Moody 31/Westerly Storm

[beancounter]

Someone on a recent thread was lamenting the lack of boaty topics, so here goes...

It's still early days in our boat hunting, but (on paper at least) the Moody 31 and the Westerly Storm look v. interesting. We've looked at one Moody, but not a Storm yet (although I have a soft spot for them, as my first "big boat " sailing was on one).

We're looking for a 2 cabin boat that's not too big (handling/running costs) for newbies, but roomy enough for a spot of extended cruising in a few years time.

Any thoughts/experiences, mes amis ?

John

 

[AlexL]

Well, As I selling a Moody S31 right now I would heartily recommend the Moody S31!! Its quite fast, VERY comfortable for two people (enormous aft cabin for a 31 footer). If you want the earlier 31 MKI or II I can't comment, although brittania at shotley have a Moody 31 MkII for charter - so you could have a really in depth appraisal by chartering it for a weekend. Can't comment on the sailing a westerly storm, but it looks as though it should be quite fast and a good boat.

 

[jonjo]

There is a good account on the Internet of an AZAB voyage/race in a Westerly Storm. If you are an ex dinghy sailor I am sure the Storm would be more fun to drive.

One Storm has been for sale for ever at Portways.

 

[FlyingSpud]

The article about the Storm in the Anzab is here . Do a search on both boats you will find they have been mentioned often. Generally, I suspect you will find the Storm is seen as a bit quicker

 

[BlueChip]

There are approximately 50 Westerlies for sale (plus loads of equipment) on the owners web site
http://www.westerly-owners.co.uk including several Storms.
Have a look also at Konsort & Fulmar which are both good family boats

 

[A1Sailor]

Osprey of Portland, the Storm in the report of the AZAB is for sale: http://www.rnsa.co.uk/notices.htm (half way down the page)
It's been to the Azores and back!

 

[starboard]

Used to sail a Storm. "Orenda" Typical Westerly...they never built a bad boat. Bags of room down below with forward cabin, nice aft cabin and a nice layout in the main cabin with good galley "apart from tiled worktop" and good nav station, loads of nice teak and buid quality second to none. Head linings as on all westerleys can deteriorate as the foam turns to powder!! Sails well but good to reef sooner than too late to reduce weather helm. You could pick one up for the high 30's if you haggle...go for it, you will not be sorry.
Paul.

 

[chrisb]

no comparison . storm is a bigger stronger boat and better build by westerly. more accomodation and better finish. cost alot more at the time too . if you are looking for the 31 then consider atempest westerly gain and similar to the storm but 31ft

 

[beancounter]

Thanks for the input

Been away from the forum for a couple of days (LIBS on saturday /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif, visting mother in law on sunday /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif )

As and when other contenders emerge, I will return!

 

[penfold]

Re: Thanks for the input

my old man is flogging his Storm; it's advertised on this website. Top boats, Storms; they're built like brick karzies and are fast enough to give Sigma 33s a run for their money. Mr. Dubois earned his pennies well with this one.

The Sigma 33 is of course another possibility, but given that you want an aft cabin you'll have to stretch to a Sigma 36 instead. Other ones in the same ballpark (IMO) Dehler 34, Jeanneau Sunshine and Sunfizz?, X yachts are quite nice too.

cheers,
David