Westerly Nomad

PBO said (in its 'Which Boat' publications years ago, c1990?):
FOR
Strong construction; shoal draft; good engine access.
AGAINST
Heavy weather helm; poor directional stability; lack of stowage.

Hoskyn's A-Z Good Yacht guide (similar vintage) said:
Based on Westerly 22 but with longer, higher coachroof and 4 berths in 2 cabins and generally more room. Some felt her looks suffered and the deck layout became treacherous.
 
LittleSister said:
PBO said (in its 'Which Boat' publications years ago, c1990?):
Heavy weather helm; poor directional stability; lack of stowage. Based on Westerly 22 but with longer, higher coachroof and 4 berths in 2 cabins and generally more room. Some felt her looks suffered and the deck layout became treacherous.
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But otherwise all good then?

Seriously, I've seen small Westerlies around the Solent for many years. They aren't what I'm looking for but they are strongly built. If you are really tempted to buy a Nomad, make sure it is a VERY GOOD one that you buy (not a fixer-upper) and even then it should be cheap.

This boat won't have sparkling performance or be responsive to sail but you only venture out to anchor at East Head 4 times a year on a sunny day when the wind is blowing force 3 then it'll probably be fine. At this size you'll also be able to get insurance without a survey so please make sure an impartial, very experienced friend looks it over before you buy to make sure it is going to be relatively safe.
 
pvb said:
You'll have to pay your £15 to get into the WOA Boatline list. You'd have thought the WOA would have provided this free in order to encourage Westerly ownership.
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The reason it is not free is it is intended for members and data protection means you should not provide the contact details of names, phone numbers and email addresses to everyone. If the OP would like the contact details of the Boatline member then send me a PM and I do that for him.
 
I had No 231 in the early 80s. One of the most comfortable small boats I ever owned, and was ideal for us with 2 young boys on board. Solidly built, and we never had any issues structurally but ours was just 10 years old when we bought her in 1979, so I dont know how they have fared long term

Sailing not so good, poor windward performance. it would point well enough, but in a half way decent breeze would just be sagging off downwind. OK off the wind. The best run I ever did was Abersoch to Fishguard in around 11 hours with the wind just off the beam, not bad for a 22 footer, but not fast. The one issue I really had was the fat bows: this actually saved my life when I nearly pitchpoled on Aberdovey Bar. I am certain that a boat with a finer bow would have stuck her nose under and gone over. S it was, standing almost on her nose briefly (gear fell the full length of the boat below decks!) she came back up and took off like a Harrier Jumpjet with the log/speedo hard against the stop at 15kts! I reckon I could claim the world speed record for a Nomad of at least 20+ Kts!

However in a Solent chop, that same full bow would stop her dead every third wave and progress under sail or power was painfully slow.

But all in all a solid comfortable boat for pottering and the odd coastal cruise. the usual problems with Westerley headlining droop, but probably sorted by now on most of them.

Anyone know what became of 231? She was called Pippin when I had her. Yes my sons were LOTR addicts even then! PM me if you have specific questions, and I will rack my 30 year old memories for more detail!
 
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Concerto said:
The reason it is not free is it is intended for members and data protection means you should not provide the contact details of names, phone numbers and email addresses to everyone. If the OP would like the contact details of the Boatline member then send me a PM and I do that for him.
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That's a generous offer.:encouragement:
 
oldharry said:
I had No 231 in the early 80s. One of the most comfortable small boats I ever owned, and was ideal for us with 2 young boys on board. Solidly built, and we never had any issues structurally but ours was just 10 years old when we bought her in 1979, so I dont know how they have fared long term

Sailing not so good, poor windward performance. it would point well enough, but in a half way decent breeze would just be sagging off downwind. OK off the wind. The best run I ever did was Abersoch to Fishguard in around 11 hours with the wind just off the beam, not bad for a 22 footer, but not fast. The one issue I really had was the fat bows: this actually saved my life when I nearly pitchpoled on Aberdovey Bar. I am certain that a boat with a finer bow would have stuck her nose under and gone over. S it was, standing almost on her nose briefly (gear fell the full length of the boat below decks!) she came back up and took off like a Harrier Jumpjet with the log/speedo hard against the stop at 15kts! I reckon I could claim the world speed record for a Nomad of at least 20+ Kts!

However in a Solent chop, that same full bow would stop her dead every third wave and progress under sail or power was painfully slow.

But all in all a solid comfortable boat for pottering and the odd coastal cruise. the usual problems with Westerley headlining droop, but probably sorted by now on most of them.

Anyone know what became of 231? She was called Pippin when I had her. Yes my sons were LOTR addicts even then! PM me if you have specific questions, and I will rack my 30 year old memories for more detail!
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Thanks will contact you if further info needed ,performance wise you seem to have covered it,thanks!
 
oldharry said:
Thats fine. I wouldnt recommend trying to break my speed record the way I did it. The HM had been watching me, and Im not sure who was shaking more when I finally got in and berthed...
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This will be a downsizing boat the last so to speak and I for some reason find the Nomad maybemy cup of tea!
 
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