Express 37 MK II

Description

The Express 37 Mk II (also called Express 37 Mark II or sometimes grouped under Express 37-2 in databases) is an updated version of the original Express 37, a fast racer-cruiser designed by Carl Schumacher (the same architect behind the Express 27 you asked about earlier). Built by Alsberg Brothers Boatworks in Santa Cruz, California, from around 1984–1988 (total ~65 hulls across variants), the Mk II (typically after hull #58 or so) shifted toward more cruising comfort with a taller mast (about 1.5 ft higher for better light-air performance), shallower optional keel (5.92 ft / 1.80 m vs. standard 7.25 ft / 2.21 m), updated keel/rudder shapes, and a more livable interior layout (improved galley, head, and berths while keeping the racer edge). It's still a lightweight, high-performance boat—fractional rig (though some describe it as masthead-fractional hybrid), fin keel/spade rudder, and excellent for club racing (PHRF often 120–140 range), offshore events, or fast coastal cruising. Owners love its balance, speed (planing downwind), short-handed ease, and San Francisco Bay heritage (stiff and dry in breeze). It's not as minimalist as the Express 27 but offers real overnight capability (sleeps 6 modestly, with V-berth forward, settees, quarter berths).