1980 Sceptre 36 AthenaSold
$36,000
Boat in Seattle, WA 98117 US
36 Athena
1 Engine (VW Pathfinder)
36 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
Designed by Hein Driehuyzen, and built by Scepter Yachts Ltd. in Vancouver, thirty-six Sceptre 36 sailboats were completed between 1978 and 1984. This was the peak period when there were several small select builders, producing the best quality sailboats they could, before the oil crisis in the mid-80s. The most interesting and thorough review of the Sceptre 36 is in The Best Boats to Build or Buy by Ferenc Máté. With 10 pages of copy and drawings, it's well worth a read! The Sceptre was a better boat than Driehuyzen's earlier and lighter Crown 34, longer, deeper, with more ballast for the taller rig. The hull is solid fiberglass and the deck and coach-house are fiberglass with balsa core. Supported by four shrouds per side with rod rigging, the tapered aluminum mast on Athena has been repainted with nice light grey epoxy paint. Athena has good North sails, a Lewmar windlass, and No. 44ST primary and No.30 halyard and trim winches. Many Scepters were equipped with a Pathfinder Diesel with Bosch Fuel Injection System. Built to last, the Pathfinder has more bearing surfaces than any other marine diesel. The interior is light with many thoughtful woodwork details; a modest liquor cabinet without stained glass, and a salon settee that slides out to make a double berth. There are little details like corner gaps in table fiddles for wiping the crumbs off the table and a pass-through hatch to the trash can in the lazaret. Like many boats of the day, you could load the ice box or reach a beer from the cockpit. This strong classic racer/cruiser is a straightforward sailing machine, a simple great sailing boat that can take you anywhere locally or beyond the Salish Sea. Note: I'm told his boat was ordered by a doctor in Bellingham who wanted all the waterline he could get, so this Secptre 36 has a "normal" racy transom, not the usual Driehuyzen chopped one. It's pretty too! Nobody builds boats like this anymore! Come see Athena, and make an offer. With the recent price drop, someone is going to get a great sailing boat. . .
Please look for Athena Details hidden by YachtWorld in the Other Details Tab below!
Specifications (SailboatData)
* LOA: 35.5' * LWL: 29.08'
* Beam: 11.42' * Draft: 6'
* Disp.: 12,000 Lbs. (47.21%) * Ballast: 5,500 Lbs.
* SailArea: 596 ft2 * SA/Disp.: 18.22
* Air Draft: 52' (varies) * Comfort Ratio: 23.34
Sails and Rigging Notes
* Double-Spreader, Keel-Stepped Painted AL.Mast w/Track
* 10 Rod Rigging Shrouds-! 4 per Side, Forstay & Backstay
* North Nordac Main w/ 2 Full Battens, 3 Reefs, big Slugs
* North 130% Genoa on Harkin Furler
* T-Bird Sails; .129%, 153%, 153 Heavy + .5 & .75 Spinnakers
* Bridge-DeckTraveler, Soft Vang, Hydraulic Backstay Adjustor
* Dacron Running Rigging for Halyards Sheets and Control-lines
* 2) Lewmar ST #44 Primary Winches-!
* 3) Lewmar#30 ST Trim Winchs on Cabin-top
* 3) Assorted Winch Handles, Adl. Mid-Ship Docking Cleat
Mechanical and Electrical Equipment
* 4-cyl.Pathfinder Marine 50 Diesel - Hurth Transmission
* 2-Blade Max-Prop w/ traditional shaft seal on 1" Shaft
* 3) 100AH Group 27 DYNO batteries from Fisheries
* Newmar PT-14W 3-Stage Smart Battery Charger
* Seaward 6-gallon 120V Water Heater
* Garmin Touchscreen Chartplotter w/ AIS at NavStation
* Standard Horizon Matrix AIS GX2100 VHF
* Raymarine Wheel AutoPilot
* Datamarine Depth /Speed /Wind Instruments
* Silva Hand-Bearing Compass
* Engine Manuals & Local Cruising Guides
* Racor fuel filter | 30amp power cord
Galley | Interior Gear
* 3-Burner Hillerange Stove w/Oven
* Propane tank in stern seat w/Solenoids
* DetectnSeal Stove Propane Controler
* Ice Box w/ cockpit loading or beer access
* Galley Hatch Access to Lazarrett Trash-bin
* Deep Stainless Steel Sink w/ newer facet
* Hot/Cold Water, Parmax4, Pex lines
*.Salon Table w/ Expansion Piece
* German Wemte Brass Clock n Barometer
* Boat Cushions | Cockpit Bottomsiders
* Florescent, LED & Halogen Interior Lights
* 4-Piece Vberth Cushions + Memory Foam
* Enclosed head with manual marine toilet
Hull | Deck | Safety Gear
* Lewmar 12volt V2/3 Anchor Windlass
* S.S. Bow/Stern Stanchions w/SS lifelines
* Delta 22 Anchor, 5/16 G4 w/3 strand rode
* Secondary Anchor and rode?
* Manual and Electric Bilge Pumps
* Leathered Yacht Specialties Wheel
* Ritchie Binnacle Compass, Mast Windex
* Mainsail, Binnacle, and Genoa Sun Covers
* Emergency Tiller | Bilgepump Handle
* LifeSling, PFDs, Fenders, Dock lines
* Fire extinguishers, Horn and Flares
* SS Stern-ladder, Edson OB Mount
Tanks
* 25 Gal. Diesel - S.S Tank
* 60 Gal. Water - 2 Plastic Tanks
* 25 Gal. Holding Plastic Tank
Ask about a dive video.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 1/29/26 | Initial price | $36,000 |
Overview from around the web 1980 Sceptre 36 Athena
Customers praise the 1980 Sceptre 36 Athena for its classic design and solid build quality
Many highlight its spacious interior and comfortable layout, making it ideal for extended cruising. Owners appreciate the boat's reliable performance in various sea conditions and its ease of handling. The craftsmanship and attention to detail in the finishes receive frequent compliments, as does the boat's timeless aesthetic appeal. Overall, the Sceptre 36 Athena is regarded as a well-balanced and dependable cruiser that combines traditional elegance with practical functionality.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1980 Sceptre 36 Athena is a classic cruiser known for its sturdy build and timeless design. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Solid Construction: Built with quality materials, the Sceptre 36 Athena offers durability and reliability on the water.
Spacious Interior: The 36-foot length allows for comfortable living quarters, suitable for extended cruising.
Good Sailing Performance: Designed for stability and ease of handling, it performs well in various wind conditions.
Classic Aesthetic: The traditional lines and styling appeal to those who appreciate classic yacht design.
Ample Storage: Offers sufficient storage space for gear and provisions, enhancing long-term cruising capability.
Cons
Older Design: As a boat from 1980, some design elements may feel dated compared to modern vessels.
Maintenance Needs: Older boats often require more upkeep and potential refurbishment to maintain optimal condition.
Limited Modern Amenities: Lacks some of the contemporary conveniences found in newer models, such as advanced electronics or modern galley appliances.
Weight: The solid build can result in a heavier vessel, which might affect speed and fuel efficiency under power.
Availability of Parts: Replacement parts specific to this model may be harder to find due to its age.
Made For
The 1980 Sceptre 36 Athena is designed for sailing enthusiasts seeking a classic cruiser with timeless elegance and reliable performance. Ideal for those who appreciate traditional craftsmanship combined with comfortable accommodations, this vessel suits couples or small families looking for enjoyable coastal cruising or weekend adventures on the water. Its sturdy build and well-thought-out design make it perfect for sailors who value both style and functionality in a manageable size.
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Meet the Broker

Address
Boat Location
Contact West Yachts about 1980 Sceptre 36 Athena
1019 Q. Ave. Suite D, Anacortes, WA, 98221
Contact West Yachts
1019 Q. Ave. Suite D, Anacortes, WA, 98221




















































































































































