Sigma 362 or westerly storm 33

[doris]

By the way I wasn't suggesting that the Storm would be better than the Sigma, rather pointing out potential shortcomings of both.

Having had three different Sigmas, the designs are brilliant. The 362 is perfect for short handed cruising/racing, I did loads of both. The only question hanging over any Sigma is that they were built to a price so check how well the boat has aged.
If all good I think the 362 is one of the best and most timeless choices around. Light years ahead of the Storm, which is a very different animal.

 

[doug748]

They are rather nice, here is handy one (36 rather) with a tiller:

1984 Sigma 36 Power New and Used Boats for Sale - www.yachtworld.co.uk

 

[Lucky Duck]

Personally if looking for a boat to single or short hand I would be looking to avoid those with large masthead overlapping genoas

 

[Koeketiene]

When comparing boats, I have found www.sailboatdata.com to be very useful.

https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/sigma-362

https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/storm-33-westerly

 

[kacecar]

I own a Sigma 362 and have never sailed a Storm so my view is probably biased.

The Sigma's heritage as a cruiser / racer comes through - mainly in good ways but perhaps the interior is built lighter than cruisers of the same age. I singlehand the Sigma regularly and, if I want to, can even short-tack up a river but would not choose do so without a good autohelm - tacking without an autohelm of some sort would be very difficult. Sail size isn't an issue - reef early, and if short tacking partially furl the foresail. The Sigma is quite a bit smaller inside than a modern 36 foot cruiser, due to the relatively low freeboard and narrow ends. However,there's adequate room for two couples for weeks. Anyone over six feet tall might find a lack of head room a problem - I'm 5foot 10 and it's fine. And if you ever tire of wheel steering and yearn for a tiller the conversion on the Sigma is very easy indeed.

Best of luck with whatever you choose.

 

[Donside]

I looked at both in 2013, and chose the Sigma 362
Everything I ever wanted in a cruising yacht, Safe, fast, comfortable and very well built.
Ticks my boxes.
Been sailing her on the west coast every year since up till now mostly two up.
Happy to help further if you want.

 

[KREW2]

One is 36ft one is 33ft, makes them different animals.
It's amazing how much more room you get with only one extra foot in length. Three feet will make a hell of a difference.
If you want a bigger boat get the Sigma.

 

[Koeketiene]

One is 36ft one is 33ft, makes them different animals.
It's amazing how much more room you get with only one extra foot in length. Three feet will make a hell of a difference.
If you want a bigger boat get the Sigma.

Isn't it just.
When I was boatshopping recently, I was looking in the 30-35 range.
Nearly bought a 32' (which the wife did not like at all) and ended up with a 36' boat (which she does approve of).
The difference in internal volume is staggering.
And the 36' can still be sailed singlehanded (which was the main reason for downsizing).

 

[Teko]

Thank you all, some really great answers there!

 

[Carib]

Just in case it's useful, there's a Sigma 36 on the classified ads page of Yachtsnet with a done-up interior - been there a while.

 

[ithet]

A closer comparison to the Storm 33 would be a Moody 336. As the Sigma 362 can be considered a David Thomas designed Moody (built in same factory, to same standard using similar parts) all things being equal it would seem good value.

I have sailed a bit on a Storm 33 (including cross channel) and they sail comfortably like the heavy boat they are.