1978 Rafiki 37 Cutter

Step below and you immediately feel how solid and quiet this hull is underway. The Rafiki’s deep bilges and generous tankage let you stretch passages without constantly hunting for fuel or water. The cockpit coamings are high and secure, with just enough space at the helm for a proper sea berth on long night watches. Down below, the straight, seakindly settees and abundant grab rails make moving around underway feel natural, not acrobatic. Ventilation is excellent for a heavy-displacement cruiser, and the dedicated navigation area has room for modern electronics without crowding. On deck, wide side decks and substantial bulwarks give real confidence when reefing or working the foredeck in a seaway.

A Rafiki 37 shines where conditions change quickly and passages can be long between all-weather harbors. The full keel and heavy displacement smooth out short, steep chop and awkward cross seas, giving a predictable motion that keeps crew rested and confident. Tiller steering offers superb feel when threading narrow channels or working in tight marinas, yet is simple and bombproof offshore. With a cutter rig, you can easily balance the sail plan for anything from light afternoon breezes to blustery frontal passages. Ample storage and comfortable liveaboard accommodations make it practical for extended seasonal cruising or full-time life afloat in this varied, demanding cruising ground.