One of the strongest selling points of any Pacific Seacraft is its construction quality. The 37 is no exception – it was built to meet or exceed strict standards (the design even attained ABS certification for hull/deck and European CE Category A for unlimited offshore use​). A look at how the Pacific Seacraft 37 is built reveals why these boats inspire such confidence in their owners:

• Hull Lamination: The hull of the PS37 is a solid fiberglass laminate – no core – which is ideal for offshore durability​. Pacific Seacraft used high-quality resin and fiberglass fabrics in a hand lay-up process. First, an ISO-NPG gelcoat (iso-polyester gelcoat with additives for durability) is applied for resistance to osmotic blistering​. Behind the gelcoat, a 3-ounce layer of chopped strand mat wetted with vinylester resin is used as a skin coat​. This vinylester skin is an important feature: starting in the late 1980s (around Synergy’s era, 1988), Pacific Seacraft switched to vinylester for the outer layers to prevent osmotic blisters in the fiberglass – a common problem in lesser boats of that era​. After the skin coat, multiple layers of woven roving and fiberglass cloth are laid up with polyester resin to build thickness. The result is a very thick, strong hull. There is no balsa or foam core in the hull, eliminating any concern of unseen water intrusion in the hull structure. Below the waterline especially, the layup is robust – owners often remark on the solid feel of a Pacific Seacraft hull when it meets a wave.

• Deck Construction: The deck is built with a fiberglass sandwich construction for stiffness. Pacific Seacraft uses end-grain balsa core in most horizontal areas of the deck to give rigidity without excessive weight. In high-stress areas (under deck hardware, winches, cleats, etc.), the builders replace the balsa with marine plywood or solid fiberglass inserts so that bolts have a solid material to grab and to prevent any compression of the core​. The entire deck is then bonded to the hull with one of the strongest hull/deck joints in the industry: the hull has an inward flange which mates to the deck’s outward flange at the top of the bulwark. These are sealed in 3M 5200 marine adhesive and through-bolted every 4 inches with stainless steel bolts and backing plates​. This creates a leak-free, immensely strong hull-to-deck joint – essentially forming a single-piece monocoque structure of hull and deck. On top of this joint, a teak caprail is often installed, further tying the structure together and adding a nice finish. It’s worth noting that many modern production boats use simpler hull/deck joints (like an overlapping “shoebox” joint with fewer fasteners); Pacific Seacraft’s method is costlier and labor-intensive, but contributes greatly to the boat’s long-term durability and freedom from deck leaks.

• Structural Reinforcement: Inside the hull, Pacific Seacraft 37s have robust structural members. Bulkheads (marine plywood bulkheads that form walls/partitions in the interior) are fully tabbed to the hull with multiple layers of fiberglass cloth, effectively becoming part of the hull structure. The main bulkhead (between salon and forward cabin) is additionally reinforced by a substantial teak beam at its top, bolted through both the bulkhead and the deck, creating a strong “ring frame” effect​. This approach results in a very rigid hull that does not twist or flex even under heavy seas. The chainplate load is distributed via bulkheads and tie-rods. There is also a molded fiberglass sub-sole grid in the midsection that anchors the mast step and engine bed, further stiffening the boat. Overall, the construction is heavy and strong – these boats have taken groundings and even reef hits with minimal damage reported. It’s no wonder Fortune magazine once cited Pacific Seacraft among America’s best-built products.

• Quality Materials: Every component in a Pacific Seacraft is chosen for longevity. The use of bronze for ports and plumbing fixtures, stainless steel for tanks and fasteners, and teak or other hardwoods for interior trim all speak to a no-shortcuts philosophy. For instance, the Pacific Seacraft 37’s fuel and water tanks are often stainless steel (or monel in earlier models) – far more durable than the plastic tanks used on many boats. The deck hardware is traditionally bronze or polished stainless of the highest grade. Even the interior has solid teak cabinet doors and trim (no cheap laminates). These materials not only look good but stand up to years of saltwater cruising.

• Fit and Finish: The joinery and finish work on the Pacific Seacraft 37 are often compared to high-end custom yachts. Cabinet doors fit perfectly, edges are rounded and finished, and there’s ample use of teak that’s been carefully varnished or oiled. The underside of deck hardware is backed with aluminum or stainless backing plates. Wiring looms are neatly run and labeled – many boats of the 1980s have questionable wiring, but Pacific Seacraft’s electrical work was done to ABYC standards and it shows in the reliability over time. The engine installation is likewise well executed: sound insulation in the engine compartment, proper access panels for service, and heavy-duty plumbing and wiring for pumps and fuel systems.

In short, the Pacific Seacraft 37 was built to sail the world’s oceans without a squeak or groan. Its solid fiberglass hull can take punishment​, and the deck won’t peel or leak. Many Pacific Seacrafts from the 1980s (including Synergy) still survey almost like new in terms of structural integrity – a testament to their build quality. This level of construction set Pacific Seacraft apart from many contemporaries and is a major reason the boats hold their value and allure in the used market. As the Hall of Fame citation noted, the 37 was built with “the highest standards of boatbuilding” and “expressly to go to sea and bring the crew back safely.” You can trust this yacht’s construction in a way few production boats can match.