It is always news in the cruising community when Swedish builder Hallberg-Rassy introduces a new model. The brand has a well-earned reputation for building boats that truly work well in all the important ways. And, with this new German Frers-design, the builder is introducing many “firsts” for a boat of this size.
Like the more recent Frers designs for HR, the 370 has a pleasing blend of modern hull design with classic Scandinavian styling. The plumb bow with a fixed bowsprit, squared off transom and flat sheer give the boat a business-like appearance, yet the cabin design and the large cockpit with a traditional HR windscreen evoke the builder’s long history of building classic designs.
Under the water, the 370 has a fin keel with a bulb and twin rudders which will make it steer like it is on rails. This is particularly true when running in a seaway when a single fin might be prone to stalling during a mild broach, something that never happens with twin rudders. It’s interesting to note that the 370 has both a bow and a stern thruster, something rarely seen on a boat of this size.
The cockpit is large and has twin wheels, again a first for HR in a boat under 40 feet. This setup gives the helmsperson good sight lines forward and of both the main and headsail. Either a demountable table or a fixed one with drop leaves are available. The transom folds down to create a swim and boarding deck.
Like all Frers-designed HRs, the 370 has been given a high-aspect fractional rig with a slab-reefed mainsail and an overlapping genoa. Buit, an owner can opt for a in-mast furling main and a self-tacking jib.
The mainsail has mid-boom sheeting so the track has been moved from the cockpit to the cabin top where it is out of the crew’s way. This setup is an important safety feature. The genoa tracks have been moved from the side decks to the cabin top for closer sheeting angles and better windward performance.
With twelve-foot, four-inches of beam that is carried well aft, the 370 has plenty of interior volume that HR has put to remarkably good use. The saloon is spacious and filled with light from the twin-cabin-top hatches, the cabin windows and the hull ports.
The L-shaped dinette has a drop-leaf table. Across from it you can opt for a bench settee that will double as a good sea berth or you can opt for twin built-in easy chairs as on larger HRs. This is a first for a boat of this size.
The forward cabin has a V-berth, a seat and vanity and plenty locker and hanging space. But, you can choose to go with a center-line double berth that is slightly smaller but provides good access from both sides. The guest cabin is tucked into the port quarter and has a full-size double berth, a seat and plenty of storage.
The 370 has a CE-A All Oceans Rating since it was conceived to be an ocean-going cruising boat. The design of both the galley and the head reflect that commitment. The head is at the bottom of the companionway and is quite large. This makes room for a shower and a wet locker for foul weather gear. When was the last time you saw a wet lock on a modern, production 37-footer?
The U-shaped galley has been set up for cooking at sea with the gimballed stove/oven outboard and the sinks nearly on the boat’s centerline where they will drain on both tacks. The top loading fridge is standard and the most efficient solution. But, a side-loading drawer-style fridge is an option. A freezer can be built into the seat of the small chart table to starboard.
HR is known for its traditional, Scandinavian-style varnished mahogany interior joinery that gives the boats a warm, homey glow. But they also offer inferiors of European oak that is much lighter in color and will make the saloon feel airy and bright.
The first three boats are in-build in the HR factory in Ellos, Sweden. The builder hosts an open house every summer for owners, potential customers and friends. They will have the 370s available for in-build inspections which is a great way to see just how good the bones of these boats truly are. Sea trials will be available in September.
