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
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
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
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