1997 Hunter 37' _{(11.28 m)}

Overall Character & Feel

The Hunter 376 is a graceful, well-proportioned 37-ish-foot cruiser built in the 1997 by Hunter Marine. It manages to strike a lovely balance between a comfortable, live-aboard-friendly interior and sailing performance that’s spirited, yet manageable. Many people choosing this boat seem drawn to that balance — the ability to feel in control at the helm, enjoy a cozy interior space below deck, and still sail with confidence whether day-cruising or heading on a longer coastal trip.

With its fiberglass hull and a shoal wing-keel (for shallow-water flexibility), the Hunter 376 is versatile: good for cruising near shore — think Florida keys, the Gulf coast, or Bahamas runs — but solid enough for more serious coastal sailing when properly prepared.

Sailing & Deck Features: Performance + Ease

On deck and under sail, the 376 offers a mix of ease, performance, and sensible design:

• Fractional B&R rig: The boat uses a B&R-rigged fractional sloop configuration. Instead of using a traditional backstay, the rig uses swept-back spreaders and supports the mast in a stable tripod-like arrangement — simplifying sail control and reducing obstructions.
• Large mainsail, manageable headsail: With a generous fully battened mainsail and a smaller genoa, sail handling is easier — especially helpful if you’re often sailing shorthanded or with limited crew. It gives a blend of performance and convenience.
• Sailing performance: While not a racing boat, the 376 is considered “reasonably fast for a cruiser.” It sails well to wind, points decently, and gives a satisfying sense of motion on the water.
• Comfortable cockpit & ease of handling: The cockpit is roomy and user-friendly: a wheel steering station, walk-through transom with swim platform, and all sail controls led aft to the cockpit enabling you to steer or adjust sails without constantly going forward. Great for solo sailing, or sailing with just you and a companion.
• Keel: The standard wing keel offers a shallow draft (~5 ft), wonderful for Florida, Bahamas, and shallow-water anchoring.

All of this adds up to a boat that respects the sea — giving you real sailing capability — while also making sailing accessible and enjoyable, even if you don’t have a full crew.

Who It’s Great For — And What to Keep In Mind

Why it might suit you

• If you want a boat that feels like a true “home on the water” — roomy, private, and comfortable — the 376 delivers.
• If you prefer a manageable rig and don’t want to wrestle with massive genoas or vintage-era heavy gear.
• If you enjoy coastal cruising (Florida, Gulf, Bahamas, Southeast US), weekend getaways, or possibly living aboard full-time.
• If you value a blend of performance and comfort: enough sail power for fun days on the water, but also a secure and cozy interior.

Living Comfort: Interior & Accommodations

One of the Hunter 376’s strongest appeals — especially for someone who treasures comfort and style aboard — is its well-thought-out interior and amenity package:

• Spacious, airy layout: The interior offers two staterooms (forward v-berth and aft), giving you and perhaps a partner or guests private sleeping quarters. There’s also a salon/dining area that converts to additional berths if needed.
• Galley designed for real cooking: A L-shaped galley with Corian counter, a three-burner propane stove and oven, stainless sinks, a well-insulated refrigerator, and even a microwave — all designed so you can prepare meals even while at sea.
• Head + shower: A fully enclosed head plus a separate shower stall — a much-appreciated convenience when you’re on extended cruises or living aboard.
• Light & ventilation: Multiple opening hatches, ports, and a wrap-around deck skylight provide natural light and airflow — so below deck doesn’t feel claustrophobic or dreary.
• Comfortable living space: The salon has settees and seating that feel built for real people (not boats), fine woodwork, shelving, and storage — making the cabin feel welcoming, homey.

All of that means that whether you're sailing for a weekend or staying aboard for a week or more, the Hunter 376 offers a genuinely cozy, livable space — a major plus for those who value comfort and don’t want to sacrifice style for function.

Dimensions & Technical Basics

Length Overall (LOA)~ 37.25 ft (about 11.35 m)

Waterline Length (LWL)~ 32.00 ft (9.75 m)

Beam (width)~ 12.58 ft (about 3.83 m)

Draft~ 5.00 ft (1.52 m) with standard wing keel

Displacement~ 15,000 lb (≈ 6,804 kg)

Ballast (lead)~ 5,400 lb (≈ 2,449 kg)

Hull Type Monohull, fiberglass construction

Engine Inboard diesel for motoring in and out of marinas or when wind is light

Tankage~ 35 gallons fuel, ~ 75 gallons fresh water — generous for cruising comfort

Hull Speed~ 7.58 knots (theoretical maximum hull speed) — a comfortable cruising pace

In Your Shoes — Imagining Life Aboard

Picture this: it’s early morning, the sky is soft and golden as the boat rocks gently in her slip. You step onto deck, take a deep breath of sea-air mixed with Florida salt — that hint of freedom. The cockpit, with its walk-through stern, makes boarding easy. The deck layout feels intuitive, safe, and inviting.

Down below, light pours in through the skylight and hatches. The woodwork feels warm underfoot. With a mug of coffee in hand, you move through the cozy saloon, maybe open a hatch and listen to the distant gulls. You prepare breakfast in your galley, moving easily between the stove and sink. There’s a quiet sense of “you belong here.”

Later, with sails set, the boat heels gently, the canvas filling, and you handle sheets and wheel yourself — maybe solo, maybe with a friend. You catch a breeze, feel the water under hull, the wind in your hair. The Hunter 376 becomes more than fiberglass and sail: she becomes home and adventure, comfort and possibility.