1978 She 36 “WATER BEAR” — Classic S&S Performance Cruiser, Copper-Coated and Refit
WATER BEAR is a prized She 36 by Sparkman & Stephens design #2166. Built in 1978 by South Hants Engineering, she shows the poise and pace that made this model a legend. Her lines are elegant. Her manners offshore inspire confidence.
The GRP hull was epoxied and copper coated in 2024 for low-maintenance cruising. Teak decks and a lead keel underscore strength and seaworthiness. Fresh anti-slip paint in 2025 keeps decks secure and smart.
A major refit in 2015 brought a Yanmar 3YM30E and a Selden rig. Ongoing upgrades from 2021–2025 include modern rigging and new winches, so sail handling is crisp and reliable. She is ready for extended cruising or spirited club racing.
Below deck, the layout sleeps 4–6 in classic sea-kindly berths. The galley was refurbished with a new cooker and refrigeration. Warm wood finishes pair with new upholstery and curtains for a clean, inviting feel. The head was modernised and now includes a shower for comfort at anchor or underway.
Electronics and systems are current and well chosen: AIS, radar, autopilot, solar, and a Victron charger. WATER BEAR has been actively cruised and raced, proving her capability in real conditions.
Now lying in Emsworth, UK and offered exclusively through Williams & Smithells International Ltd, WATER BEAR blends pedigree, performance, and comfort in a rare She 36 package.
Arrange your viewing today and step aboard this classic S&S cruiser, refit and ready to sail.
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
Tankage
41 litres stainless steel fuel tank
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
Rig & Sails
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
Disclaimer
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith, in this case we are acting as Brokers only. Whilst every care has been taken in their preparation, the correctness of these particulars is not guaranteed. The particulars are intended only as a guide and they do not constitute a term of any contract. A prospective buyer is strongly advised to check the particulars and where appropriate at his own expense to employ a qualified Marine Surveyor to carry out a survey and/or to have an engine trial conducted which if conducted by us shall not imply any liability for such engine on our part.
This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice. Please contact us to book an appointment to inspect any yacht before you book flights or pay for travel. This is to ensure you have a confirmed booking in our diary with the right amount of time allocated to inspect the yachts you want. Our yachts are not all in one marina, yard or harbour and in season do change locations. To avoid disappointment, call or email before you make travel plans.
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Trusted British Yacht Brokers, Established almost 40 years, specialising in Cruising and Blue Water yachts offices in Lefkas Marina, Ionian Greece & Portsmouth / Chichester, UK. We specialise in live aboard blue water cruisers. Experienced, Professional, Qualified – All Brokers are Full Members of ABYA, we work to a code of practice, hold dedicated separate ‘Client’ bank Accounts and carry PI Insurance. As Blue water liveaboard specialists we also have extensive experience in lifting keel / centreboard yachts built in Aluminium and GRP having successfully represented the Feeling, Allures and Garcia Brands over the last 20 years.
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