1980 Sceptre 36
$27,000
$28,000
Boat in Seattle, WA 98109 US
Built in 1980
36
--
36 feet
--
Fiberglass/Reinforced
Summer Starts Here: The Sceptre 36 Sail, cruise or Liveaboard at an Unbeatable Price
PRICE JUST REDUCED!
Stop dreaming and start sailing. If you've been looking for the perfect entry point into the Pacific Northwest cruising lifestyle, this Sceptre 36 is it. While modern, mass-produced boats can often feel "plastic," this rare, semi-custom Canadian classic offers the structural integrity and "soul" of a high-end yacht-at a "buy it now" price.
Designed by the legendary Hein Driehuyzen and featured in The Best Boats to Build or Buy, she is one of only 36 ever built. Whether you're planning to weave through the San Juans or looking for a character-filled liveaboard in Seattle, this vessel is built to inspire total confidence.
Why the Sceptre 36 is the Perfect "First" Boat for the Northwest:
A "Stiff," Secure Ride: Designed with a high ballast ratio, she stays more upright and resists excessive heeling. This makes her far more comfortable and secure for new sailors than lighter, modern alternatives.
Built for the Salish Sea: With a solid fiberglass hull and a unique factory-extended waterline transom, she slices through the chop smoothly. She's "powered up" for light summer air but heavy enough to handle a Puget Sound blow with ease.
Ready to Explore: Equipped with North sails, a Lewmar windlass, and a reliable Pathfinder diesel, she has the "bones" to take you cruising today.
Traditional Craftsmanship & Livability
The teak-finished interior is more than just a cabin; it's a warm, inviting space. The smart layout includes a salon settee that converts to a double berth, comfortably sleeping 4-5 people. It is an ideal Seattle liveaboard for those who value traditional quality, clever storage solutions and a great performer to top it all off.
Exceptional Value: A Smart Summer Investment
She needs some TLC in a few areas, which is exactly why she is priced so aggressively. Finding this level of structural integrity and world-class design at this price point is incredibly rare. This is a solid platform ready for a new owner to add their personal touch and build immediate equity in a timeless cruiser.
Don't let the season slip away.
Contact Dean at Marine Servicenter to see her in person and get on the water!
World-class design at this price point is rare.
Your investment in this timeless cruiser will be well-rewarded.
Dimensions and Weight:
- Length Overall (LOA): 35 ft 6 in
- Length of Waterline (LWL): 29 ft 1 in
- Beam: 11 ft 5 in
- Draft: 6 ft
- Ballast Weight: 5,500 lbs
- Displacement: 12,000 lbs
- Waterline to Masthead: 52 ft
Propulsion:
A powerful 50HP Diesel with a mechanical pump. The engine is made by Volkswagen and is known to be easy to service.
- Make: VW Pathfinder - Marine 50
- Engine HP: 50
- Engine hours at 1688
- Many parts are shared with the car engine of the same model
- 2-Blade feathering Max-Prop
- Traditional shaft seal
- Racor fuel filter
Tankage
- Fuel: 25 gal (Stainless Steel)
- Water: 60 gal (2 Plastic)
- Holding: 25 gal (Plastic)
- Hot Water Tank Capacity: 6 gal heated by AC and engine heat
Galley and Accommodations:
The interior features an efficient galley and a convertible salon settee that can convert to a double berth. High-quality solid teak finishes and quality joinery throughout the interior.
- Three-burner propane stove with oven
- Ice box with cockpit loading access (no refrigerator)
- Deep stainless steel sink
- Hot and cold water
- GFI AC Outlet
- Sea water pump at the sink
- Undercabinet lighting
- Countertops with dry storage below
- Large settee for seating up to 6 people around a teak table
- Settee pulls out to create a double berth and uses the backrest for the berth
- Salon Table with Expansion Piece (explain?)
- V-berth with hanging locker
- Wall-mounted brass clock and barometer
- 6 fixed cabin windows and one large hatch overhead
- Loads of storage behind and above the settee, trimmed in teak
Nav Station
- Garmin 740S touchscreen chartplotter with AIS
- Standard Horizon Matrix AIS GX2100 VHF with AIS
- Handheld Compass
Head
Private head features an efficient design with all the comforts you need for life on board, finished in teak.
- Stainless sink
- Raritan PH Head – a great upgraded head
- Shower head mount using a pull-out sink faucet
- 3 storage built-in open bins and two cabinets provide plenty of storage
- Overhead deck hatch for ventilation and light
Cockpit
The cockpit is designed for active sailing with easy access to the primary winches and essential navigation electronics.
- Cockpit Cover sits on the boom and is in excellent condition
- Cockpit Table
- Compass
- Large portside lazarette
- Newer leather-wrapped wheel
- Raymarine Autopilot control
- 2 Lewmar ST 44 primary winches
- 3 Lewmar #30 ST trim winches on the cabin top
- Engine control panel with tach,,oil pressure and water temp gauges
- Manual bilge pump
- Propane tank
Decks, Hull & Exterior Equipment
Built with a solid fiberglass hull and a balsa-cored deck, this vessel offers a rigid, stable platform for offshore work.
- Lewmar windlass
- Delta 22 anchor and G4 5/16” chain and 3-strand rode
- S.S. Bow and Stern stanchions with lifelines
- Stainless Stern swim ladder
- Edson Outboard Mount
- Electric bilge pump
Electrical System
- AC/DC distribution panel
- New house batteries (2024)
- New start battery (2024)
- Newmar PT-14W 3-stage smart battery charger
- Shore Power Inlet
- 30amp power cord
- Rebuilt alternator (2024)
- Water Heater – 6 Gallons Heated by AC and engine
Electronics & Navigation
- VHF Radio: Standard Horizon GX2100 with AIS at Nav Station
- Autopilot: Raymarine Wheel Autopilot
- AIS displays on the Chartplotter
- Ritchie Binnacle Compass
- Garmin Touchscreen Chartplotter with AIS
- Datamarine Wind at helm
- Datamarine Depth at helm
- Datamarine Speed at helm
- Silva Hand Bering Compass
Sails & Rigging
Equipped with a tall rig, Athena is a high-performance cruiser that thrives in a wide range of wind conditions.
- Main – North Sails - Durable Cruising Sail in good condition with 2 full battens and 3 reefs –
- Furling Genoa: North 130%
- Sail Area: 596 SF estimated
- .75oz Spinnaker reported in good condition
- .5oz Spinnaker reported in Fair conditions
- Thunderbird sails in bag - 153% Genoa (not inspected)
- Thunderbird sails in bag - 100% Jib (not inspected)
- Aluminum mast, grey epoxy paint, keel stepped
- Hydraulic backstay
- Spinnaker Pole deck-mounted
Other Equipment
- Light and easy to store - West Marine RU-250 Roll-up Dinghy with cover
- Lifesling
- Emergency Tiller
- Fire extinguishers, flares and a horn
- Propane tank in locker
- Dock lines and fender
Additional Information & Upgrades
- Alternator rebuilt (2024)
- Belts replaced (2024)
- Exhaust elbow replaced (2024)
- AntiSiphon replaced (2024)
- New batteries (2024)
- Anodes replaced (2025)
- Bottom paint (2021)
- Third owners purchased in 2021
Other:
- No transferable slip - but we can get you a slip in Seattle!
No groundings reported - No heat or fridge installed
- Hatches and windows show crazing
- Sail information is based on the prior seller and has not been inspected
- The interior cushion at the nav station is worn through the fabric cover
- Extinguishers and flares may have expired dates
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 5/14/26 | Price decreased | $27,000(-3.6%) |
| 5/9/26 | Price decreased | $28,000(-3.4%) |
| 5/4/26 | Initial price | $29,000 |
Overview from around the web 1980 Sceptre 36
The 1980 Sceptre 36 continues to impress boat enthusiasts with its enduring design and robust performance
Many customers appreciate its solid construction, highlighting the high-quality materials that contribute to its longevity and durability. Owners frequently mention the spacious interior, which offers comfort for both short getaways and extended cruising. The layout is often praised for its practicality, featuring ample storage, a functional galley, and a cozy salon ideal for relaxing after a day on the water. The sailing performance of the Sceptre 36 also receives positive feedback, with users noting its stability and ease of handling in various wind conditions. The boat's ability to maintain speed while providing a smooth ride is a recurring theme in customer reviews. Additionally, the reputation of Sceptre boats for safety and seaworthiness contributes to the confidence many sailors feel while navigating open waters. Overall, the 1980 Sceptre 36 garners enthusiasm for its blend of classic style, comfort, and reliable performance, making it a beloved choice among cruising aficionados.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
Pros
Sturdy Construction: The Sceptre 36 is known for its solid build quality, often featuring a fiberglass hull that provides durability and resistance to the elements.
Spacious Interior: With a layout designed for comfort, the interior space typically includes a well-equipped galley, ample storage, and sleeping accommodations for multiple crew members, making it ideal for cruising.
Performance: This sailboat generally offers good sail performance, with features designed to enhance handling under various weather conditions.
Versatile Design: The Sceptre 36 is suitable for both coastal cruising and longer passages, making it a versatile choice for sailors of varying experience levels.
Classic Appeal: With its timeless design, many find the aesthetics of the Sceptre 36 appealing, adding to its charm.
Community and Resources: As a well-recognized model, the Sceptre 36 has a community of owners and resources available for maintenance and upgrades.
Cons
Age: Being a model from 1980, certain features may feel dated compared to newer boats, and potential buyers should be prepared for more frequent maintenance due to age-related wear.
Performance Limitations: While generally good for cruising, seasoned racers might find that the performance of the Sceptre 36 does not match that of modern racing sailboats.
Small Cockpit: Some users may find the cockpit area smaller than they desire, which could impact comfort during extended time spent on board.
Weight: The robust construction may lend itself to a heavier boat, which could impact speed and maneuverability under certain conditions.
Availability of Parts: Depending on modifications or repairs needed, finding specific parts for older models might pose a challenge.
Design/Layout Preferences: While the interior space is spacious, some may prefer alternative layouts that maximize light or provide more open living space.
Made For
The 1980 Sceptre 36 is the perfect vessel for sailing enthusiasts seeking both performance and comfort on the water. Designed for those who appreciate classic craftsmanship and sturdy construction, this boat caters to a range of sailors—from weekend cruisers to long-distance adventurers. With its dependable build and spacious interior, the Sceptre 36 is ideal for families looking to explore coastal waters or couples desiring a romantic getaway on the open sea. The versatile design also makes it suitable for solo sailors searching for a reliable offshore vessel. Whether you're a seasoned sailor, a hobbyist, or looking to transition into cruising, the Sceptre 36 promises a well-rounded sailing experience that combines stability, style, and functionality. The boat's robust sailing capabilities, combined with its comfortable living space, make it a fantastic choice for those ready to embark on new adventures while enjoying the beauty of life at sea.
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Meet the Broker
Address
Boat Location
Contact Marine Servicenter - Seattle about 1980 Sceptre 36
2442 Westlake Ave North, Seattle, WA, 98109
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