Dilema - Westerly GK29 or Longbow 31

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sgreenway

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Hi there everyone,

I have been looking for a suitable yacht to purchase and have seen two vrey nice westerlys. I like them both in different way and was wondering whether anyone can provide me with any pitfalls/advantages to owning either.

The GK29 fits more of my criteria, but can't quite get the longbow out of my mind either---- Help

Thanks
Steve /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
Really comes down to personal preference but I would go for the GK29, I had it on my shortlist when I was last in the market.

The only problem I am aware of with both the GK24 and 29 is that some additional strengthening is sometimes required to the hull around and aft of the keel (internally). The hull has been known to flex in this area when sitting on its keel, if you post on the Westerly OA forum I'm sure you will get more info. Don't let this put you off a great boat.

Hope this helps...
 
Very different kinds of boats! Other than similar size and same builder not a lot in common. So guess you first have to decide on your priorities in performance comfort and accommodation - that should make the decision for you.

Both seem to be good in their own way.
 
I had a GK29 for several years and really enjoyed it. It was the "family racer" version which has a shallower draft, an iron keel and a shorter rig than the all out racing version. Even so it was a fast and exciting boat to sail. As Georgio says there's a weak point in the original design. The hull just behind the keel is very flat so has little form stiffness. Great for surfing but it tends to 'hog' when sitting on the keel. Many had the floors strengthened in this area.

Another item to have a close look at is the engine, if it's original - a Petter mini-twin. Mine slowly died of declining oil pressure and got more and more difficult to start as well. I replaced it with a Beta - twice the power, half the weight and a quarter of the noise.

Also check the headlining (applies to the Longbow as well, of course). Tedious and filthy job to replace this so a definite benefit if it's already been done.
 
IMO of the two you mention the GK sails much better. I have always liked the GKs (24,29 and 34s) they sail really well but have less space down below than other boats of that generation.

Have you thought about what it is you are going to do with the boat and what features attract you to one or the other? Buying a boat is more to do with emotional experiences so do not try and put too much logic into it.

So as everything with boats is a compromise so you have to make up your OWN mind.
 
I am aiming to primarily coastal sail around kent, later across to Europe (hopefully).
Mainly single handed, but occasionally SWMBO may come on board. Therefore need something suitable for just me and with a reasonable speed 6+ knots if poss, but also seaworthy so she does not get too worried.
 
Apart perhaps for the "speed" bit sounds like the Longbow to me! Speed per se is relatively unimportant for pottering and single handing, it is the ease and comfort in making your passage that is more important.
 
Longbow is one of the Berwick, Longbow, Pentland, Renown family of 31 footers that are sailing caravans although they are caravans that sail pretty well. Gk 29 is a cruiser racer built as a half tonner and one of the GK24,29 33 34 series.

The Longbow is much heavier (9400lbs) than the GK29 (6900lbs) but you can compare them with all the stats on the Westerly Owners Association website

They were covered covered in the recent series of articles in PBO on Westerly yachts. November 2008 issue to be precise.

Perhaps as the credit crunch tightens its grip you could go one or two steps better and get a Fulmar at a bargain price.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I am aiming to primarily coastal sail around kent, later across to Europe (hopefully).
Mainly single handed, but occasionally SWMBO may come on board. Therefore need something suitable for just me and with a reasonable speed 6+ knots if poss, but also seaworthy so she does not get too worried.

[/ QUOTE ]The main problem single handing the GK29 IMO is the relatively huge genoa. I guess the original racing design assumed a boatfull of grunts to pull the ropes. I found tacking hard work at times when on my own.
 
I read and re-read the PBO article. Still did not help.
1 thing I was keen on having was a gas hob, grill and oven. The GK has this whereas the longbow has a spirit cooker.
Are spirit cookers good?
Just looking at things I wanted the longbow as 60% against the GK.
however I like both boats --- still have a dilema
 
Personally the GK29 for me every time, but it depends if you are looking for a boat that is fun to sail or a comfortable country cottage.
Having said that, is draft a consideration in your area? I believe the Longbow is a tad shallower.
I have found a good trick when you can't decide, is to toss a coin, then think if you are disapointed or pleased with the result.
 
Make the owners a reasonable offer to take you out sailing with them. They are two very different boats so you can decide whether you prefer performance or comfort.

I was looking for a GK29 then I spotted a Storm going quite cheap so I bankrupted myself with that instead /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
longbow has a spirit cooker

[/ QUOTE ] Sorry I did not read the article, and I have put the mags away again now.

Are you sure it says that?
I would suggest that a spirit cooker was very unlikely to have been the standard equipment fitted to Longbows. Definitely not in the two Berwicks that I have sailed. The interior moulding, at least in the aft cockpit versions (Longbow and Berwick) with the galley at the forward end of the cabin, is made to accommodate a gimballed gas hob and over between the sink and the bulkhead.

In the 30 ish years since the Longbows etc were produced anything could have been fitted in individual boats. That's the sort of thing you will have to check on.

If you had said that the GK29 had a spirit cooker i might not have challenged it although even that would have surprised me.
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
longbow has a spirit cooker

[/ QUOTE ] Sorry I did not read the article, and I have put the mags away again now.

Are you sure it says that?
I would suggest that a spirit cooker was very unlikely to have been the standard equipment fitted to Longbows. Definitely not in the two Berwicks that I have sailed. The interior moulding, at least in the aft cockpit versions (Longbow and Berwick) with the galley at the forward end of the cabin, is made to accommodate a gimballed gas hob and over between the sink and the bulkhead.

In the 30 ish years since the Longbows etc were produced anything could have been fitted in individual boats. That's the sort of thing you will have to check on.

If you had said that the GK29 had a spirit cooker i might not have challenged it although even that would have surprised me.

[/ QUOTE ]

From what I remember the Spirit stove was for the American export, - so is this a re-import - if so is VAT a problem?
 
Sorry, I don't think I made myself clear.
THe logbow has as space etc for a gimballed cooker, but has a spirit stove, but no gas locker nor pipework etc.
THe GK29 has a good gas locker (I think) and gas hob. grill and oven.
On a "points" score of what I want the GK has more than the longbow, but choices choices.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Sorry, I don't think I made myself clear

[/ QUOTE ] I didn't read your original post properly!

You clearly prefer the GK 29 out of those two, but if you think a Longbow is still in the running look around for one with the gas cooker you want. Original gas locker doesn't come up to modern standards though.
 
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