She 36 Information, Review, Specs

South Hants Engineering, founded by the Fitzgerald brothers in 1968, distinguished itself through an exclusive partnership with Sparkman & Stephens. This collaboration ensured that all SHE yachts, including the 36, benefited from S&S's global design leadership, renowned for efficient underwater profiles and seaworthy designs. Production of the SHE 36 began in 1977.

History and Design

The SHE 36 emerged from Sparkman & Stephens' design number 2166, with specific modifications including a rudder moved further aft to achieve a longer waterline and a deep fin keel. This design ethos was firmly rooted in the competitive IOR racing scene of the late 1970s, aiming for a potent 3/4 Ton racer while still offering amenities for cruising. The builder, South Hants Engineering, was known for producing high-quality fiberglass yachts that translated S&S's performance-oriented designs into durable, low-maintenance vessels.

A testament to the design's success and adaptability, the SHE 36 shares its core hull design with other notable yachts, including the Northstar 1500 and the Hughes 35, both built in Canada. While the exact end year of production for the SHE 36 by South Hants Engineering is not definitively recorded, the company ceased active boat production by the late 1970s or early 1980s. There have been instances of later builds, such as a SHE 36 by Tamarisk Yachts in 1998, indicating the enduring appeal of the S&S design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The SHE 36 is widely lauded for its beautiful lines and exceptional sailing characteristics, described by owners as swift, stiff, and highly capable both inshore and offshore. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 12.91, the SHE 36 indicates a moderate performance profile, suggesting she will perform adequately across a range of wind conditions, rather than being an extreme light-air specialist.

Her ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.37, with 5,400 lbs of lead ballast in a 14,580 lbs displacement hull, points to a good level of initial stability. While not exceptionally high, this ratio contributes to her stiffness and ability to stand up to a breeze, a desirable trait for a boat intended for both racing and offshore cruising. The displacement to length ratio of approximately 253.29 places the SHE 36 in the moderate displacement category. This reflects her design as a balanced cruiser-racer—not an ultralight speedster, but also not a heavy, sluggish cruiser, striking a good balance between speed and comfortable motion.

Owners frequently praise the SHE 36 for its sweet handling. Its deep fin keel (6.3 ft maximum draft) and skeg-hung rudder contribute to excellent directional stability and responsiveness, making her a joy to steer. She is known for being a good seaboat, capable of handling challenging conditions and inspiring confidence in her crew.

Accommodations and Layout

The SHE 36 offers a conventional interior layout designed for comfortable cruising for a crew of six, or even up to seven berths in some configurations. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the interior typically features varnished teak joinery, providing a classic and warm aesthetic.

While detailed diagrams require individual research, the standard arrangement often includes a V-berth forward, followed by a head compartment. The main salon would feature opposing settees, potentially convertible to berths, and a central table. A galley would be situated to one side, likely with a gimbaled stove and sink, while a navigation station would be on the opposite. Quarter berths aft are common, providing additional sleeping capacity. Owners generally appreciate the finish quality and the practical layout, which maximizes space within the boat's 10.5-foot beam.

Owner's Perspectives

The SHE 36 maintains a loyal following, with many owners expressing deep satisfaction with their vessels. Owners consistently praise the SHE 36 as a superb boat, often citing its robust construction, beautiful lines, and exceptional sailing performance as key strengths. Many consider it the best boat they have ever owned, with some regretting selling theirs. Its ability to perform well in various conditions, including offshore races like the Fastnet, where a SHE 36 famously provided communication assistance, underscores its seaworthiness and reliability.

Common sentiments highlight the boat's comfortable motion in a seaway and its well-balanced helm, making long passages enjoyable. While specific weaknesses or recurring maintenance issues are not widely reported as systemic faults, as with any classic yacht, ongoing maintenance is part of ownership. The lasting appeal of the SHE 36 is evident in the active community of owners who continue to cherish and sail these well-built Sparkman & Stephens designs.