fulmar vs storm

[guydee]

looking to move up from my s29 and considering either westerly fulmar or storm cruiser ( twin keel)
can anyone tell me what the difference is between them sailing wise ?
they are similar priced

 

[asj1]

I have a Fulmar (T/K) and haven't sailed in a Storm, but been on board one.
If they are really asimiliar price I must say I would go for the Storm, as it is slightly larger and with a more "modern" layout and the more modern boat.
Normally on a like for like basis I would have expected the Storm to be £8k more expensive, so if isn't maybe there is a big difference in condition. A few big items needing to be done can make abig difference to the value you should ascribe to the boat. Headlining is the obvious one, think £3k to have it done professionally, A new engine would be circa £6k, new sails maybe £2.8k new standing rigging and furling gear another £2+k, new instruments fitted £2k, so rapidly condition and upgrades really do count.

Regards

 

[NigelBirch]

You might want to try the Westerly Owners Forum:

http://www.westerly-owners.co.uk/woabb/index.php

there are some general comments about the westerly range here:
http://www.westerly-owners.co.uk/html/definitive_guides.html
that might be worth a trawl through....

 

[alldownwind]

Not many Storms made with twin keels, I think. I looked out for one for a while but gave up.
Have you thought of a Moody 31 or S31, both sail brilliantly in twin-keel version, S31 a bit more expensive.

 

[Ocean Hound]

As a Storm owner, about to sell (fin keel unfortunately!) I cannot speak too highly of them. Fast, roomy and a good, safe sea boat. The Fulmar has a excellent reputation but Storm is a further development. I have plenty of data and mag articles if you want further info. I think I saw a bikge keeler for sale in Neptune Marina, Ipswich.

 

[FlyingSpud]

As has been said twin keel storms are quite rare and actually cost more than the one design Storm. The sail area is smaller than the standard Storm and generally they were a bit slower than their single keel cousins.

Any reason why it has to be two keels? I sail the east Coast in my Storm and have no problems.

The other point is that there are actually two types of Fulmar, one is about 32 feet long, I think it is the most common, and the other 33 feet long (not far short of a Storm), which are you talking about?

I have been on both a Fulmar (32) and a Storm OD and looked at both when trading up from a Griffon. The Storm is a modern lay out, I think it is better but that is a matter of preference I suppose. As to their sailing abilities, both are very good, but I think Storm is a bit quicker than the 32 not sure about the 33 Westerly Owners do have their respective handicaps, I can’t recall the figures now

Overall the Storm is IMHO the better boat, but it costs more, so you pays your money…….

 

[JackFrobisher]

AFAIK there were 32 Storm Cruisers built, 30 with twin keels and the other two with fins. Took us a while to find one but it has been worth it. Not as fast as an ordinary storm but just as reliable and secure in a blow. As has been observed, many (normally extra) bits were factory fit as standard.

Happy hunting.

 

[Eccles]

If you are looking at twin keel because you are going to be on a drying berth then draught is a consideration (more time afloat!) and the Moodys draw less that the same size Westerly. (M32 - 1.2m Fulmar=1.8m?) This may affect sailing performance but I have no complaints.

 

[asj1]

I don't think you are comparing Like with like here. The Fulmar twin keel draws 4 feet , so that is almost exactly 1.2m !

 

[JackFrobisher]

The twin keel Storm Cruiser draws 4 feet as well.

 

[nigelhudson]

[ QUOTE ]
Not as fast as an ordinary storm but just as reliable and secure in a blow.

[/ QUOTE ]

In discussion with another long time Storm owner he stated that, for small crews in moderate winds, the cruiser is just as fast as the OD. The reason for this is that the cruiser carries more keel ballast and is just as stiff as the OD at modest heeling angles. Of course us OD owners can compensate for this by adding "railmeat" ie. putting the heavier members of the crew on the windward rail. However SWMBO or offspring may not be happy being treated as mobile ballast in this way!