Dilema - Westerly GK29 or Longbow 31

Re: Dilemma - Westerly GK29 or Longbow 31

Years ago a friend bought a Westerly 31 footer ( had as mizzen you couldn't see around /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif).
we had drinkies etc loadsa room below, chart table on sliders very comfortable.
we went back to our Co32 i got hold of the sensuous tiller looked forward & said "he can keep all that room, i prefer this"
he did take her 2 up to La Crunia & back
 
I crewed a fair bit for a friend with the Longbow ketch, bilge keeled, ie the Pentland. Sailed better than I imagined it would, and a fair turn of speed in the right hands. If you want a boat that gives you a cushioned ride and the sheer exhilaration of sailing, then look elsewhere, but for creature comforts then the 31ft Westerly is a winner. For East Coast sailing why not look at the bilge keeled Pentland ? Quite a few around.
The Pentland I sailed had a paraffin stove as the owner did not want the expense of upgrading the gas to modern safety standards.
 
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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 ]

IMO go for the GK29 - no contest. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
 
Thanks for all the advice.

I have made an offer on the GK29 and it has been accepted. Just now need to wait for the survey - gulp!!

so hopefully I will be a proud owner of her by valentines day - that will impress the missus - not
 
Excellent! Definitely the right choice IMHO. Have a great time with her! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
I've seen one for sale very recently for £10k, looked a very good buy so might be worth having a trawl round the selling web sites. If I come across it again will post again...

Found it - expired on ebay here (scroll down) but still for sale here on Boatshop24...
 
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sgreenway said:
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.
Click to expand...

I believe the Longbows came with the same cooker as my Jouster (similar generation). That's a two-burner gimballed cooker with a Camping Gaz 904 bottle screwed directly underneath the cooker to provide the levelling moment. It's simple and works well, but tends to give modern safety inspectors the willies. Since it's all one unit, though, it's easy just to take the whole thing out, smile sweetly and say "Cooker? What cooker?" when the inspector is there. As soon as he's gone ...
 
Ubergeekian said:
I believe the Longbows came with the same cooker as my Jouster (similar generation). That's a two-burner gimballed cooker with a Camping Gaz 904 bottle screwed directly underneath the cooker to provide the levelling moment. It's simple and works well, but tends to give modern safety inspectors the willies. Since it's all one unit, though, it's easy just to take the whole thing out, smile sweetly and say "Cooker? What cooker?" when the inspector is there. As soon as he's gone ...
Click to expand...

Yes, that's my recollection of the Pentland I bought in 1978. However, as this thread is nearly 2 years old, I doubt that the OP is interested any longer.
 
djbreeze said:
I've seen one for sale very recently for £10k, looked a very good buy so might be worth having a trawl round the selling web sites. If I come across it again will post again...

Found it - expired on ebay here (scroll down) but still for sale here on Boatshop24...
Click to expand...

seems really quite cheap that boat.

Still has the original Petta engine that might be a problem. No idea how much a replacement engine would cost if it needed one.

Might be worth taking a look at though for that price...
 
Just for all those interested.

I was the original poster on this topic.

I went for the GK29, partly as it was more of a "feel" rather than logical process. She just felt right whereas the longbow just didn't quite "float my boat" so to speak.

The survery as I would have expected through up a few things that needed attention and so i negotiated with the owner. I got her for 5k, then the work required (plus stuff I wanted fitting) cost an additional 6k. so I got the boat all in for about 11k.

I've had her for a couple of seasons and loved all the time I have been on her, even just sitting in the cockpit in the marina!!!!

Only done a few longish trips of >60nm, but she handles well and is a joy to sit there and watch the world and waves go by.

All in all I think I made the right choice, maybe less room, but seems more of a sailing yacht rather than a floating caravan!!!
 
Ubergeekian said:
I believe the Longbows came with the same cooker as my Jouster (similar generation). That's a two-burner gimballed cooker with a Camping Gaz 904 bottle screwed directly underneath the cooker to provide the levelling moment. It's simple and works well, but tends to give modern safety inspectors the willies. Since it's all one unit, though, it's easy just to take the whole thing out, smile sweetly and say "Cooker? What cooker?" when the inspector is there. As soon as he's gone ...
Click to expand...

Both of the Berwicks I have known (one ketch and one sloop) have had gimballed twin burner, + grill + oven cookers with the gas bottle in a locker, with an overboard drain, located in the cockpit locker.

Longbow is just the fin keeled version of the Berwick

IIRC there are different interior layouts, these two had the galley next to the main bulkhead and p & s settees.

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 ???
 
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