Dilema - Westerly GK29 or Longbow 31

[sailingat45]

GK29?

Hello All
Oddly enough we have the same dilema between a Berwick (nice safe sturdy boat in good condition but affraid it may not deliver much sailing excitment), or a GK29. However, being relatively new to sailing does anyone think a GK29 would be a poor choice for a couple new to coastal sailing? Also, we were planning on living aboard over the sailing months for approx 6 months crusing the west coast of the UK.

 

[sgreenway]

Just to let you know I got the GK29 three years ago now.

I do mainly coastal sailing and once you get her set up right she is a joy to sail. Just be aware that she does heel in a decent breeze, so you need to be comfortable with that.

Accommodation wise, she is fine for two. If you need to go in opposite directions in the cabin, you have to take it in turns!!!! But she is comfortable and also has a reasonable sized cockpit for sitting out in.

I'd recommend her, but I did buy one!!!!!

 

[Tranona]

Hello All
Oddly enough we have the same dilema between a Berwick (nice safe sturdy boat in good condition but affraid it may not deliver much sailing excitment), or a GK29. However, being relatively new to sailing does anyone think a GK29 would be a poor choice for a couple new to coastal sailing? Also, we were planning on living aboard over the sailing months for approx 6 months crusing the west coast of the UK.

It depends very much on your priorities in the compromise between "sailing" and "living" The GK29 as others have said is a fine sailing boat with acceptable accommodation for basic living. So, if you enjoy a fast responsive boat and can tolerate more limited comforts it is a good choice.

However if you want a comfortable liveaboard boat that can sail adequately then a Berwick (or many other similar family cruising designs) is perhaps a better bet. Personally, if I were going to spend 6 months on a boat, of which typically only somewhere around 10-15% would be sailing, then a Berwick would be first choice (out of those two). You will find you can cover the same ground, visit the same places, but do it more comfortably - if a little slower on individual passage times.

 

[doug748]

Friends of mine, retired in their 60's, have taken their GK around Britain and to the Med via the canals. They are very plesed with it and have no plans to change.

 

[scoty]

longbow

Just to confirm what others have already said, chalk and cheese, situation, comparison no,
what do you want, A safe seaworthy, comfortable for long or short term living onboard that will take you to the MED, via the canals or safely round the outside,

Had my longbow since 1995 wonderfull, strong sailing boat with a good turn of speed, But internal layout would be my important factor,
Seperate Galley and chart table aft of the main cabin make for more comfort, (later built longbows)
you decide.

 

[Searush]

(snip)Interior layouts, where alternatives were offered, and the fittings are both areas to be considered when looking at second hand boats.

I Have a vague idea Searush's Pentland does not have an oven ???)
I also have an idea that the aft cabin versions ( Pentland and Renown) have a shorter main cabin ???

Mine does have a full oven.

The aft cabin versions do have a slightly shorter main cabin (about 2' I think)

The interior layout changed in 1979 when the cooker was moved from centre Starboard side to aft starboard side, by the main hatch.

As already said, the Laurent-Giles designs are family cruisers, the GK29 was intended as a cruiser/ racer. I'm happy with my choice & have been for 23 years, i bought it because it matched my needs.

 

[sailingat45]

Thank you all for your comments. It was encouraging that no one advised against the GK for an inexperienced couple. Both boats meet our requirements, or at least differing requirements but we're leaning toward 'live aboard' criteria rather than 'sailing performance'. Perhaps a Fulmar is an ideal compromise?
Having identified a number of GK29 and Fulmars around the UK I think a tour to view is in order before making the final choice. As for the sailing I guess we'll find out once we've parted with the readies!
Thanks again for your comments and advice.

 

[scotjack]

This thread is probably no longer relevant to the original questioner, but in case someone else has a similar question, may I offer my recent observation.

Earlier this month, I bought a GK29, unseen, in Corinth Greece. It far exceeded my expectation for such an inexpensive small yacht.
After a superb two day hand-over from the previous owner, I sailed from Corinth (south of the canal) to Montenegro in 12 days - sailing when I could, motoring when no wind, or wind right on my nose. (Fuel consumption when motoring at 1500 rpm was <1.5 l/hr, giving about 4'5 - 5 knots depending on chop) Distance, according to iNautica of just over 900NM. I could easily have cut the time by 2 days, as 4 of them were very short, and wasted almost a whole day in Saranda after the short 10NM hop from Kalinas. Met a wonderful agent in Saranda, if anyone else is going there - so helpful - even bought me food for my ongoing journey!
Conditions in Gulfs of Corinth and Patra, and Ionian Sea, and southwest Adriatic, ranged from morning flat calms to the dreaded Bora on my last morning, during which the racing inspired GK29 really showed her mettle - a wonderful boat.
Down below, the Tardis comes to mind. Over 6' headroom, masses of storage and sleeps five comfortably - six in a pinch.
If you are on a budget and want a superb boat suited for any conditions, the GK29 will not disappoint.

 

[vyv_cox]

I could not agree more. We owned a GK29 for about 3 years, sailed widely, Scilly Isles, Brittany and Scotland, all from Anglesey. Very safe and comfortable boat.