foot icebox is on the aft side of the galley, while the sink and dry goods lockers are on the forward side. Every inch of spaced is used, including three drawers facing inboard and a small locker tucked in the aft outboard corner of the galley. The navigation station is to starboard along with the 6’5” quarter berth

Wallas 30 Dt diesel heater, forced airducts in V-berth and main salon

Gas Systems Regal 2 4-burner gimbaled propane stove with oven

(13) Marinebeam LED interior red/white dome lights

PYI floor anchors for 6 cabin sole bilge-access boards

Hinged teak leeboards in settee berths and quarter berth, canvas lee cloths in V-berth-port, starboard, and centerline

Salt water foot pump in galley

Fresh water foot pumps in galley and head

Icebox (10 cu. ft.) drains to bilge

(12) teak retaining fiddles for shelves and other storage

130 gallons fresh water in 2 stainless tanks, 65-gallons each, with removable inspection ports.

Double galley sinks

Seagull IV fresh water filter in galley

Pressure water to head, shower, and galley with accumulator tank

Raritan PHII head with 20-gallon holding tank and Y-valve

6-gallon hot water heater (engine or shore power)

Separate shower stall in head

Shower sump pump discharge over board with strainer

Salt water washdown pump with deck hose access

50-foot fresh water hose

20-lb propane tank in cockpit lazarette with overboard drain

Xintex S2-A propane detector/solenoid access panel in galley

(3) Fixed mount bilge pumps(3), all with separate through hull discharges (no T- junctions)

Rule 2000 electric bilge pump with float switch

One manual bilge pump in cabin

Electronics and Navigation

Autohelm ST5000 autopilot integrated with Sea-Talk navigation instruments

Raynav 300 GPS master unit at chart table

Raynav ST 60 multi-data, wind, depth and speed

Raynav ST 60 autopilot control mounted in pedestal pod

Standard Horizon GX-2100 VHF fixed mount with AIS at navigation station

West Marine submersible handheld VHF radio

Electrical Systems

Two 60-amp Volvo alternators

(4) Odyssey12-volt AGM batteries, Group 31(100AH each) in two banks, with meters

Original Sam Dick Industries electrical panel with 18 DC circuits and 7 AC circuits

Cole-Hersee battery bank selector switch

Protech 1240i Plus AC battery charger

120-watt solar panel welded to dodger top, with charging voltage regulator 200-watt Whisper inverter

Cigarette lighter DC plugs in cockpit and navigationstation

Guest model 260 12-volt searchlight

30-amp SmartPlug AC inlet in cockpit with galvanic isolator

50’ shore power cord

Extension cord and shore power adapters

Mechanical Systems

Volvo MD 2040 D 40hp diesel with 1347 hours (repowered 2005)

Volvo 130-S-A saildrive, 2.47:1 reduction Maxprop18″ 3-blade MaxProp feathering prop(18x11L) (2005)

(2) Racor 500 FGSS primary fuel filters in parallel

Vetus water lift muffler

H2 Out fuel tank vent line filter

Engine compartment blower

Engine spares including filters, belts, impeller et. al.

Spare hull, shaft, and prop zincs

36-gallon aluminum fuel tank with 6″ removable access port and companionway gauge

Enclosed storage space for 16 5-gallon jerry jugs secured below decks

Deck and Hull

The hull is solid, hand-laid glass and the deck is balsa-cored for lightness and strength. While osmotic blistering has been a problem in some of these boats,  Thistle ’s hull was refurbished at the Texas factory in 1993 and then peeled and re-glassed at Northwest Marine Center in 2020.

The deck was fitted with Vetus “Happy Elephant” nonskid in 2016.The side decks are wide and easy to move around on. There are genoa tracks on the side decks and on the cabintop for smaller headsails. The cockpit is comfortable and secure for offshore passages.

CapeHorn wind vane self-steering system with spares

Edson pedestal chain/cable quadrant steering

Yacht Specialties 36” wheel

Emergency tiller with pedestal clearanceRitchieGlobemaster5″binnaclecompass

(2) Lewmar Ocean Series hatches

(6) Hood custom opening ports

(4) Diamond Sea Glaze cabin windows

(4) Dorade deck vents and caps

Original teak companionway boards

Heavy ¾” plexiglass offshore companionway boards

(9) mosquito screens

Vetus “Happy Elephant” nonskid tread on deck

Artful Dodger frame and Sunbrella dodger, canvas replaced

Detachable cockpit awning, zips to aft edge of dodger

Sunbrella mainsail cover and staysail bag

Manual bilge pump in cockpit

Simpson Lawrence 555 Seatiger two-speed manual windlass

CQR 45-lb plow anchor with swivel

275 feet 5/16″ HT G4 chain in forepeak locker beneath windlass

Nylon three-strand snubber

300 feet 5/8″braided nylon rode

150 feet ½” nylon three strand with 20 feet ¼” chain Fortress FX-16 anchor and swivel

Spare anchor shackles and swivels

Sails and Rigging

The single spreader Spartech mast is extremely well stayed, and has an intermediate forestay and runners for utilizing a double headstay rig or small storm sail when conditions demand. The Tides mainsail track combined with Harken Battcars slide make hoisting and dropping the mainsail a smooth operation. The Haase sails remain in good condition.

Spartech mast & boom

Navtec rod rigging, except 1×19 wire headstay

Harken mechanical backstay adjuster (winch handle fitting)

Mast has separate trysail track to starboard

Inner forestay with pelican hook and tension adjuster

Running backstays with 2 padeye positions on each side deck

Telescoping whisker pole mounted on mast track

Steaming light

Masthead tricolor light

Anchor light

Tides Marine mainsail track system with Harken Battcars

Mid-deck Lewmar traveler with mainsheet and control lines to cockpit

Mainsail reefing lines and winch at the mast

(4) Preventers, two mid-boom to rail and two boom end to stem

Yacht Tech solid boom vang

(2) Andersen 52ST primary winches,

Lewmar 40ST on mast

Lewmar 40 on mast

(2) Barient 21 on cabintop

Barient 23 on cabintop

Lewmar 14 ST for furling line.

(5) winch handles

(4) Harken and Schaeffer snatchblocks

Rigging spares including sail repair kit and replacement stay

Hasse (Port Townsend Sails) fully battened main

Hasse 120% jib

Schaeffer 2100 roller furler

Hasse asymmetric spinnaker with ATN “Snuffer” sleeve (not currently aboard)

Schattauer storm trysail (not currently aboard) with wire tack pennant sheeting to quarters with boom and dodger clearance, on separate mast track

Mariner staysail ,pistonhanks, sheeted to cockpit (currently not aboard)

Lazy jacks on mainsail

Miscellaneous and Safety

Flares and emergency smoke signals

LifeSling Horseshoe buoy

(4) adult life vests

Folding stainless boarding ladder (mountseitherside)

Emergency rope ladder, rail mount

Davis radar reflector on spreader halyard

Halon fire extinguisher in engine compartment

(3) Conventional fire extinguishers

Carbon monoxide alarm

Smoke alarm

(2) handheld bilge pumps

Dyer dinghy 7’11” “Midget” with 2 pairs of oars and sailing rig

Folding grapnel anchor for dinghy

(2) Necky Manitou11-foot kayaks and paddles (not currently on board)

(8) fenders

(8) docklines

West Marine Bosun’s chair

(8) 5-gallon fuel jerry cans, fitted to specific storage areas

West Marine fuel funnel filter

The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.

Valiant esprit 37

The valiant esprit 37 is a 37.0ft cutter designed by robert perry and built in fiberglass by uniflite inc. (usa) since 1978..

The Valiant esprit 37 is a moderate weight sailboat which is a reasonably good performer. It is stable / stiff and has an excellent righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a bluewater cruising boat. The fuel capacity is originally small. There is a good water supply range.

Valiant esprit 37 for sale elsewhere on the web:

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The Best Sailboats for the High Seas?

At the St. Petersburg Boat Show month last month, I had the pleasure of seeing delivery skipper and author John Kretschmers presentation on what he called sailboats for a serious ocean. I have reservations about any ideal boat list, but Kretschmer, who reviews boats for Sail Magazine and whose most recent book Sailing a Serious Ocean is available in our online bookstore , has the ideal background for this sort of work, and a list like this is undeniably helpful for wannabe cruisers who need a place to start their search.

I certainly wouldnt limit my search to boats on such a list, but by paying careful attention to the pros and cons of each, you can find something that suits your own aspirations.

Here are the boats Kretschmer suggests: Contessa 32, Pacific Seacraft 34, Pretorien 35, Cape Dory/Robinhood 36, Valiant/Esprit 37, Prout Snowgoose 37, Alajuela 38, Privelege 39, Freya 39, Passport 40, Caliber 40, Baba 40, Hallberg Rassy 42, Taswell 43, Hylas 44, Norseman 447, Beneteau 456, Outbound 44, Hylas 46, Kaufman 47, Tayana 48, Hylas 49, Amel Maramu 53, and the Sundeer 60/64. For a brief capsule summary of each, be sure to check out his website.

The list is hardly definitive. There are plenty of good boats that arent featured, and some of these would be ill-matched for the wrong sailor-Kretschmer clearly pointed this out during his talk. I like how the list presents a good cross-section of the various shapes and sizes for a boat in this category. For example, Kretschmer includes the Prout Snowgoose and Steve Dashews Sundeer 60, boats that, notwithstanding their successful record at sea, fill an outlying niche.

If I were going to expand the list, one of the heavier-displacement microcruisers like those I blogged about would be a nice addition. Although I would be wary of promoting even the most formidable of this breed as well-suited for a serious ocean, John Neale of Mahina Tiare Expeditions includes one of them, the Dana 24, on his own list of recommend cruising boats . Neales much broader list of boats is accompanied by a very helpful discussion of design elements to consider.

What got me thinking about formidable cruising boats was our series of reports o n sailboat construction , focusing specifically on structural details. Although there are plenty of excellent coastal cruisers on the market, once you start talking about offshore duty, scan’tlings (the dimensions for structural components) take on far more importance.

A few years ago we touched on this subject in our Mailport section, encouraging readers to suggest their own nominees for a list of what we called at the time, tough boats, vessels that were built to take a beating, requiring minimal care and upkeep.

Here are some of the boats that were suggested from our readers: Mariner 36, Cal 34, Morgan 43, Swan 43, Bermuda 40, Island Packet 26, Mariner 47, LeComte Northeast 38, Westsail 32, Dana 24, J/35, and the CSY 44.

Id be interested in hearing of other nominees for this list, or other good resources for sailors looking for a short list of good offshore boats.

For those who are frustrated to find that their own ideal boat isn’t on anybodys list, I wouldnt be too miffed. The best line Ive heard in a while on this topic came from Steve Callahan, the author of the survival classic Adrift , who gave a presentation at the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Show . When I asked Steve, who has sailed extensively on both multihulls and monohulls, what type of boat he preferred, he said, quite seriously. Well, at the end of the day, the best cruising boat is the one that you are on.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Interesting list. I am fond of Hylas of which you chose three models. However, I am suspect of their yard and construction techniques and do not have confidence that they are as strong as they are beautiful. Only one Hallberg-Rassy was selected, which is a far more robust and dry sailing boat than the Hylas. Passports make a good boat as does Cape Dory and several others on your list. Didn’t four sailors die on a Beneteau in 2018? Over all it is a decent list.

https://metro.co.uk/2018/04/25/last-pictures-doomed-yacht-cheeki-rafiki-sank-killing-four-british-sailors-7497805/

I believe this is the accident you’re talking about in which a Beneteau and it’s bolted on keel parted company.

Almost all of the sailing clubs in San Diego rent Beneteaus out. They are a decent coastal sailboat. I have a couple friends who have even made the crossing to Maui in them..not me, not ever. I consider them a living room boat. Having said that, I am certainly no expert so its just my opinion. If I am crossing an ocean I want a capable kindly strong boat with redundancy built into critical systems.

Curious to think what people think about the early 70s Swan 43 as a cruising boat for a couple with occasional guests for a round the world trip? I have an S&S 30 which is too small but I do have some bias towards their designs. Add a watermaker and some power generation and off you go… Any thoughts?

Are Motor Sailors like the Nauticats or Fishers ocean worthy ( if their pilot house windows and sliding doors are lifeboatified ? )

Walt Schulz’s Shannon 43 is a beautiful, sea kindly, comfortable and sturdy bluewater boat. Walt had not only the ICW and Bahamas in mind when he designed and built 52 of them. He designed for ocean cruising. He believes his boats should outlive him and still sailing for generations. We sailed the Chesapeake, Bahamas, Caribbean and Pacific to Australia on a Shannon 43 ketch. She took great care of us and is still turning heads.

Great article! John Kretchmer is one of my fave modern day sailors. While there is only one Crealock design on John’s list, and the Dana is added on John Neale’s list, I was surprised not to see a Crealock/ Pacific Seacraft 37 mentioned. But there are so many great serious off shore boats, it’s hard to narrow it down to 10. Here’s a few to think about. Cape George Cutter 36. Biscay 36, tradewind 35, Rustler 36, Nicholson 31 (never talked about) and 32. Seldom seen on top 10 lists, but great boats. Thanks for the article.

Great comment and interesting to note that the first four of your additions are those currently entered in the 2022 Golden Globe Race – kind of the definition of a blue water boat.

Hey! I know this is somewhat off-topic however I needed to ask. Does operating a well-established blog like yours take a massive amount work? I am completely new to writing a blog but I do write in my journal everyday. I’d like to start a blog so I will be able to share my experience and feelings online. Please let me know if you have any kind of recommendations or tips for new aspiring blog owners. Thankyou!|

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Review of Valiant 37

Basic specs., sailing characteristics.

This section covers widely used rules of thumb to describe the sailing characteristics. Please note that even though the calculations are correct, the interpretation of the results might not be valid for extreme boats.

What is Capsize Screening Formula (CSF)?

The capsize screening value for Valiant 37 is 1.79, indicating that this boat could - if evaluated by this formula alone - be accepted to participate in ocean races.

What is Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed?

The theoretical maximal speed of a displacement boat of this length is 7.5 knots. The term "Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed" is widely used even though a boat can sail faster. The term shall be interpreted as above the theoretical speed a great additional power is necessary for a small gain in speed.

The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for Valiant 37 is about 226 kg/cm, alternatively 1268 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 226 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 1268 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.

Sailing statistics

This section is statistical comparison with similar boats of the same category. The basis of the following statistical computations is our unique database with more than 26,000 different boat types and 350,000 data points.

What is Motion Comfort Ratio (MCR)?

What is L/B (Length Beam Ratio)?

What is Displacement Length Ratio?

What is SA/D (Sail Area Displacement ratio)?

Maintenance

Are your sails worn out? You might find your next sail here: Sails for Sale

If you need to renew parts of your running rig and is not quite sure of the dimensions, you may find the estimates computed below useful.

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• By Quentin Warren
• Updated: August 5, 2002

valian39.jpg

After sailing aboard one in Annapolis, Maryland, on a sparkling morning last fall, Bill Lee labeled it a “bulletproof cruiser’s delight.” Circumnavigator Mark Schrader called it a “bombproof boat built to take someone out to sea and bring him back intact.” Strong sentiments, indeed, for a very capable sailboat. They were talking about the Valiant 39.

It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise to hear someone hail a Valiant as seaworthy. Designer Robert Perry’s canoe-stern staple has become a blue-water icon of sorts for long-distance sailors, from a generation of singlehanded around-the-world racers to oceangoing cruising families with a yen for far horizons.

The 39 is essentially an updated edition of the popular Valiant 37, with a hefty tubular stainless bowsprit that increases the size of the foretriangle and opens the door for a real working staysail in the boat’s cutter configuration. By modern standards she is a straightforward vessel characterized by a subtle sheer, considerable tumblehome, deep-V sections beneath the waterline forward, a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder. In other words she’s a reliable, conservative platform for doing decidedly unconservative things — like sailing across an ocean.

Construction details read like a primer on how to build a boat so it won’t fall apart. The hull is laid up in one piece of solid glass, hand laminated with alternate layers of mat and woven roving. Isophthalic resin is used throughout, from the gel coat right on into the laminate. Floor timbers are built up of heavy layers of mat and woven roving over PVC high-density closed-cell foam; these reinforce the underbody and extend into the sump, a sturdy element rendered with up to two inches of solid glass. The keel consists of 7,000 pounds of external lead bedded to the bottom of the sump with 3M 5200, and secured by no fewer than 11 3/4-inch stainless J bolts topped with 1/4-inch stainless backing plates and stainless nuts. The deck utilizes Baltek balsa core for stiffness and weight reduction, with structural foam in areas of major stress; it is affixed to the hull on an inturned flange with 5200 and stainless bolts on 4 1/2-inch centers. Whoa.

The rig is a keel-stepped, high-aspect masthead affair with two sets of spreaders, fore-and-aft lowers, and an inner forestay brought to the stem aft of the bowsprit for cutter work. Standing rigging port and starboard terminates at chain plates secured with stainless bolts and backing plates to hefty structural knees bonded into the hull. The 39’s SA/Disp ratio of 16.8 does not point at wicked light-air performance, but by augmenting the sail plan with the appropriate canvas you can offset that apparent disadvantage; in truth and in fairness, the versatility of the rig in moderate-to-heavy oceangoing conditions is of far more enduring significance.

In the realm of accommodations and amenity, this is a genuine passage maker, with emphasis on what’s functional, comfortable and safe at sea, not on how many showers you can fit into 37 feet of hull. To wit, there is one head, located on the port side aft, cleverly adjacent to but separate from a single shower stall. Smallish sleeping doubles are located in the starboard quarter and forepeak. A serious nav station with a chart table, electrical panel and electronics is tucked in to port, opposed on the starboard side by a very secure U-shaped galley. The saloon includes longitudinal settees, both of which with lee cloths make terrific sea berths, and a folding dinette admidship. For insulation and sound dampening, 1/2-inch foam is applied to the inside of the hull from the waterline up. Storage is addressed in lockers, cubbies, shelves and settee bins; long-range provisioning can spill into the vessel’s substantial bilge if necessary.

Mechanically, the boat is set up for uncomplicated maintenance, rugged use and long stints away from the dock. A freshwater-cooled Westerbeke 35B is located in an engine compartment behind the companionway steps; for a 37-foot hull, itÕs a veritable engine room. The Racor fuel filter, raw-water intake, engine oil dipstick, V-drive unit, starter and whatnot are all easy to get at when the needs arise. The electrical scenario includes a dual-bank 12-volt DC system and a 110-volt AC shore power hookup with a 30-amp charger and plenty of cabin outlets. The distribution panel is assembled by Valiant and provides a DC breaker with 28 individual toggles, an AC breaker with 12, the requisite voltage and amperage meters, and a reverse-polarity indicator. In terms of tankage, fuel lives in two removable marine alloy units aft of the engine, fresh water in stainless tanks beneath the settees.

Boat Of The Year sail testing put the Valiant through its paces in 10 to 12 knots of breeze amid a light chop. Perry’s very competent design tracks nicely in these conditions. The helm is responsive and the boat reacts positively to trim. Speed and acceleration are not strong suits, but maneuverability, settling into a groove and finding a satisfying angle upwind are. Above all, this boat is comfortable to sail, a comment uttered unanimously in judges’ deliberations after our sea trial.

Given the blue-water scenario for which all Valiants are conceived and built, this may be the highest compliment you could pay a boat such as the 39. The idea that you can go to sea in a vessel actually designed to take care of you is powerful. Few would doubt how well adapted both philosophically and practically this little voyager is to the big leagues offshore.

Valiant 39 Specifications:**

• LOA: 39’4″ (12.0 m.)
• LOD: 37’0″ (11.3 m.)
• LWL: 32’0″ (9.8 m.)
• Beam: 11’6″ (3.4 m.)
• Draft: 5’10” (1.8 m.)
• Ballast: 7,000 lbs. (3,175 kgs.)
• Disp: 18,500 lbs. (8,392 kgs.)
• Sail area: 735 sq.ft. (68.3 sq.m.)
• Mast above water: 54’0″ (16.5 m.)
• Ballast/Disp: .38
• Disp/Length: 252
• SA/Disp: 16.8
• Fuel: 47 gal. (178 ltr.)
• Water: 128 gal. (485 ltr.)
• Holding: 36 gal. (136 ltr.)
• Auxiliary: Westerbeke 358 35-hp FWC diesel
• Cabin headroom: 6’5″ (1.96 m.)
• Designer: Robert Perry
• Base price: $213,950 (total sailaway)

Valiant Yachts Route 1, Box 137 Gordonville, TX 76245 Phone: (903) 523-4899 Fax:(903) 523-4077

• More: 31 - 40 ft , before 2000 , Bluewater Cruising , keelboat , monohull , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats , valiant
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