1978 Islander 36: Classic American Racer-Cruiser Sailing Yacht for Sale

Experience the timeless charm of the 1978 Islander 36, a 36-foot American sailing yacht designed by Alan Gurney as a versatile racer-cruiser. Built by Islander Yachts in the United States from 1971 to 1986, this model is one of the longest-lived 36-footers ever on the U.S. market, with over 770 boats completed.

Located in the United Kingdom and available for sale, this fiberglass-hulled yacht accommodates 4 guests comfortably, making it perfect for coastal cruising, Great Loop voyages, or Bahamas adventures. Its fin hull with rudder and 13,450 lb displacement ensure stable, reliable performance.

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

Verified Specifications & Performance

• LOA: 36.08 ft (11.00 m)
• LWL: 28.25 ft (8.61 m)
• Beam: 11.17 ft (3.40 m)
• Displacement: 13,450 lb (6,101 kg)
• Ballast: 5,450 lb (2,472 kg)
• Hull Material: Fiberglass
• Engine: 30-horsepower Yanmar diesel (typical for I36)
• Max Speed: 9 knots; Cruise Speed: 6 knots

This heavy-displacement design trades raw speed for an expansive, light-filled living experience, ideal for a couple or small family.