Conway 36 (Westerly) Information, Review, Specs

The Conway 36 emerged from the well-established British shipyard, Westerly Marine Construction Ltd., a company founded in March 1963 and known for its prolific production of fiberglass cruising yachts. Collaborating with the esteemed naval architect Laurent Giles, whose firm has a long history of yacht design dating back to 1927, the Conway 36 was formulated through significant consultation between the designers and the builder. Laurent Giles' design philosophy emphasized a holistic approach, integrating naval architecture and design from the outset to create well-balanced and functional vessels. Westerly, on its part, focused on clean, modern factory production, distinguishing themselves from traditional boatyards.

During its production run from 1975 to 1982, the Conway 36 saw several variations. It was available with either a sloop or ketch rig and offered as a center-cockpit model, known as the Conway, or an aft-cockpit version, the Medway. The hull design also accommodated both a deep fin keel, as standard on the Conway, and a twin-keel configuration, found on the Solway 36 and Galway 36 models, which share the same basic hull lines. In 1979, the Conway 36 was rebranded as the Conway 36 MKII, featuring minor modifications to the interior layout and rigging options.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Westerly Conway 36, with a length overall of just under 36 feet (35.75 ft) and a waterline length of 30.25 feet, is characterized by its solid construction and a design favoring stability and comfort over outright speed. With a displacement of 16,128 lbs and a ballast of 7,168 lbs, its ballast-to-displacement ratio stands at a healthy 44.4%. This high ratio indicates a stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up well to a considerable amount of wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway.

Its displacement-to-length ratio, calculated at approximately 260, places it firmly in the category of a medium-heavy cruiser. This suggests a boat that will carry its way through chop with ease, offering a secure feel, though not expected to be a light-air flyer. The reported sail area to displacement ratio of 12.69 further reinforces its character as a sturdy cruiser rather than a high-performance racer, implying steady, predictable performance, particularly in moderate to heavier breezes. Anecdotal evidence suggests the Westerly Conway 36 is a "well-balanced design" and "a cinch to sail," proving to be a robustly constructed and capable long-distance cruiser.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Westerly Conway 36 is notably spacious for a boat of its length, benefiting from its generous beam of 11.15 feet. As a center-cockpit design, it typically features a substantial aft cabin, providing a private and comfortable sleeping area separate from the main saloon. Owners often praise the generous headroom throughout the interior, making the cabin feel less confined.

While specific maximum headroom figures are not always consistently documented, the design ensures sufficient vertical space for most occupants. The interior layout often varied, with customers reportedly able to incorporate their own modifications. Common arrangements include a forward V-berth, a head, a well-appointed saloon, and a functional galley. The use of timber for interior fittings contributed to a traditional and warm aesthetic. Some early models were noted to have reduced headroom over a portion of the galley.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Westerly Conway 36 frequently commend its robust construction and its ability to handle challenging sea conditions with comfort and composure. The boat's solid build is a consistent strength, leading many to regard it as a dependable vessel for extended cruising. Its handling characteristics are generally praised, with owners describing it as "a cinch to sail," highlighting its ease of management under various conditions. The standard engine options typically included a Mercedes OM636 42hp or a Volvo Penta MD3B 36hp diesel, providing reliable auxiliary power. The collective sentiment points to the Conway 36 as a capable and comfortable cruiser that inspires confidence in its owners.