matt1
Well-known member
If you are talking about the 79 Fastnet, isn’t Lorelei the poster child for that?
UFO 34 vrs She 36
- Thread starter Phideaux
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If you are talking about the 79 Fastnet, isn’t Lorelei the poster child for that?
Riggwelted
New member
JWilson : If you upturned and righted quickly in a UFO34, then that's a good endorsement for what I'm looking for (I've sailed in moderately heavy seas across Biscay but not to that extreme). I never got close to upturning my Hillyard (I doubt she could be), but that was a boat I lived on so my sailing limits were necessarily lower. The boat I'm after now after is a fast, exhilarating, safe, dependable, boat (as my week on a SHE 36 fifteen years ago was) but within a relatively modest budget (yes I know I'm asking the near-impossible). I mostly intend to go out for day / weekend sails with my teenage kids and 50 something year old friends around Plymouth Sound and have an energetic sail and and come back in with massive grins all round. It would also be used for longer (more sedatory) family cruising trips to Northern France, Spain and Ireland. But, in either case; if the proverbial hits the fan, then I'm after a boat that will be strong enough, admittedly with with storms'ls / drogues / sea anchors (another thread there I'm sure) to stay out away from land with plenty of sea room and look after us. I know both UFO 34's and SHE 36's did this in the Fastnet race of '79 (hence my appreciation of them of exciting dependable sailing boats).
With regards to the manufactures, the Oyster seems to have a more raised and curved foredeck than the Colvic. The Colvic I've seen looks immaculate, the Oyster a bit more weather beaten. But, I know both would need careful consideration given their age and possible histories. The same seems to go for the SHE 36's, but somehow very few people comment negatively on them compared to the UFO 34's (and having previously sailed on a SHE 36, neither would I). So your comments have been very helpful. I could provide details of the UFO's if you were interested.
As much as my heart 'says' SHE 36, my ISA, bank manager and wife will probably 'shout' UFO 34 (but, I can be a devil at times and we're all a long time dead to wonder "what if?')
So as not to seem churlish, I have read everyone else's comments and noted them all and would give thanks to all the contributors so far. It has been very much appreciated.
With regards to the manufactures, the Oyster seems to have a more raised and curved foredeck than the Colvic. The Colvic I've seen looks immaculate, the Oyster a bit more weather beaten. But, I know both would need careful consideration given their age and possible histories. The same seems to go for the SHE 36's, but somehow very few people comment negatively on them compared to the UFO 34's (and having previously sailed on a SHE 36, neither would I). So your comments have been very helpful. I could provide details of the UFO's if you were interested.
As much as my heart 'says' SHE 36, my ISA, bank manager and wife will probably 'shout' UFO 34 (but, I can be a devil at times and we're all a long time dead to wonder "what if?')
So as not to seem churlish, I have read everyone else's comments and noted them all and would give thanks to all the contributors so far. It has been very much appreciated.
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Bedlam
New member
I have a she 36 on the west coast of Scotland, this is my ninth season with her and I can’t fault her, I have cruised her single handed and raced west highland week with seven crew , she has always looked after us.
Riggwelted
New member
I obviously can't 'respond' correctly in this post so my apologies to JWilson! for not 'replying ' to him correctly in my previous response.
Whilst researching these boats, for which I have a passing knowledge of, (hence re-opening the forum), I did note that "Lorelei" (as previously mentioned as 'the poster boat' of Fastnet '79) was a SHE 36 that rescued the crew of Grimalkin and subsequently finished that fateful race. But interestingly (and I do tell my employees off for 'Wikipedia-ing' everything), but Wikipedia does indicates that two UFO 34's finished the Fastnet 79 race, and a further two retired safely (one battered yacht made Plymouth and another jury rigged made it to Penzance).
As I said previously my heart says SHE 36, but my head thinks UFO 34 is possibly just as good but less classic looking. And essentially, I'm looking for anyone that has experience of either (although I do welcome alternative boat suggestions)
Whilst researching these boats, for which I have a passing knowledge of, (hence re-opening the forum), I did note that "Lorelei" (as previously mentioned as 'the poster boat' of Fastnet '79) was a SHE 36 that rescued the crew of Grimalkin and subsequently finished that fateful race. But interestingly (and I do tell my employees off for 'Wikipedia-ing' everything), but Wikipedia does indicates that two UFO 34's finished the Fastnet 79 race, and a further two retired safely (one battered yacht made Plymouth and another jury rigged made it to Penzance).
As I said previously my heart says SHE 36, but my head thinks UFO 34 is possibly just as good but less classic looking. And essentially, I'm looking for anyone that has experience of either (although I do welcome alternative boat suggestions)
Bajansailor
Well-known member
@Riggwelted would your wife approve of a She 31 instead of a 36?
Or would she not have enough room down below?
She 31 archive details - Yachtsnet Ltd. online UK yacht brokers - yacht brokerage and boat sales
I am sure that your bank manager would, but your wife's opinion over rides theirs.
Mr Wilson also has details of the She 36 on Yachtsnet
She 36 archive details - Yachtsnet Ltd. online UK yacht brokers - yacht brokerage and boat sales
Have you had a look through some of the other yachts in the Yachtsnet archives?
I think I have mentioned before that I like S & S 34's..... here is one for sale in Denmark.
1970 Sparkman & Stephens 34 Cruiser for sale - YachtWorld
And one in Lancashire for GBP 12,000 - but she is 'sale pending'.
1970 Sparkman & Stephens 34 Cruiser/Racer for sale - YachtWorld
Or would she not have enough room down below?
She 31 archive details - Yachtsnet Ltd. online UK yacht brokers - yacht brokerage and boat sales
I am sure that your bank manager would, but your wife's opinion over rides theirs.
Mr Wilson also has details of the She 36 on Yachtsnet
She 36 archive details - Yachtsnet Ltd. online UK yacht brokers - yacht brokerage and boat sales
Have you had a look through some of the other yachts in the Yachtsnet archives?
I think I have mentioned before that I like S & S 34's.....
here is one for sale in Denmark. 1970 Sparkman & Stephens 34 Cruiser for sale - YachtWorld
And one in Lancashire for GBP 12,000 - but she is 'sale pending'.
1970 Sparkman & Stephens 34 Cruiser/Racer for sale - YachtWorld
michael_w
Well-known member
The SHE 36 I sailed on had a very low boom. It was about knee height when you stood on the coachroof.
Frogmogman
Well-known member
Ok then.
How about this Harlinger built version of a similar design to the SHE 36
1977 Sparkman & Stephens 36ft, Contact De Valk Portugal Portugal - boats.com
(the description does go in for some nonsense about the chronology, suggesting that the Swan 38 was developed from the SHE 36. As any fule kno, the Swan 38 (1974) was a rip off of the S&S contessa 38 (1973) built by Jeremy Rogers). The SHE 36 came after, in 1977, and although it bears some similarities, can hardly be described as the same design. The Contessa and the Swan were both designed as one tonners, whereas the SHE was a 3/4 tonner.
Or this S&S Condor 37. She needs a fair bit of work, but a fine looking boat from the same design office.
Sparkman & Stephens Condor 37 Used Boat for Sale 1980
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Minerva
Well-known member
that sounds like you’re describing a 80’s beneteau first to a T.
Have you looked at something like a first 345?
doug748
Well-known member
As I see it the drawback of both boats is an interior fit out slanted towards racing rather than the uses you have in mind; so you have lots of berths but a more limited saloon/socialising space. Basic galley facilities and lightweight, open storage below decks.
This is a 36 fitted out for cruising with a small crew and sold in Plymouth not long ago:
Unclassified She 36
The interior will be a bit fussy for some but what a cracking boat. I have a prejudice against running boats bigger than you need but, had it had a tiller, I think I am daft enough to have gone for it myself.
PS.
Forgot, I believe the She has an encapsulated keel with lead ballast, the gold standard of construction. Monocoque with no stress risers, no keel bolts to fret about, no keel joints to move or leak and the ballast doing it's job in the ideal place, at the bottom of the boat. This alone goes some way to explain the premium over the UFO and others.
.
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jwilson
Well-known member
The UFO34 total inversion and three more keel-in-the-air incidents were off Iceland earlier in 1979. I was dragging my anchor on a Rival 34 in Poole harbour mud during the Fastnet storm.
Riggwelted
New member
Thanks Frogman. I'd already requested details from De Valk Portugal (and this is one of the SHE 36's on my radar). I'm researching the Tax implications post Brexit of overseas yacht purchases. I think there may be a December 31st deadline and I'm not sure I can spare the time to bring her to Plymouth before then.
The Condor is interesting too. A lot of boat for the money, but to me lacks the lines of the SHE 36!
Riggwelted
New member
That was an interesting and informative comment Doug. I'll make sure I bear that in mind when looking at the many options I've been recommended.
D
Deleted member 36384
Guest
If you are budget constrained beware that you can spend a lot on old boats just to get them up to a standard that is reasonable, just on sails, rigging, water tightness, before you even get to worn out equipment, instruments, electrics and interior. I suggest that a cost comparison with a newer boat would be useful, when you see an old boat the you like. Engage the head after the heart and before you pay a surveyor.
£35-45k for a She 36, late 70's, early 80's that needs work, compared to a 2006 Bavaria 33 at £40k currently for sale at Levington Suffolk and would do exactly what you want and very likely at less overall cost. My experience tells me it is a no brainer.
I get the desire for older boats, I own a '74 launched Rival 41C, but having bought a sail away model, the subsequent spend to get it in good condition has been ridiculous. Old boats are not cost effective compared to buying newer boats and you may very well spend more time sorting stuff than sailing.
£35-45k for a She 36, late 70's, early 80's that needs work, compared to a 2006 Bavaria 33 at £40k currently for sale at Levington Suffolk and would do exactly what you want and very likely at less overall cost. My experience tells me it is a no brainer.
I get the desire for older boats, I own a '74 launched Rival 41C, but having bought a sail away model, the subsequent spend to get it in good condition has been ridiculous. Old boats are not cost effective compared to buying newer boats and you may very well spend more time sorting stuff than sailing.
Tranona
Well-known member
No. The boat will be EU VAT paid and if you import it you will have to pay UK VAT. The deadline only applies to boats being returned under the Returned Goods rules - that is boats that are still owned by the person who took them out of the UK. Normally that return has to be within 3 years, but that has been extended. However, if it was originally a UK VAT paid (or deemed VAT paid because of its age) and is still owned by the person who exported it from the UK, then it may be possible for that person to return it to the UK, claim the relief and then sell it to you. Worth investigating, but everything in the description suggests it is probably Dutch owned and never in the UK.
Chae_73
Active member
I must admit, there is a lot to like about both the SHE and UFO. I did half consider looking for a UFO before we bought the Westerly.
One thing about the SHE; the wheel steering looks really wrong in that cockpit. Does anyone know if any / many have tillers? All the examples I have come across whilst internet browsing have had wheels.
One thing about the SHE; the wheel steering looks really wrong in that cockpit. Does anyone know if any / many have tillers? All the examples I have come across whilst internet browsing have had wheels.
Bedlam
New member
Chae_73
Active member
Yes, you could be right. I guess I am used to seeing wheels in more modern, wider stern boats and it's a bit of a contrast to those.
From what I have been able to find on line, they all seem to be wheel steering anyway.
matt1
Well-known member
They are beautiful aren't they? I always wondered what the decks were finished with? Where SHE ahead of their times with a synthetic teak? Are these original or have they all been replaced now?
Koeketiene
Well-known member
This is mine (Standfast 36 - IOR One Tonner - 1977)
Similar era & design.
A tiller works very well for her size.
I've been aboard one with a wheel and the cockpit is decidely cramped with a wheel pedestal.
Also, as I sail singlehanded most of the time, access to winches & traveller is a lot easier when you have a tiller.
All IMHO, of course.
fredrussell
Well-known member
If I owned a She 36, I’d never get much sailing done - I’d just row the tender around her at a distance of thirty yards and just gaze at her, swooning.