Tranona
Well-Known Member
However, whereas there are 23 Centaurs listed for sale on Yachtworld, there are only 6 Vegas! Difference probably reflects the difference in numbers sold new in the UK.
Westerly Centaur - To buy or not to buy?
- Thread starter wjmarks
- Start date
However, whereas there are 23 Centaurs listed for sale on Yachtworld, there are only 6 Vegas! Difference probably reflects the difference in numbers sold new in the UK.
pvb
Well-Known Member
aquaplane
Well-Known Member
You don't want more stowage space, you will weigh the poor beast down and make it slow.
Mine would make it look shiny too
wjmarks
Active Member
Thanks to all
Many thanks to all for the very informative posts. I think I have my mind set and if I can get one at the right money with a newish engine and the other common faults already sorted I will go for it.
I am not looking for a fast boat, just one to potter around in and learn to sail (probably shorthanded) properly in.
On looking at all the posts there doesnt seem to be many downfalls with them, they hold their value and seem safe for the family.
So now for the hard part in finding the right one for me.... (and setting a few quid free)
Many thanks to all for the very informative posts. I think I have my mind set and if I can get one at the right money with a newish engine and the other common faults already sorted I will go for it.
I am not looking for a fast boat, just one to potter around in and learn to sail (probably shorthanded) properly in.
On looking at all the posts there doesnt seem to be many downfalls with them, they hold their value and seem safe for the family.
So now for the hard part in finding the right one for me.... (and setting a few quid free)
wjmarks
Active Member
Deal Breaker?
I have my eye on a 1974 centaur that ticks all my boxes, the only thing I can see that may be a problem is that the shrouds are fixed above the windows. I believe that this location changed on later models as it caused problems with the windows, could or should this be a problem? The seller has specified that the windows have been re-seated and re-sealed. Please advise on this one as I dont know if this would be a deal breaker.
I have my eye on a 1974 centaur that ticks all my boxes, the only thing I can see that may be a problem is that the shrouds are fixed above the windows. I believe that this location changed on later models as it caused problems with the windows, could or should this be a problem? The seller has specified that the windows have been re-seated and re-sealed. Please advise on this one as I dont know if this would be a deal breaker.
Searush
Well-Known Member
Hhmmm, so it's lasted 37 years so far like that, any sign of gel coat crazing or repairs? Re-sealing windows is not necessarily unexpected anyway, but gel crazing or any distortion would be a bad sign. Otherwise, it should make another 10 years or more, perhaps even another 37. But I am no surveyor, just trying to apply commonsense.
aquaplane
Well-Known Member
A word about "Westerly Droop", it's really 30yr old boat with foam backed vinyl droop.
My 1979 Centaur has it. My 1884 Beneteau had it. My parents 1982 Jeanneau has it, you can't avoid it by avoiding Westerlys.
As to Centaur pricing, you do see some optomistic asking prices, offer what you are willing to pay, nothing nostalgic about that. If the boat is really for sale the vendor may get the idea he is asking too much eventually.
In 1979 my parents couldn't afford a Centaur so they bought a Leisure 27 instead. When I was looking for my Centaur the Leisure (Fari) was for sale for £18K so I suppose it sold for about 15. There arent many £15K Centaurs and most are advertised at 8 to 10 and sell for a couple less I would think. The Leisure did look a nicer more modern boat though.
My 1979 Centaur has it. My 1884 Beneteau had it. My parents 1982 Jeanneau has it, you can't avoid it by avoiding Westerlys.
As to Centaur pricing, you do see some optomistic asking prices, offer what you are willing to pay, nothing nostalgic about that. If the boat is really for sale the vendor may get the idea he is asking too much eventually.
In 1979 my parents couldn't afford a Centaur so they bought a Leisure 27 instead. When I was looking for my Centaur the Leisure (Fari) was for sale for £18K so I suppose it sold for about 15. There arent many £15K Centaurs and most are advertised at 8 to 10 and sell for a couple less I would think. The Leisure did look a nicer more modern boat though.
Searush
Well-Known Member
Simple cheap cure explained in post 13.
As you say, the foam backing on the vinyl only lasts about 20 years & the same vinyl is used on many different boats.
aquaplane
Well-Known Member
Yep, mine looks just like your pic at the moment.
I'm going to varnish some pannels and screw them to the roof so it looks like this Leisure 27
http://www.yachtsnet.co.uk/archives/leisure-27/k82803-saloon-wa.jpg
I'm not taking the vinyl down, it will show between the pannels like the GRP inner on the Leisure does, but flat.
jwilson
Well-Known Member
I agree with the dead helm feeling: I have sailed a couple and whilst thay can be made to sail quite well, especially given decent sails, there did not seem to be much feedback from the tiller. Very little beats a good Centaur though for space/solidity/at the price.....
wjmarks
Active Member
Width between keels
I have looked at a few centaurs now and 1 I am maybe interested in hasnt got a trailer. I have a trailer that could be modified, I just need to know what the width is between the keels to see if the trailer would suit. If there's anyone out there with a centaur on the hard and can work a tape, would you ever mind giving me a measurment.
Thanks
I have looked at a few centaurs now and 1 I am maybe interested in hasnt got a trailer. I have a trailer that could be modified, I just need to know what the width is between the keels to see if the trailer would suit. If there's anyone out there with a centaur on the hard and can work a tape, would you ever mind giving me a measurment.
Thanks
pvb
Well-Known Member
A trailer?? I've never thought of the Centaur as a trailable boat. Do you realise how heavy it is?
ostell
Well-Known Member
Some of us need a yard trailer for lift out. I'm looking for a trailer as well. Cost of a made to measure one is about £1200.
I'll measure the keels today.
I'll measure the keels today.
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Searush
Well-Known Member
Have a look on the Westerly Owners Association site, I seem to remember that the Q has been answered there at some time.
Seakindly
Well-Known Member
down a dark alley
I realise I might get westerlyd down a dark alley after closing time for this - but hey, I very, very, nearly bought one once too. Centaurs do have a certain chunky, cheeky charm I agree, but you don't go sailing to get anywhere quickly. Sure, the Centaur is capable in all departments, but a boat is likely to be the beginning of a relationship. And the test is when you're rowing back to her in the evening. Does she look right to you? I only say that as there's lots of other boats that are capable too, and, er, a bit prettier. And the more you sail, the more you might notice that. Of course, you might not, ever. Sorry - I must've overdosed on me aesthetic pills. I just remember buying an Austin Maxi once cause it was functional and the seats turned into beds....
I realise I might get westerlyd down a dark alley after closing time for this - but hey, I very, very, nearly bought one once too. Centaurs do have a certain chunky, cheeky charm I agree, but you don't go sailing to get anywhere quickly. Sure, the Centaur is capable in all departments, but a boat is likely to be the beginning of a relationship. And the test is when you're rowing back to her in the evening. Does she look right to you? I only say that as there's lots of other boats that are capable too, and, er, a bit prettier. And the more you sail, the more you might notice that. Of course, you might not, ever. Sorry - I must've overdosed on me aesthetic pills. I just remember buying an Austin Maxi once cause it was functional and the seats turned into beds....
Coaster
Well-Known Member
Of course there are other capable boats. But precious few that offer the same excellent combination of virtues. And as for looks, they're a matter of personal taste. I suspect the Centaur will continue to look both good and seamanlike for decades to come when flashier models have long since become hopelessly dated. There are plenty of 80's and 90's boats that already appear past it in my eyes.
Seakindly
Well-Known Member
"There are plenty of 80's and 90's boats that already appear past it in my eyes"
Absolutely agree...also that the Centaur does look seamanlike. Some even had a mono-hull I believe. I withdraw my remarks entirely.
Absolutely agree...also that the Centaur does look seamanlike. Some even had a mono-hull I believe. I withdraw my remarks entirely.
wjmarks
Active Member
Towing a Centaur
Yes I know how heavy it is and I also know that I will be using a trailer along with my land rover discovery (which is plated up to around 4 tons) to tow it down the road..
Westerly Centaur Displacement (lb): 6,700
Land Rover Discovery II Towing capacity up to (lb) 7,700 and a built-in Class III hitch
Leaving (lb) 1000 for weight of trailer (Which is just under)
Maths lesson over...
Yes I know how heavy it is and I also know that I will be using a trailer along with my land rover discovery (which is plated up to around 4 tons) to tow it down the road..
Westerly Centaur Displacement (lb): 6,700
Land Rover Discovery II Towing capacity up to (lb) 7,700 and a built-in Class III hitch
Leaving (lb) 1000 for weight of trailer (Which is just under)
Maths lesson over...
FullCircle
Well-Known Member
Not quite.
Do ensure that anchors and chains removed,fuel tank and water tanks are empty, and that you dont have inflatables, outboards, food, gas bottles, etc, etc, which soon add up.
aquaplane
Well-Known Member
That's a new one on me, and I would love to tow my Centaur but I have ruled it out as impossible with anything I can reasonably run myself.
Centaur about 3 Te, but ask anyone who has had one lifted and the crane driver will have told them that they weigh 4Te or there abouts.
I have always worked on 3.5Te limit for all Landrovers, except Freelanders, what do you do to uprate them to 4Te?
All I would need then is a trailer that weighed nothing and had the right hitch and brakes.
My Dad used a Series II Landrover to tow a Windrush twice a year but that only weighed 2Te. You may be able to tow a Pagaent.
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