Konsort 29 (Westerly) Information, Review, Specs

The Westerly Konsort 29 was introduced in 1979 and remained in production until 1991, with 704 units built, making it one of Westerly's most popular models, second only to the Centaur. The design ethos of Laurent Giles, a long-time collaborator with Westerly, focused on creating practical, capable, and seaworthy cruising yachts. Westerly Marine Ltd. itself was known for its commitment to building sturdy, fiberglass composite sailboats, a reputation that helped the company dominate the UK leisure yachting industry in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

During its production, the Konsort 29 was offered with various keel configurations, including a fin keel and a popular twin keel model, which significantly reduced the draft to 3.2 feet (0.98m) and allowed for safe drying out in tidal harbors. A pilothouse 'DUO' model was also available, offering enhanced all-weather protection. The hull of the Konsort 29 was constructed from solid fiberglass, while the deck utilized a balsa core. Surveyors note the generally good construction quality, including properly fitted plywood bulkheads. However, a recurring issue noted by owners is the tendency for original deck fittings to develop leaks, particularly when additional fittings are installed without proper sealing, due to the balsa core construction.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Westerly Konsort 29, with a length overall of just under 29 feet and a waterline length of 25.5 feet, exhibits characteristics of a moderate displacement cruiser. Her Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 248 places her firmly in the cruising category, indicating a yacht built for comfort and stability rather than outright speed. The Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of around 14.1 suggests a moderate performer in light winds, typically found in dedicated cruising boats.

With a ballast to displacement ratio of approximately 0.347, the Konsort 29 offers decent stability, allowing her to stand up to a reasonable amount of wind, though she may not be as stiff as vessels with higher ballast ratios (typically above 0.40). Anecdotal evidence from owners consistently praises the Konsort's easy manners and good sea-keeping abilities. While the twin keel variant offers the significant advantage of allowing the boat to take the ground safely, it generally comes with a slight trade-off in upwind performance compared to the fin keel version due to increased wetted surface. Overall, she is considered a forgiving boat to sail, providing a comfortable motion in a seaway.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite her compact length, the Westerly Konsort 29 is widely lauded for her surprisingly spacious and well-appointed interior, often described as one of the roomiest cruisers of her size. Owners frequently highlight the "plenty of headroom" available throughout the cabin, which contributes significantly to the feeling of space below deck. The interior finish is generally considered of good quality for her era.

The typical interior layout for a Konsort 29 usually features a conventional arrangement designed for comfortable cruising. This often includes a forward V-berth cabin, a main salon with settees that can convert into additional berths, a functional galley area, and a dedicated head compartment. Many models also include a quarter berth or two, maximizing sleeping capacity. Storage is generally ample for extended cruising, and ventilation is typically achieved through deck hatches and portlights. The design prioritizes comfort and practicality, making the Konsort 29 a popular choice for families and couples seeking comfortable living space below decks.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Westerly Konsort 29 frequently express high satisfaction with their vessels, often praising their solid construction and comfortable motion, even in challenging conditions. Many describe the Konsort as a "huge boat for only 29ft," appreciating the generous interior volume. It is often considered an ideal family boat due to its secure nature and spacious accommodations.

However, common issues noted by owners primarily revolve around maintenance, particularly concerning the original balsa-cored decks. Leaks from deck fittings are a recurring theme, often requiring re-bedding or repair, especially if additional equipment has been installed without proper sealing. Despite these potential maintenance items, the consensus among the active owner community is that the Konsort 29 remains a well-built and capable cruiser that offers excellent value and a rewarding sailing experience.