Storm to Westerly Seahawk or W33....upgrade or Downgrade?

[James W]

I'm just having a muse and thinking about what would be better than my Westerly Storm.

Now don't get me wrong, she's a fine boat (best I've ever owned) and I'm very happy with her for the most part. But (and it's a reasonably big but) there cockpit is really really quite open and I do worry a little for my 3 rather spirited boys who can get a little closer to the water than I'd like.

So I'm thinking about a centre cockpit yacht that should confine them a little more. A Westerly Seahawk was the plan but I'm not adverse to an older boat and quite like the look of the W33 and maybe even a centre cockpit Discus. I know that many are now tired and need work but the price often reflects that. The Seahawk is a good option (especially for the wife and kids) but more costly and I'm not yet convinced of the sailing properties.

But is that a downgrade too far? A boat that's possible 10 years older than my current one and certainly won't be as fast, but will get us anywhere and safely. Does anyone have experience of both boats? Opinions much appreciated and thanks in advance.

James

 

[Fr J Hackett]

I think after the Storm you would be more than disappointed in a Shitehawk which is what one that was chartered by myself and a couple of friends a long time ago. it pointed about as effectively as a brick and sail similarly. From memory the centre cockpit seemed vey high which is a consequence of trying to do something in 34 feet that really only starts to work at 40 foot.

 

[FlyingGoose]

How about custom Dodgers to fit around most of the Cockpit then netting on the lower half of stanchions to protect them
Also good life lines and your away:encouragement:
I have a 9 year old and her friend (my second child ) who is always about and 2 large dappy Dogs that have no sense.
I have an aft cockpit , but have dodgered and put the netting around and the life lines to keep the wee buggers in
https://seamarknunn.com/acatalog/ma...wfyWGUuBFuPUBda_JQhvsei1UDNNWg7RoCVWoQAvD_BwE

 

[Pagetslady]

I'm just having a muse and thinking about what would be better than my Westerly Storm.

Now don't get me wrong, she's a fine boat (best I've ever owned) and I'm very happy with her for the most part. But (and it's a reasonably big but) there cockpit is really really quite open and I do worry a little for my 3 rather spirited boys who can get a little closer to the water than I'd like.

So I'm thinking about a centre cockpit yacht that should confine them a little more. A Westerly Seahawk was the plan but I'm not adverse to an older boat and quite like the look of the W33 and maybe even a centre cockpit Discus. I know that many are now tired and need work but the price often reflects that. The Seahawk is a good option (especially for the wife and kids) but more costly and I'm not yet convinced of the sailing properties.

But is that a downgrade too far? A boat that's possible 10 years older than my current one and certainly won't be as fast, but will get us anywhere and safely. Does anyone have experience of both boats? Opinions much appreciated and thanks in advance.
Hi I am sure the Seahawk is a great boat and I have no Idea what a 1988 one would cost but dont overlook the Corsair I know cost more a bit bigger 1ft I believe but the cockpit on the seahawk is not as deep as the Corsair there are some very reasonably priced ones about but as I say i have no idea the price of a Seahawk. My Corsair is looking shabby now I bought her in 1992 have sailed many thousands of miles I guess I am biased but its worth a look good look with your search.
Mike

James

 

[James W]

How about custom Dodgers to fit around most of the Cockpit then netting on the lower half of stanchions to protect them
Also good life lines and your away:encouragement:
I have a 9 year old and her friend (my second child ) who is always about and 2 large dappy Dogs that have no sense.
I have an aft cockpit , but have dodgered and put the netting around and the life lines to keep the wee buggers in
https://seamarknunn.com/acatalog/ma...wfyWGUuBFuPUBda_JQhvsei1UDNNWg7RoCVWoQAvD_BwE

That could be a plan, thanks for that. Having visited today, it would be a shame to change.....even though the little buggers were swinging off the guard wires to get a better look at the jellyfish!

 

[James W]

I think after the Storm you would be more than disappointed in a Shitehawk

You had me at shitehawk

 

[KAL]

We have a Discus, which is an aft cockpit boat. The cockpit is very well enclosed, there is copious space and she sails like a dream with an extremely comfortable motion.

 

[burgundyben]

I worked at Westerley Sea School in the late 1980's and drove a lot of the models about back then.

I would say avoid the Falcon, Seahawk and Riviera.

I would say to look carefully at the Corsair, or if you can stretch to it, my fave was the Sealord, like a giant Fulmar, an absolute joy of a boat, as your 3 boys get bigger you'll need the space.

 

[Fr J Hackett]

I worked at Westerley Sea School in the late 1980's and drove a lot of the models about back then.

I would say avoid the Falcon, Seahawk and Riviera.

I would say to look carefully at the Corsair, or if you can stretch to it, my fave was the Sealord, like a giant Fulmar, an absolute joy of a boat, as your 3 boys get bigger you'll need the space.

Good advice.

 

[James W]

I worked at Westerley Sea School in the late 1980's and drove a lot of the models about back then.

I would say avoid the Falcon, Seahawk and Riviera.

I would say to look carefully at the Corsair, or if you can stretch to it, my fave was the Sealord, like a giant Fulmar, an absolute joy of a boat, as your 3 boys get bigger you'll need the space.

Great advice, thanks for that. The search begins!

 

[James W]

We have a Discus, which is an aft cockpit boat. The cockpit is very well enclosed, there is copious space and she sails like a dream with an extremely comfortable motion.

I've seen the videos, she's not afraid of a bit of weather either! :encouragement:

 

[Gwylan]

Presume from that that you are going to miss the chance of a lifetime.

Discerning sailors with a taste for comfort enjoy the values a Seahawk delivers.

But I would say that...

 

[James W]

Presume from that that you are going to miss the chance of a lifetime.

Discerning sailors with a taste for comfort enjoy the values a Seahawk delivers.

But I would say that...

Rest assured, I won't be making any decision without a viewing Rocyn. I'll be in touch soon.

 

[PaulRainbow]

I've seen the videos, she's not afraid of a bit of weather either! :encouragement:

I also have a Discus James, and would echo KALs comments. I think a W33 would feel a bit dated compared to the Storm, but not so with the Discus. Always welcome to take a look at mine or come for a sail.

 

[James W]

I also have a Discus James, and would echo KALs comments. I think a W33 would feel a bit dated compared to the Storm, but not so with the Discus. Always welcome to take a look at mine or come for a sail.

Thanks Paul, I might well take you up on that! :encouragement: