Westerly or Moody

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Guy C

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Hi
I'm coming back to sailing after a few years away. Was hoping for a winter bargain. Fingers crossed. Westerly konsort bilge keel. Moody 27 fin. Both same age, moody 1k less. Which would suit south coast sailing best. Just to chuck a curveball in at the end. Griffon, Fulmar, Moody 33. From the bottom to the top of my available finances. As there will be mostly 2 people sailing does size matter?
 
Welcome to the forums!

Size doesn't matter; if anything, bigger boats are easier to handle as they have greater inertia and react more slowly. However, you've mentioned "south coast" so you need to investigate the costs of keeping a boat there before you commit yourself.
 
I agree with Biggles Wader but if I were to seek a specific model, of this type, it would be a Moody 31 (for a more modern internal set up if that is preferred) or a Fulmar.

The extra space is not needed but makes the boat a lot more comfortable if you progress to month rather than week long trips. The difference in marina fees is small.

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I think when originally sold Moody always were at a slight premium to Moody of equivalent size. It hard to gain objective views but you might just ask on the owners forum of issues which influence your selected vessels. Clearly in a bilge keel you can get into Bembridge earlier ,park up on sand or surf over the bar at chi and venture up Thorney creek further etc. It really depends on how you see your sailing - are you someone who likes joining the madding crowds at Newtown creek or east head or do you prefer sailing off to say Weymouth or Brighton? If cautious a bilge keel is way to go but don’t try reversing into any berth of course. You might prefer the layout of a 33 Moody -it really depends on how you value creature comforts -I have always thought fulmars are sailing school boats so might be well used? If you want a westerly have you considered a Storm ?
 
As a Fulmar owner and having been sailing since 1965, I can honestly say the Fulmar is one of the easiest and vice free boats you can ever sail and I have sailed in lots of boats. I sail mine singlehanded including using the spinnaker. Yes they were used by many sailing schools due to their rugged ability to be out in all weathers and being a stable platform to teach sailing, but they were also considered reasonable race boats including being used for international match racing competitions. The vast majority of Fulmars, especially the bilge keel versions, were used as fast cruising yachts. The information on the Westerly Wiki is worth reading and there is also a link on this page to the PowerPoint presentation I gave to a RYA Conference this year on the renovation of my Fulmar Concerto. If you need any advice on Fulmars, then I should mention I am one of the Westerly Owners Association BoatLine members with specialist knowledge on the Fulmar. Fulmar - Westerly-Wiki

The Konsort is a good boat but a generation earlier in design terms than a Fulmar. The cabin feels smaller and the cockpit is smaller. Still highly rated.

The Moody 27 and 30 both should be on your list. Well built and a good owners association. Some of these early models had Formica instead of veneered plywood and now looks a bit tacky.

The Westerly Griffin is only 26 ft, so I would also consider the Merlin and Tempest. possibly the Berwick versions and W33. The full range is researchable on th Wiki. Westerly Classes - Westerly-Wiki

Your main consideration in buying will be condition as all these yachts on your list are tough old boats, but do need to be in good condition to make them worth buying, Do not buy a fixer upper as this will cost you far more than the most expensive well maintained identical model, besides stopping you going sailing whilst working on her.
 
Having had two Westerly and two Moody boats, have found build quality very similar but Westerly often suffer from droopy head linings which can be expensive to replace if you're not into DIY. As already said, size does matter and in general more comfortable ride and less tiring when it gets lively so, if likely to go further afield or for extended periods, the Westerly or Moody 33s are well worth consideration.
 
I've just acquired a Westerly Storm 33 and can confirm that it's a great boat to sail and the accomodation is good for a boat of that size.

Around 140 were made so they come up reasonably frequently.
 
I'm biased as I have Moody 33mk2 - excellent boat with a centre cockpit which I prefer, & a separate rear cabin accessed from the cockpit. Several for sale, mk 1 has different internal layout. Lots of room and good seaboat if you get caught out. Very happy with ours. You can join the MOA (Moody Owners Association) as a guest to get more info.
 
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