Thoughts on Sigma 362

[Charlie_D]

Good morning - I am new on here and somewhat new to boat owning (though I have experience as a sailor of other people's boats!)

We have seen this boat advertised online - https://www.theyachtmarket.com/boats_for_sale/1717337/ and wondered what the collective experience and knowledge on here make of it? I have heard good things about Sigmas, but not sure if this one looks excessively tired or overpriced?

Thanking you
Charlie

 

[lpdsn]

I think it was 1999 that I last sailed on a Sigma 362, but I remember her as a boat that sailed well. A bit of a de-tuned version of the Sigma 36 cruiser racer.

Buying one now it will really depend upon what condition the boat is in. First impression is she's well maintained and has had kit bought recently, but worth taking a knowledgeable mate. And of course get a good surveyor at the appropriate time. Buying a particular boat, it is worth paying 10% above average for one in very good condition. Fixer-uppers drain the bank balance quicker than you expect when you start.

 

[dunedin]

Sigma 362 was a brilliant design of boat - excellent sea worthy and fast, with practical interior.

But as a consequence, many were used as sailing school and or charter boats and hence got very heavily used. The more racy version Sigma 36 also got raced hard. Hence need to check history and condition very carefully.

Not an expert on Sigma 362 prices, but doesn’t look a bargain price for a boat of that age unless in exceptional condition (and that engine doesn’t look exceptionally recent).

 

[doug748]

....
...But as a consequence, many were used as sailing school and or charter boats and hence got very heavily used. The more racy version Sigma 36 also got raced hard. Hence need to check history and condition very carefully.
.....

That was my first thought, it looks reasonably clean and well presented yet there are a couple of trivial broken things that a private seller would possibly have sorted.
The engine is said to date from 2010, it does look well used so it's well worth asking about hours and investigating the back story. New sails in 2016 perhaps indicate a change of ownership and maybe commercial use previous?
I agree the price does not look a huge bargain but to really know you have to view and do a bit of prodding. Good luck with the search.

 

[cagey]

I’ve sent you a pm.
Keith

 

[Concerto]

Charlie I am pretty certain this is a sailing school boat for a sailing trust for youngsters. She is berthed in Chatham, not in the MDL marina but in the same basin. She is berthed on a pontoon for sailing trust boats and classic vessels. Speak to the agent Clarke and Carter, and ask them as they are good to deal with.

 

[kacecar]

I'm a 362 owner and have had mine for longer than I care to remember. They are indeed good boats although, like every other boat I've ever been on, aren't perfect - it is often said that every boat is a compromise and the Sigma 362 is no exception. I can't comment on the boat you mention but here, briefly, is what I consider to be the model's good and not so good points.

The positives, in no particular order. They sail and handle rather well, especially when one considers the age of the design. Quite easy to sail short handed if sailed conservatively and with a good auto helm. They were conceived as a cruiser / racer so, if racing is your thing (I stopped racing long ago), they can still be quite competitive. They seem to be built quite well, very few weaknesses showing up over time. The interior accommodation and facilities are OK, in my view as good as those in many other boats of a similar size (but perhaps I've just got used to them). I'm a bit less than 180cm tall and can stand up in most of the saloon (headroom lessens as one goes forward from the companionway).

The not so positives, again in no particular order. Compared to more modern designs of a similar length they are quite small (fine bows, tapered stern, and with a freeboard lower than many others at this length). Also in comparison with some of the more modern designs of cruiser / racer at a similar length, they are, I think, a bit slower in terms of outright speed (shorter waterline, a bit heavier, etc.). Things I find irritations (in standard trim): no sugar scoop at the stern so getting on/off from/into a dinghy requires preparation and care; the mast has a tendency to "pant" as the boat meets each wave in a short head sea; P-bracket fixing susceptible to vibration; fairly small cool box / fridge; seemingly designed with not much more than a nod towards ease of maintenance.

I hope this info is useful. If you are thinking of buying a boat, best of luck with your quest.

 

[xyachtdave]

Walked by this boat yesterday and had a quick look as a mate has just bought one too and is keeping in Chatham also. I had a look around his and was impressed with the condition of what is a 30 year old boat. A testament to the original build quality and previous owner.

Concerto is correct, a sailing trust/charity rather than a sea school own it. To be fair I've not noticed it used much, their larger boat 'Morning Star of Revelation' is about a lot.

Looks like a well used example, maybe late £20'k's as is.

 

[Spirit (of Glenans)]

A good clue to possible previous commercial use would be the presence of items required for commercial coding, such as a liferaft or a comprehensive first aid kit.

 

[Neil_Y]

If it has been coded it could mean it is better equipped in terms of safety kit and fittings so not always a bad thing. Most codeing requirements are improvements in safety over a standard boat.

Has it had new standing rigging in the last 10 years?
Have a close look at the wiring (terminal blocks), older boats can start to show corrosion in the wiring which can mean things stop working or you need to rewire.

I'd also be thinking late 20K's. But it's a nice boat to sail, it was a few years ago but I quite like them.