Westerly fulmar or Jeanneau Attila

Denek

I am biased as I have a Westerly Fulmar, but I doubt you will find a nicer boat to sail. My own boat is still being renovated and has been an inspiration for other owners. Check this thread on the WOA Forum. https://www.westerly-owners.co.uk/woaforum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2748
Photographs associated with this, starting when I bought her, are here.
http://s1294.photobucket.com/user/ConcertoFulmar32/library/?sort=3&page=9

A similar thread was discussed 13 years ago. 30boat is no longer on YBW, but owns the first Fulmar built.
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?67645-Westerly-Fulmar-versus-Jeanneau-35

You will find the Westerly Owners Association a great organisation to be part of with technical advice, discounts from many suppliers, and many great owners to meet up with.
https://www.westerly-owners.co.uk/

Returning to your question, both boats may suit your needs. The Attila is a more modern interior layout than the Fulmar, but the Fulmar worked so well during the 444 built, the interior layout did not change so it must have considered to work well.

When launched the Fulmar was raced, including being used in international match racing, and used by many sailing schools. The Attila did none of this as it was a cruising boat.

The Fulmar is considered as a classic with many owners keeping them for decades. It was rated as the best boat to sail by the designer Ed Dubois as the balance is so fine. This YouTube video reinforces this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmKdPsHIXwY&feature=youtu.be

The choice will always come down to condition and personal choice, but the Attila would have to be better condition and cheaper for me to consider one.

If you decide you prefer the Fulmar and would like comments on any you are looking at, then PM details and I would be happy to pass comment on any you may be considering.
 
For your intended use probably neither, although the Fulmar would be the better of the two. The Jeanneau is a light displacement (over a ton lighter than the Fulmar) intended for sporty coastal sailing.

As I suggested earlier in your price range I would be looking at more substantial boats such as the Discus, Conway, Moody 33 or 36, Sadler 34, Colvic Countess. Not that either of the ones above are bad boats but there are others better suited to long term cruising and liveaboard.
 
Price and condition would have to be taken into consideration if it's 2 specific boats you are asking about. Both will be getting on a bit now so depends on what has been done to them in the way of upgrades. I've had an Attalia for about 8 years now and it does everything I want. I was lucky as the previous owner had replace all upholstery and headlining. He had it professionally done at considerable cost. He also had it epoxy coated so no worries from me about osmosis. The engine is the original Yanmar 2gm20 but it starts and runs faultlessly. I'd be interested to know what you thought of the one you looked at regarding condition and price. PM me if you want to know anything else.
 
Thanks for your replies.
The Jeanneau is in very good condition as was the westerly. I was just concerned the she was a little in the light side. ( mind you by the time my wife has packed all her shoes in we should be ok)
 
It woułd be the Attalia for me but I would say that :). The large double aft cabin would sway it for me too
 
KAL said:
Great shout Tranona. A Discus is a very fine boat. :encouragement:
Click to expand...

Should also have added the Seahawk and Falcon. In the OPs price range and expected usage these types of boat has a lot to commend them. Subject of course to finding one in decent nick.
 
Update.
We have had our offer accepted for the Jeanneau and she is being surveyed this week. Assuming the survey is fine we will open the proverbial whole in the water into which you pour money.
Thanks again for all your help.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top