37' Rafiki 37

Offered for sale is a one-of-a-kind 1978 Rafiki 37: a heavy-displacement, full-keel cutter designed by renowned naval architect Stan Huntingford. Built for bluewater cruising, this sailboat combines timeless craftsmanship with modern upgrades, making it ideal for long passages and comfortable living. It is built like an absolute tank.

My wife and I have sailed her from California with plans for a circumnavigation. Now, with our second baby on the way, we believe its time to grow some roots on land, and let go of our beloved boat after 7 years of ownership.

We are currently living aboard in Whangarei, NZ, but are looking to sell before summer due to visa constraints dont miss this opportunity!

Key Features

Design: Elegant canoe stern, cutter rig, and full keel for stability and ocean cruising. She is in the 98th percentile for weight among all comparable 37 footers, but that does not make her slow, she has given us back to back 150nm days on passage! You will not find a more sea kindly boat.

LOA: 369, Beam: 118, Draft: 6, Displacement: 30,000lbs in the slings, Ballast: 11,500lbs, Water: 125 gal, Diesel: 70gal

Interior: Stunning solid teak interior with 65 headroom throughout, spacious forward birth with drawers and closet space, cozy salon with propane heater and paraffin lanterns, and well-equipped galley. The Rafiki has more storage space than most 40 footers I have been on! This boat has felt like home since the moment I purchased her in 2018, saloons like this are harder to come by every year.

Condition: Well-maintained liveaboard vessel. Anything she has needed, I have given her. Recent upgrades include new chainplates and standing rigging in 2021, fully rebuilt Aries windvane 2022, a 400Ah lithium battery bank with 400W solar in 2023, new mainsail and genoa with custom logo 2023, and a fully rebuilt Yanmar 3jh including hoses, throttle control and cables on new engine mounts 2025. Fresh bottom job done July 2025.

This boat is extensively outfitted for extended cruising and living on board. There are spares for virtually every system aboard. We will be flying home to the US post-sale and most of what is on the boat will stay with it if desired, including convenience items like fishing gear and other liveaboard items.

She is ready to head to Fiji and beyond, RIGHT NOW. I say that confidently because this was our plan until this second pregnancy.

If you have any specific questions about equipment, please ask!