Westerley Conways

MYStargazer

MYStargazer

Well-Known Member
Joined
5 Jan 2006
Messages
1,379
yachtstargazer.wordpress.com
I am trying to get some basic info from a 'broker' on one of these...

...just wondering if anyone is familiar with these yachts, and knows what to look out for when inspecting one.

Is there full(ish) headroom down below?

Do they have reputation for osmosis?

Were they sold as kits for homebuilds?

All comments appreciated.

Thanks.
 
We have owned a Westerly Conway since 1989 (1979 build). Purchased in UK and sailed to Med in 2000 via Biscay, Gib, etc. Now in Preveza, Greece. This is a great seaboat but not a greyhound - we tend to use the engine quite a lot in the Med.

There are 4 basic models: fin or bilge keel and sloop (aft cockpit) or ketch (centre cockpit). We are still very pleased with our fin keel centre cockpit ketch. Full standing headroom below except in the tunnel to the aft cabin. We had a mild osmosis problem some years ago which we had treated (probably over conservative decision). You would need survey to check for osmosis and if necessary quote to fix to know where you stand. You should consider a 1979 model or later - earlier models are rather plastic finish below whereas ours is nicely finished in sapele. As far as I know they were all finished by Westerly.
 
Opal marine have a Conway and a 35' ketch of same period for sale. Knew the previous owners of the 35' ketch - lot of space in saloon but the wheel behind the mizen was always a bit strange and seemed difficult to get on with. Can't say they found it to they're liking and sold it fairly quickly.
 
Most helpful, folks, thanks.

Owners' clubs: what the internet was made for. A mine of useful stuff.

I'm looking at a centre cockpit ketch to use as a liveaboard, so speed is no problem. And the wheel is forward of the mizzen mast. And she's going fo less than the one on Opal Marine's site....

...will be sure to keep an eye out for the pox, then.

Thanks, again.
 
Hi my wife and I have owned a Solway for the last 2 years, the Solway being the original twin keel centre cockpit ketch version, but after 1979 they were just all called Conways. Prior to this we owned the smaller version, the Westerly 33 ketch which I think is being referred to in one of the posts, this has the mizzen mast stepped on top of the wheel pedestal. The Conway is an easy boat to liveaboard, we spend 60-10 weeks at a time away cruising in great comfort.
Disagree with the allegation that these boats are slow, you just need to work at it a bit and understand how to get the best out of a heavy displacement boat. Also you cant expect any boat to perform well if her sails and handling gear are very old which is frequently the case because they were good quality in the first place and simply havent been replaced. But give her new sails, a mizzen with a bit of roach, fully battened main, decent cruising chute, mainsheet track etc and you will not have a slow ship.
Nice thing about these boat is their manners and balance. My wife can manage the helm easily in F7-8 north sea conditions once the ship is set up properly.

One important thing to check is the rigging U-bolts. These are subject to corrosion where the shanks pass through the deck and in the threads. I have seen numerous Westerlys of this age that have had this problem and several where the U-bolts were about ready to fail. So if you seen any heavy brown staining around the bolts inside the boat beware.
Osmosis is likely on any boat this age particularly if she has been in warmer waters. But its a very thick hull so either ignore it or (as we did) buy the boat at a price to accomadate first class treatment. You will then have a boat that will last a lifetime.
So we cant speak highly enough of the boat really. PM me if you have any more queries.
Cheers Paul
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top