Westerly Longbow or Konsort - which would you choose?

[Harry P]

Out of interest.

Both well maintained and well kitted out. Both fin keeled. The Konsort is more expensive but newer and is cheaper to keep in a marina as it's shorter. What other considerations would you take into account if choosing?

Regards
H

 

[Searush]

What "feels" right for you? Write a list of pros & cons for each boat, that may help you decide. Finally, make a low offer for each & buy the one that accepts or goes nearest.

 

[rob2]

Difficult choice. The old Westerly 31s are famous for the amount of space in them - enough room to swing a lion, let alone a cat. The Konsort is also a roomy and good looking boat, so I guess you'll just have to imagine a crew equal to the number of berths moving around the cabin when its raining and decide which will suit you best!

Rob.

 

[pvb]

Konsort. The old 31 footers are looking quite tired these days, and their narrow beam doesn't help with interior space.

 

[SimonD]

Nothing wrong with the Longbow, but the Konsort is widely considered to be one of Westerly's finest; and for good reason. Still very popular and a very capable boat. Certainly one I'd consider when I move back to 'big boats'.

You could seek the views of the WOA forum : http://www.westerly-owners.co.uk/ab_forum.php although they might get a bit parochial!

 

[VicS]

I have sailed twin keeled versions of both

A Berwick quite extensively, the Konsort only once.

Certain aspects of the Konsort's accommodation I was not so keen on at first but on reflection I think I would choose the Konsort over the Longbow.
The extra beam is a great improvement on the cramped cabin of the Longbow.
The extra LOA of the Longbow is mostly taken up by the lazerette.
According to the stats on the WOA website the Konsort has the longer WL length

Id expect to pay a lot less for a Longbow than a Konsort in similar condition

 

[theoldplucker]

Look at the Merlin also. I prefered the layout.

 

[jabster]

My dad used to own a westley longbow,
& i would say it was 1 of the best boats he owned,

 

[pvb]

My dad used to own a westley longbow,
& i would say it was 1 of the best boats he owned,

I used to own a Centaur, and then a Pentland. They were both great boats at the time, but there's no way I'd buy one today because newer designs are better.

 

[Searush]

I have a Pentland & I would not swop for a Konsort (maybe a Duo), but both designs tend to be owned long term - I've had mine about 25 years. lots were built, but they change hands relatively infrequently.

 

[r_h]

I'd favour the Konsort for all the reasons stated above, with one reservation. I'd expect a good Konsort to sell for quite a bit more than a decent Longbow - if the Konsort would be a stretch financially I'd be tempted to go for the luxury of the cheaper boat that I could easily afford to run.

 

[Harry P]

Thanks for the all the interesting comments.

What about sailing how would they match up?

H

 

[Bosun Higgs]

but there's no way I'd buy one today because newer designs are better.

Shush. You'll outrage all the traditionalists admitting that.

 

[pvb]

Shush. You'll outrage all the traditionalists admitting that.

 

[NigelBirch]

Sailing wise they have a very similar Portsmouth Yardstick, Longbow 1016 while the Konsort is very marginally quicker at 1014.

Some of the other calculations (comfort factor, capsize screening, displacement/length) etc indicate that the Longbow is probably a far better choice if you're planning extended passage making.

But they're both classic designs and Laurent Giles never designed a duffer that I'm aware of....

 

[chinita]

What about sailing how would they match up?

H

Don't confuse the issue with such trivia

 

[Searush]

OK, if it's really that hard to choose, imagine you pick the Konsort & write down all the reasons why you might regret the decision.

Then do the same for the Longbow.

 

[Boo2]

OK, if it's really that hard to choose, imagine you pick the Konsort & write down all the reasons why you might regret the decision.

Then do the same for the Longbow.

And as a wild card, why not repeat for the Fulmar ?

Boo2

 

[NigelBirch]

The link below seems to back up what I was saying about blue water cruising. Although I'm not sure this hull speed can be correct when the LWL is actually six inches less than the Konsort. The Konsort has a theoretial speed of 6.77 knots.

http://www.westerly-owners.co.uk/westerlywiki/index.php?title=Longbow_31

They're both great boats....