Wauquiez 37 vs Najad 390
French production quality versus Swedish semi-custom at similar LOA: Wauquiez 37's offshore finish against Najad 390's build pedigree. Side-by-side specs from published model data.
French quality vs Swedish semi-custom — advisory focuses on rigging invoices and deck moisture on two premium benchmarks. Buyer advisory
Comparison table
| Category | Wauquiez 37 | Najad 390 |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 11.25 m | 11.75 m |
| Beam | 3.18 m | 3.5 m |
| Production years | 1971–1977 | 1984–1995 |
| Overview | When you first climb into the aft cabin of a Wauquiez Chance 37, you try to roll over and hit a low ceiling. That is not "bad joinery" - it is the cockpit sole and the pinched IOR stern Britton Chance Jr. traded for One Ton rating and upwind pace. | On Swedish Blocket and on international YachtWorld, two listings can share the same model name. One matches Thorwald Karlsson’s Najadvarvet boat: built 1984–1995, LOA about 11.75 m. |
| Typical issues | Q: Why is a listing that says "2012–..." or a bare Centurion badge not enough for a Chance 37? A: The yard window for this form is 1971–1977, about 95 Chance hulls. Later Centurion 37 / 37S boats are another platform; cards often leave the end blank or drag 2012. | Q: Which years and which designer should you check first on a Najad 390? A: Production 1984–1995 at Najadvarvet, designer Thorwald Karlsson. Reject ads or catalogues that give 1997–2005 or Olle Enderlein for this model; that is the wrong era and the wrong designer. Q: Which dimensions should match the yard-era record? A: LOA about 11.75 m and beam about 3.50 m with displacement about 9.5 t. |