Jill and Ed:
We own an IP35 and have sailed her for 10 years. The 37 is the upgraded model of the 35 but they are very similar. One negative of the 37 vs. the 35 is that the bow is less broad, so the v-berth is tighter on the 37 than the 35. Of course this would be better for powering and sailing, but negative for sleeping space. The other item I noticed is that the 37 bow is lower than the 35! This is obvious when I view the 37 docked next to the 35 in my marina. During the progressions of IP design, the ZERO boats, ones with a zero in their numbers, 320, 350, 370, etc. the designer lowered the bows, removed the sheer line curve, and made the cabin tops higher off the deck. These items are a non item when looking at the 35 or 37 or 40. These older IPs have a beautiful sheer line, a bow that rises up, not flat, and a cabin top that is not so high off the deck, which makes it easier to step up AND off off. Every time I am on a 380, or 350 or 370, I nearly break my back steping down off the cabin roof to the deck because it is so much higher of a step than it is on the older IPs. This simply happened due to design line changes introduced into the Zero boats. When you lower the bow, straighten out the sheer line, and ALSO raise the cabin roof, you get an entirely different yacht. I will say that the newer designs have a bigger feeling inside, but I do not like the lines on the newer designs. Interesting note is that with the new model, the IP 460, the raised bow and beautiful sheer line has been returned.
As for backing up and docking, this is a big difference from your 37 Beneteau fin keel which drives as well aft as forward. These IPs you need to learn to warp then into slips, and also use the port prop wash which pulls the stern to port when backing. I have been backing IPs into a slip since 1991, and I still have good days and bad days. You will never back an IP down a long slip way like you can do with a fin keel boat. No way. You go in, spin to starboard ALWAYS, because reverse will help with that rotation, then back into your slip which needs to be on your port side. If its the other way, then use a starboard spring on the stern cleat and warp around the piling as you back up which will pull the bow to port.
These are ocean sailing yachts, meant for sea, and heavy winds, so thats what you are buying.
Hayden
