1978 36, 39 000 GBP

1978 She 36 | Classic S&S Performance Cruiser – Copper Coated, Refit & Ready

The She 36 is a celebrated Sparkman & Stephens design (#2166), renowned for its offshore pedigree, elegant lines, and exceptional sailing performance. WATER BEAR, built in 1978 by South Hants Engineering, is a superbly maintained and extensively upgraded example of this classic yacht.

With a strong GRP hull (epoxied and copper coated in 2024), teak decks, and a lead keel, she offers proven strength and seaworthiness. A major refit in 2015 included a new Yanmar 3YM30E engine and Selden rig. Since then, further upgrades include new winches, modern rigging (2021–2025), and fresh anti-slip paint (2025), making her ready for extended cruising or spirited club racing.

Below deck, WATER BEAR comfortably sleeps 4–6. The traditional layout features a refurbished galley with new cooker and refrigeration, warm wood finishes, and practical sea berths, ideal for offshore passages or coastal adventures. Recent interior improvements include new upholstery, curtains, and a modernised head with shower.

Electronics and systems are up to date, including AIS, radar, autopilot, solar, and a Victron charger. She’s been actively cruised and raced, performing admirably in challenging conditions.

Currently lying in the UK and offered exclusively through Williams & Smithells International Ltd, Water Bear is a rare opportunity to own a classic Sparkman & Stephens yacht that blends pedigree, performance, and comfort.

Enquire now to arrange a viewing.

Construction
1978 built by South Hampshire Engineering, UK
Strong GRP hull painted cream
Hull stripped and epoxied 1997
2.5 tons lead keel encased in GRP, secured with bronze resin coach bolts
Copper coated hull and keel 2024
Teak on deck, cabin roof and cockpit
Grey anti-slip paint repainted 2025


Machinery
Yanmar 3YM30E 27HP diesel engine installed 2014
1092 engine hours
6 knots cruising speed
7 knots maximum speed

Electrics
12v and 220v onboard voltage
Redflash 750 26Ah starter battery (2024)
2 x Lifeline AGM 105Ah domestic batteries (2018)
120 amp Valeo alternator installed 2025
Balmar charging system (2019)
Sunware 38W solar panel (2018)
Victron 12V 30 amp charger for shore power and water heating

Tankage
41 litres stainless steel fuel tank

Rig and Sail
Sloop rigged
Selden mast, boom, spinnaker pole and boom vang replaced 2015
Standing rigging replaced 2021
Harken furling system in good order
Lazy jack mainsail stowage system replaced 2021
Single-line reefing system installed 2025 by Holman Rigging
Main sail and spare
Genoa and spare
Two spinnakers – light/medium and heavy
Two Lewmar 48 genoa winches, new 2020
Two Lewmar 30ST mainsheet/general winches, new 2025
Two Lewmar 30 winches for spinnaker
Lewmar 30 halyard winch on mast
Various clutches

Accommodation
Sleeps 6, comfortably 4
Forecabin with Lewmar hatch
Hanging locker for waterproofs and lifejackets
Saloon table with telescopic leg seats 4–6 and converts to double berth with cushion
Starboard single berth with lockers and storage above
Skipper’s berth (long) under port quarter behind chart table
Storage and cubbies above skipper’s berth
Tool locker located underneath berth
Varnished solid wood in very good condition
White-painted plywood bulkheads painted 2022
New curtains installed 2021

Domestic
L-shaped galley with new sink and mixer tap installed 2022
Effective refrigerator under lifting lid
Cooker, grill and twin hobs installed 2021
Professionally installed new gas line with gas safe certificate (2021)
Plenty of drawers and cupboards
Lavac head with manual and electric operation, new lid 2024
Basin with mixer tap and hot/cold water
Cupboards and cubbies above and below
Self-draining shower with extendable mixer tap hose from basin

Deck
Dorado Cobra electric windlass installed 2021
45 meters chain with Rocna anchor (2021)
Teak deck, cabin roof and cockpit
Grey anti-slip deck paint redone 2025

Navigation
B&G networked system (1993), serviced by A&T Instruments 2021
Cockpit displays for depth, log, speed, wind, and tack
Master data repeater at chart table
Digital Yacht AIS system installed 2021
Furuno radar (2007), serviced 2021
Raymarine autopilot display next to helm
Raymarine RAY53 VHF radio new 2025