Westerly Tiger

[graham]

I have (probably unwisely) agreed to go with someone to have a look at a Westerly Tiger they are considering buying.

I have sailed on a few Centaurs but never been on a Tiger.Apparently there similar to a Centaur but with fin keel.

It seems a lot of boat for the money,Has anyone owned one or sailed on one that could give me some pointers as to what to look for,common faults etc.

I have made it clear that me poking about is no substitute for a survey,but if I find anything too terrible it will save the cost of a survey failure.

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[graham]

Come on guys someone must know something about them??

I found a picture on a brokerage site that shows quite a hefty fin keel that looks long enough for stress free drying out against a wall or on legs.

A nice solid looking cruising boat on the face of it ,appearances can be deceptive ,anyone with first handknowledge??

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[Robin]

I haven't sailed one but remember them as having a good reputation back in the good old days when the first boat bought was nearer 20ft than 40ft. They were not Laurent Giles designs I think and did not have the big engine per size that became a Westerly trademark. There was a smaller sister the Cirrus 22ft. At the time I thought both very worthy boats and if they have been looked after would be a good buy if the price is right.

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[jamesjermain]

This early, fin keeled Westerly, designed by John Butler was slightly shorter than the Centaur but larger in all other major dimensions - LWL, beam, displacement and sail area. She was also a wee bit finer lined and a better sailer. he accommodation included up to six berths, 5ft 11in headroom, a reasonable heads and rudimentary galley.

I can't tell you much more than that at the moment. As far as condition is concerned, the interior may well be looking very tired if it hasn't been refurbished. Headlinings are likely to be coming down, the woodwork will be looking tatty and the inner nouldings may well be cracked. Check the keel structure carefully and the mast step. The rudder was also a vulnerable point and trhe bearings may need replacing. They were fitted with Volvo MD1 or MD11s or Vire 6 petrol engines or outboards. Vires were dire the MDs will probably be shot

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[Guest]

Very good boats ..... before lighter work came in, good sailing ability and keel as you say is generally strong and should dry-out to a wall without problem.

Obviously keel attachment, maststep, engine beds, under the timber work inside, hull to deck joints, rudder stocks etc. basically anything thats bonded down, moves, is under load on a boat of this age is serious observation job.

Get a good one and if you can live with a fin - very good and rewarding boat to sail. A few pals who used to deliver W's .... always liked the Tiger and swore by 'em. Always reckoned the Centaur etc. was a 'CamperVan' compared to the Tiger !!!!!!!


<hr width=100% size=1>Nigel ...
Bilge Keelers get up further ! I only came - cos they said there was FREE Guinness !

 

[graham]

Thanks for the input guys,it all sounds quite positive.I usually try not to get too involved in helping someone buy a boat but cant resist poking my nose in this time.

Personally I will probably keep the Anderson 22 for a few more years .I have allways had a vague thought of a Vega as our next boat but the Tiger may be another one to consider ,hopefully I may get to sail on one before then .

Sailing in the Bristol Channel makes you a bit of an expert of drying out with different keel types.

On hard ground obviously a twin keel dries out very well but in mud a twin keeler allways seems to favour one keel or the other and dry out on an uncomfortable angle.This is a problem when drying out on a pontoon on a river bank where a fin or long keel will lean(or be made too )towards the pontoon and dry out almost level,but a twin will usually lean away from the pontoon at an uncomfortable angle.

I persevered with twin keelers for years before coming out of the closet as a fin/lifting keel man.Also in an accidental grounding theres not usually a second chance with a twin.Especially when you consider that in the middle hours of a spring tide the level is dropping at up to 18-20" in every 10 minutes here.



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