GAMBLER 37
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 38 ft |
| LWL | 28 ft |
| Beam | 11.94 ft |
| Draft | 7.22 ft |
| Displacement | 11,795 lb |
| Ballast | 5,600.3 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.1 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 46.11 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 14 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 50.2 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 16.9 ft |
| FLforestay | 14 ft |
| Mainsail | 780.9 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 322.8 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 548.7 sq ft |
About the GAMBLER 37
The GAMBLER 38, which came later, may have slightly more freeboard, but is otherwise, very similar.
The Gambler 37 is a robust cruising sloop designed by Peter Norlin and built by Helsingborgs Boatyard in Sweden, with production records indicating a build year of 1984. While the exact total hull count is unspecified in available data, this vessel is characterized by its heavy displacement of 11795.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 21.63, reflecting a design prioritized for stability and seakeeping over speed.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for experienced coastal cruisers and those seeking a stable, heavy-displacement platform for extended offshore passages, particularly given its fractional sloop rig and substantial ballast ratio.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 11795.0 lb, a low capsize ratio of 2.1, and a fin keel with 7.22 ft max draft, the Gambler 37 is well-regarded for bluewater cruising due to its inherent stability and proven offshore pedigree.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include the Hallberg-Rassy 37 and the Nautor's Swan 36, as they share similar heavy-displacement characteristics, Scandinavian build quality, and a focus on safe, comfortable offshore cruising rather than racing performance.
Direct variant of the GAMBLER 37
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(2 certificates)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 4.3 | 5.6 | 6.4 | 6.8 | 6.9 | 7.0 | 7.1 | 7.1 | 7.2 |
| 60° | 4.5 | 5.8 | 6.6 | 6.9 | 7.1 | 7.2 | 7.2 | 7.3 | 7.3 |
| 75° | 4.7 | 6.0 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.2 | 7.4 | 7.5 | 7.6 | 7.7 |
| 90° | 4.5 | 5.9 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.6 | 7.9 | 8.1 |
| 110° | 4.2 | 5.6 | 6.6 | 7.1 | 7.4 | 7.7 | 7.9 | 8.2 | 8.4 |
| 120° | 4.0 | 5.4 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.4 | 7.7 | 8.0 | 8.5 | 8.9 |
| 135° | 3.5 | 4.9 | 6.0 | 6.7 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 7.8 | 8.5 | 9.4 |
| 150° | 2.9 | 4.1 | 5.2 | 6.1 | 6.8 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 8.2 | 9.0 |
| Beat VMG | 2.8 | 3.7 | 4.4 | 4.8 | 5.0 | 5.1 | 5.2 | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| Run VMG | 2.5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 5.3 | 6.1 | 6.6 | 7.0 | 7.6 | 8.2 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the GAMBLER 37 yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 38ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
10 reported issues across 7 systems for the GAMBLER 37, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a GAMBLER 37? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 10 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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Which engine powers your GAMBLER 37?
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Used sails that fit the GAMBLER 37
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…