Konsort or Fulmar

When we were looking to buy we eventually came down to the same question. In the end we bought a Fulmar and I'm very glad we did. Excellent sea boat and quick as well.
However one of the main reasons we went for the Fulmar was the accomodation. Although it looks reasonably similar the Konsort has a less practical forecabin/heads arrangement, the galley doesn't work as well and there is considerablty less locker space.
There is also only space for one gas bottle in the gas locker - and a few other bits and bobs. The transom mainsheet is a pain - but if I remember correctly the Konsort has the same setup - and it can be changed to the bridgedeck or mid coockpit if you really don't like it. We just learned to live with it.
As the first reply said - there's really only one answer - but then I'm also a biased owner!!
 
Thats interesting Sinc how do you mean the forecabin/heads and galley doesnt really work is it just size, they look the same in layout? Thanks for the replies still digesting.
 
petersto said:
Thats interesting Sinc how do you mean the forecabin/heads and galley doesnt really work is it just size, they look the same in layout? Thanks for the replies still digesting.
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It's been a couple of years now but from recollection the Konsort heads is narrow with a slide out basin. The Fulmar has a wider heads compartment which adds space in the forecabin giving standing space even when the infill is in place. Although it doesn't sound much it does make a huge difference in practicality in the heads and forecabin.

Again from recollection the nav seat on the Konsort is the end of the quarterberth whereas the Fulmar has a separate seat. Much easier access to both QB and Nav. Can also use both at the same time - although I can't recall needing to. When we're on passage we tend to just use the saloon berths with the leeboards in - snug as a bug etc.
 
petersto said:
Yes thats how I see it richardbrennan, but its nice to ask these questions because there is always something that surfaces that you hadnt thought of, some little gem that will steer you in one direction or another. For instance is that extra cost for the Fulmar in maintenance and moorings justified against the cheaper overall of the Konsort? Has either boat any negatives?
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Yes . Doubt that there is much extra cost. Fulmar will leave Konsort far behind in no time on passage and is closer winded. Had mine now 8 years. For me it was either a Co 32 of Fulmar . No regrets. Race ours have spent considerably on sails , folding prop etc and all manner other general upgrades. All westerlys of that size and age are likely to need some form of refit.

Almost thought of changing last year for something more race y but decided to stick because of robust build and that we are mud berthed against piles( fin keel) . Most newer boats , not so robust and usually draw more with bulbs wings etc. it is a great design but fits well all the usual compromises of boat ownership
 
The only negative comment about the Fulmar I've heard was from a tall couple. They found the forecabin berth very tight on foot space. When we've sailed in company with them, I was impressed by the performance.
 
GrahamM376 said:
The only negative comment about the Fulmar I've heard was from a tall couple. They found the forecabin berth very tight on foot space. When we've sailed in company with them, I was impressed by the performance.
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Fair comment but any 32' boat with a nod toward performance would have the same if not more adverse comment. Ever been in the fore cabin of a Co32? Obviously newer designs would have the main separate cabin aft, if not two on some . On some 32' there is no foot room you just get into the berths.
 
Sleeping comfort

Fulmar has awell thought out interior. The best main saloon berths you will find. Backrests lift out revealing a good wide berth, fit the backrests into the slots at the front edge of the berth and you have the best sea berths I have tried.
On deck the anchor handling was simplicity itself.
Only con to the boat after 12 years we owned one was the better half found the weather helm a bit tiring in a good breeze, but perhaps we didn't reef enough.
Against this the tiller steering allowed the helm some sprayhood shelter whearas wheel steering keeps you out in the cold on the wrong day.
 
johnphilip said:
Fulmar has awell thought out interior. The best main saloon berths you will find. Backrests lift out revealing a good wide berth, fit the backrests into the slots at the front edge of the berth and you have the best sea berths I have tried.
On deck the anchor handling was simplicity itself.
Only con to the boat after 12 years we owned one was the better half found the weather helm a bit tiring in a good breeze, but perhaps we didn't reef enough.
Against this the tiller steering allowed the helm some sprayhood shelter whearas wheel steering keeps you out in the cold on the wrong day.
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? V.little weather helm on my boat, no more than is desirable although have heard of this trait before.
 
All great stuff guys, excellent, thankyou. The fulmar at the moment looks to have it. I must admit the fulmar looks to me the overall winner some may say what was the dilema but until you ask you will never know. What I am surprised at is the lack of Konsort input, one of the most successful Westerlys ever and no owners/users comment, strange! As I mentioned I have at the moment a Centaur and for me as a cruiser she is almost perfect, very, very trustworthy, its only the lack of accommodation and chart table thats the problem. Obviously the Fulmar will be better at covering the distances in a little more comfort. Still digesting,thanks.
 
Cost

The other factor is that a Konsort will be 1/2 to 2/3 the price of a Fulmar. Being an owner I keep a weather eye on the market for Fulmars. Some are tired old boats but others have had plenty spent and are in good fettle but unlikely to fully recoup what has been spent on them. With any boat of age it is the engine that is the single most costly component although all the other things add up.
 
It's probably all been said by now but I can speak with some experience as an owner of both craft; well actually a 50% owner of a Fulmar B Keel and a 1/6 owner of a Konsort B Keel. It's along story but they are on different coasts and other owners are different family members.

The Fulmar is a much better sailing boat but accomodation wise I'm not sure there is agreat deal in it especially if you are sailing as a couple. The Fulmar has a bigger saloon and chart table area but the Konsort has a much bigger forecabin ; I would guess 50% larger. In fcat depending on your height ypou can sleep cross wise. The craft achieves this becuase it carries it's beam much further forward and hence far less streamlined than the Fulmar.

Fulmar's tend to be 7-10k more expensive an dwhen I was looking for mine the differential was even greater, in fact I decided the extra cost just wasn't worth while but then I saw one at a good price in Holland and the rest is history as they say.

Someone commented that the Fulmar generously took two gas bottles and the Konsort only one. Although correct this is misleading as the Fulmar takes two expensive camping gaz bottles whereas the Konsort takes one Calor bottle which takes three times as much gas.

Both have fantastically large cockpit lockers, unsurprisngly the Fulmar's is the larger.

Andrew
 
I've also been considering a Fulmar for my next boat. When you say they're great in heavy weather, would you consider taking on of these on a Atlantic crossing? I've been looking at Rivals, but interior wise the Fulmars are very spacious.

(i know people would say 'people have crossed in smaller' but in terms of safety if sh*t did hit the fan would you be happy to be on a fulmar)

If this question is best put in a separate thread please let me know, but while we're on the discussion I thought it might be helpful for readers interested in fulmars :).
 
timmygobang said:
I've also been considering a Fulmar for my next boat. When you say they're great in heavy weather, would you consider taking on of these on a Atlantic crossing? I've been looking at Rivals, but interior wise the Fulmars are very spacious.

(i know people would say 'people have crossed in smaller' but in terms of safety if sh*t did hit the fan would you be happy to be on a fulmar)

If this question is best put in a separate thread please let me know, but while we're on the discussion I thought it might be helpful for readers interested in fulmars :).
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Fulmars have crossed the Atlantic at least one did it more than once.I was once in quite unpleasant weather on the way from Madeira to the Algarve in mine.We hove to for one night so we could get some rest and the boat behaved perfectly.
 
A friend recently wanted to change boats and had his heart set on a Konsort. He ended up with a Moody 29, which seems to be a much neater boat. As they say, "other manufacturers are available". If it has to be a Westerly, the Fulmar is the best thing they built, and would make a better investment, though they're all getting to an age where major costs might start cropping up.
 
timmygobang said:
I've also been considering a Fulmar for my next boat. When you say they're great in heavy weather, would you consider taking on of these on a Atlantic crossing? I've been looking at Rivals, but interior wise the Fulmars are very spacious.

(i know people would say 'people have crossed in smaller' but in terms of safety if sh*t did hit the fan would you be happy to be on a fulmar)

If this question is best put in a separate thread please let me know, but while we're on the discussion I thought it might be helpful for readers interested in fulmars :).
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There was a chap on here at one time, jerryat. He was very helpful thru this forum, when I first bought my Fulmar. He has cruised his widely, including several transacts and Carib circuits. He would tell you that he has experienced all sorts of weather off shore and the Fulmar never missed a step. Regrettably have not seen him on here for some time. He did say that when he had time to go off cruising he considered other bigger boats but decided to go with what he had and that on several occasions they came across crews that had scared themselves silly on much bigger boats but that the Fulmar and its crew had been unphased by the same conditions
 
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I feel the Konsort is getting panned a bit here which I think is bit unfair. For sure it's a slower boat than a Fulmar but then it's 3ft shorter so that's not unexpected.

However, when you look at the yardsticks (Byron Software) 1079 is pretty respectable for a 28' bilge keeler getting on in years. I know of one Konsort that's done the Atlantic circuit and they have a reputation for being a sturdy, sea-kindly boat.

It's also significantly cheaper than a Fulmar....
 
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I had a mate who had his heart set on a Fulmar, he looked at a Moody 31 for a reality check and ended up buying it.
 
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